Thursday night seemed to mark the start for so many changes. ” The governor is closing all the Michigan schools due to the coronavirus, ” Corey announced. Mitch and I scrambled to make changes. I was already planning on heading to Indiana for medical appointments the next day, but this announcement meant that I needed to clean out the classroom in case I would not be back in Michigan. It was strange entering the classroom and knowing I would not be able to say goodbye to the students. We made the decision to leave the rental temporarily since all doors were closing- church, Royal Park, and school. Additional changes included Caden moving back home, and a cancellation of a spring break trip. Chloe is staying in her apartment for now.
I think the hardest part is thinking about my father without visitors. I know how much he appreciates visits and comments on it often. I think about his friend Ellsworth, now in a different facility due to a fall. How will my father cope with this new change? I phone Royal Park almost daily, but I know they are so busy trying to keep the residents healthy. I wish they would have one person solely devoted to answering phones and giving updates, but I know it is not possible. My brother is taking care of part of the challenge by printing off my letters and bringing them to Royal Park. As soon as he drives up, an employee comes outside to collect the mail. I also tried to phone my father. He did answer but because of his deafness, he could not hear and the conversation frustrated both of us.
In addition, my father’s health seems more frail than ever. The aides have reported that he lacks energy and describe him as a rag doll. He rings the call button constantly. He was admitted to the ER last weekend because of vomiting and then released. I could not be at the hospital because of the virus.
While shopping for food, I met a friend who shared wisdom I don’t want to forget. He showed me his hands and said, “These hands will only hold so much. God’s hands are bigger and will take care of it. I can rest knowing that fact.” It is a comment I will remember as this journey continues. God is faithful despite the circumstances.
“These hands will only hold so much. God’s hands are bigger and will take care of it. I can rest knowing that fact.”
A Journey Worth Remembering 