This edited verse from Esther 4:14 became painfully clear as I witnessed my rapidly aging mother deal with a broken femur this past Wednesday. Being able to transport my father to the ER, helping medical personnel deal with her challenging behavior quickly validated the reasoning for this Michigan adventure. I initially drove up to Michigan to accomplish a list of tasks: interview for a teaching position, take Corey to his first soccer practice at South, see my in-laws, and end with decluttering my parents’ closets. However, everything changed when staff knocked at the door. “Your mom fell”. Rushing to the public bathroom, I found her on the tile floor with an aide by her side and my father sitting in his walker chair. Apparently, she stopped to use the rest room on the way back from lunch and stumbled. The ambulance transported her to the emergency room. My father bowed his head and started crying. It was a difficult sight.
Despite everything, she ended up having surgery the very next morning. The surgery, surprisingly short, is only part of her recovery. Rehab is the next course of action. Her dementia is also part of the challenge.
On the first night, my father announced he wanted to stay overnight at the hospital. Thinking about the possibility of him falling as well, I decided to join him. During the time together, I witnessed the incredible devotion he has for my mother. Is this devotion and faithfulness evident in me toward my husband? He wrestled with the idea of staying in his own condo the second night. Watching him get up several times during the night validated my reasoning. He needed to be in his own environment.
Feelings of guilt, frustration, and sadness battled my father during that night so it was a blessing to stay with him. Writing his feelings and focusing on gratitude allowed him to stay away from negative thoughts. Our conversation veered into past times with his parents, their brave actions during the war, and what lessons can be learned. Focusing on others is one way to help negativity lessen.
Through it all, I could see God’s faithfulness at work. The medical team, patient as ever, took such good care of my mom and did everything possible to ease her pain. My favorite memory is the meat man at Family Fare, the local grocery store, who provided me with a bag of ice for my dad’s lunch. A little bit of kindness in a time of need gives hope and encouragement.
During this time, I learned that I did not get the teaching position for which I interviewed. I do still need a job, but God is faithful and will provide.
As we begin another week, who knows how God will reveal himself again?
A Journey Worth Remembering 