Hectic Times

Sometimes life cruises along. You feel like things are in order…at least somewhat.

But sometimes, days or weeks seem crazy. That's how it's been around here; a little crazy.

I’m not quite sure how I ended up with so many appointments in just a few weeks.

I’ve had several appointments for my 97 -year-old Dad. He lives just around the corner from me in an Assisted Living Community. I join him for breakfast each morning.

If you have elderly parents, you probably understand the blessing of having them close by, and yet the trials of helping them through this latter stage of life. I love my Dad dearly, but sometimes I get a little weary. I had a call from Home Health this week, telling me they weren’t able to get a blood draw. She asked me to just take Dad to the lab at the hospital that next day. This nurse didn’t have any idea what that meant for me.

I can’t get my Dad or his wheelchair into my car. The place where my Dad lives has a shuttle. We have used it before, but I always meet them at the doctor's office. I take my Dad in and stay for the appointment to get all the information from the doctor.

But, I also have a daughter with Down syndrome, who can’t be left alone. The day the nurse wanted the blood draw done, all my kids that were normally able to watch her, were busy. Thankfully, I was able to get the help at the Living facility to take Dad, and wait with him to bring him home.

Calls, appointments and decisions are common with my 97-year-old Dad. As well as with my daughter Lydia. Don’t misunderstand, I love them both, and am thankful I can be here for them. But, over the last couple weeks the appointments for both of them seemed constant. It was draining, yet the Lord was gracious to get me through it all.

Today when I woke up, there was a light rain coming down. I looked out my bedroom window, and listened to the soothing sound of the raindrops. It was the first fall rain, and I was enjoying it. I love when God waters my yard for me. The flowers and the grass seem to soak it in. The grass looks greener, the flowers brighter. Everything seems replenished by the gentle rain, even my soul.

As I watched I felt myself relax. I looked at my calendar, and realized there were no appointments today. That brought even more calm. I had time to connect with a sister and brother over the phone. Time to just be still and quiet.

In our hectic lives, we need those times of refreshment. We need time to think without interruptions.

Time to rest.

Time to pray.

Make sure you take that time when you can. We all need it.

Blessings on you and yours!

Kerry