Sneak a peek

Rain changed into sunshine by the end of the day as we moved my parents into Waterford ,symbolizing our changing emotions. My father, overwhelmed by my questions on what he wanted at Waterford, seemed to settle down once he sat in the new leather recliner facing the television. My mother, more awake at times, didn’t seem to mind being moved whether it was recliner, wheelchair, or ambu- cab. Despite my inner fears that she would pass away in route to Waterford, we entered Waterford to find her with the director, sitting in the wheelchair.

In many ways, the move could be compared to college students moving into the dorms. Paperwork, boxes, suitcases filled with clothing, photos, a plant, small table, and toiletries filled my van. Using a cart, I hauled the items into their rooms while they rested. I set up their photos, asked the maintenance man to hang pictures, and placed their toiletries in the bathrooms.

While relaxing in his recliner, my father glanced around the rooms. One room, called a sitting area, includes two recliners, his computer and desk, television, dresser, and closet. In the adjoining room, he could see two twin beds. Immediately, he commented on the fact that they were separate. ” Remember, Dad, the nurses need to get on both sides of the beds to help Mom in the night. This is the best arrangement for her.” He nodded, but I knew he preferred a double bed where they could be right next to each other.

Organizing the OTC meds, or over-the-counter medications, seemed more overwhelming than any other part of the move. Because my parents always took the caps off all medications, prior to the move, I placed them in labeled ziplock baggies. Upon arrival, I discussed each baggy with the medical technician, authorized to dispense. All OTC meds, including items like stomachache relievers, need a doctor’s order to dispense. The medical technician, a little taken aback by the amount of OTC meds, used a laundry basket to transport them back to the nurses’ station where they are kept. One may wonder why I brought them, but reducing pharmacy expenses is important.

As the day continued, a receptionist’s parting words, “Don’t you wish we could just sneak a peek into the future?’ lingered in my mind . How is this all going to end? How will she adapt to Waterford? What about my father? Will he continue to sit in the recliner instead of taking part in the many activities offered? Will he remain at Waterford if my mom passes away or head back to Royal Park?

As I continued to ponder her words, I reminded myself that I can sneak a peek. I can sneak daily peeks into God’s Word and remind myself of His faithfulness to His people like Ruth, David, and countless others. I can reread the ways God provided for His people in the desert and parted the Red Sea. THE RED SEA!

I don’t know how this will all end, but God knows. He is sovereign in all His ways and one of my favorite Christian artists, Natalie Grant, reminds me of this in the lyrics of her song, King of the World. ” When did I forget that you’ve always been the King of the World?”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•