A Christmas tradition

Receiving a Dutch chocolate letter at Christmas is one tradition we always cherish. What is it about that box containing the initial of your first name that makes Christmas extra special? Maybe it is the thought of my parents driving to the Dutch store, picking out the initials for everyone.

Because I want to be sure this tradition doesn’t end, I purchased the letters and headed to Royal Park so my father could wrap them. On the way, I felt happy thinking about wrapping presents with my father. It sounded like such a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.

However, these feelings soon dissipated upon entering the room. My father, awakened from a deep nap. ” I didn’t sleep last night” he explained. ” I am so tired.” Inwardly sighing, I encouraged him. ” Come on, Dad. Let’s get out of your room and wrap these Dutch letters.” He wearily stood up and reached for his walker. About halfway, he sat down, rather unsteadily. My mind starting racing. ” Do you have a headache?” He responded that he was extremely tired. I went back for the wheelchair and wheeled him to a large table, perfect for our project. After finishing, he seemed to wake up a bit and then started asking again for the history of my mother’s passing. Referring to my photos, I explained the events since the summer. He didn’t remember any of the places where he lived , his stay in the hospital, or that he fell during the night. Tears fell when he reminisced about my mother. After a brief amount of time, he pleaded with me to take him back to his room for rest.

Heading back on M-6, the sadness of the afternoon consumed my thoughts. Thinking about my father and his fatigue worries me. Why is he still having troubles with sleep? Is it old age? It was somewhat comforting to chat with another resident at Royal Park who mentioned her sleep issues, too. But are his issues related to something else? I remembered his hospital stay. “Your father has broken heart syndrome,” the doctor explained. “It is a proven medical condition.” Is that why he is so tired?

Despite my worries, I need to continually trust in God’s perfect timing and how He constantly takes care of my father. I need to cling to His promises and remember: He is faithful.