Sometimes God uses events to shape and change us. I won't blame God for this, but I am profoundly changed by what occurred this morning. Our next door neighbor's Adult Foster Care Facility was completely devastated by fire this morning. Thank God all 8 people + 2 dogs got out alive. Thank God no one was seriously hurt. A firefighter's shoulder was hurt when a ceiling collapsed on him. The challenged elderly residents had been practicing fire drills recently, and each were brought out safely. Thank God.
I complain about my circumstances, at times, as you all know. But today, I think I will not complain at all. I thank God no one was hurt and lives were spared. I thank God my home and husband and son did not perish. I thank God I did not move my Mom into that situation. I think I'll think about this every time I look out my windows, walk or drive by. And when I want to complain about something, I think I'll just count my blessings, instead. I pray you'll count your blessings, today, as well. And while you're at it, please pray for those in need, including your own, thanking God for all the good he gives you each day.
Austin, Naus, mitzi, Jerome, Anne, lovingdaughter, hot water, my job, my son, my husband, Yes, oh yes the beautiful warm sunshine even tho I seldom see it or play in it. My wonderful veggie garden I tenderly planted and loving watered with the precious rain God sent I have been saving in buckets and barrels and large trash cans because yes this too will cease for a while in the hot months especially where I live, You know the ancients always look towards the sky how often do we do that. I used to when I lived in N.C. the sky there is so awesome. a little lower south there are so many trees, but I find the moon most every night I even saw a rainbow sunday coming home from evening service and it reminded me of the covenant that God made with Noah and for us all and everytime I see one I think that thought. So most importantly I am thankful that God is always here for me if I would just let him and get out of my own way.
Have a great day everyone. much love and affection to you all and If I missed anyone like Jerome and others you are included to because many times even if I haven't posted a response you have touched me and you all make me a better person.
Thanks for the Mother's Day wish, loving daughter. Mitzi, it is good to hear you thankful for the time you had with MIL. Neon, thanks for the washer reminder. And Naus, you are trying to stay thankful. I know each of you ladies have incredible hurdles to cross, but often encourage others. Jerome, too. How thankful and grateful we can all be for one another to lift each other up when we're down. Thanks for the brave fronts in the face of all you fellow caregivers do.
When sad times come our way, it is difficult to think of the bright side of life. I try to think about the good times that have gone before and know that more are yet to come. We will always miss those who have gone before us, but we must look to the future. My dad died 4 years ago this August, and I miss him more each day. However, I am grateful to see that my daughter is happy and living her life to the fullest. Her father and I are both grateful that we will get to see her this summer as she lives halfway across he country. Hug your children and your loved ones.
To all of you, Happy Mothers' Day
Linda
First to those who missed me, THANK YOU! It is good to be missed. I am thankful that now with the unfortunate passing of my husband's mother, he may be developing a sense of appreciation. It is long overdue and greatly received although difficult to do.
I am grateful for the time I did have with my MIL. She taught me what being a real mother was all about (compared to my NPD mother). I learn to treasure the little things in life and realize that no matter how small a task I do for someone, it will impact their life some how, some way.
I am learning to appreciate technology all the more except learning at a new level. I am totally consumed, but grateful for the challenge because it will bring me to a higher level. :)
I am grateful for the friends I've never "seen" but I cry with them and laugh all too often. You guys/gals are my inspiration and touch my heart. Thank you for all you do even when it seems impossible.
God bless all of you (whether you believe or not) :)
I don't like some circumstances and some of other people's actions. But I can't control the universe, only me, and that's only sometimes, LOL. It is only by the grace of God that anything goes well in my life. I thank him for his blessings today: sunshine, food, my cups of coffee, my wonderfully supportive husband and helpful son. My parents are still alive, and I get the opportunity to serve them. They can't help themselves too well, and I've been blessed, so far, with perfect health. So I thank God for my home, my friends, and this site, too. I'm sure I can think of more, and will write more later, because I want to look for blessings, rather than dwell on the negative today. I pray that God blesses all of you wonderful caregivers, as well. Though things may not be ideal, please go and have a wonderful day, by God's grace!
KATHY
I've concluded that life is all about relationships. Ours with our Maker, our parents whom God selected, our siblings, neighbors, and those in our path. How we treat each other does make a difference, even into eternity. We are servants, and how we touch the lives of others may make a difference we can't see today. Let's be an encouragement to someone today. May God bless you on your journey.
The lesson wasn't lost on me. After the elderly driver closed up the ramp, and slogged through the snow to go around the bus and get in, I followed, teary eyed, thinking wow, I needed that. This girl may not have my son's problems, but she and her family surely have a hard road to trudge. Not all problems are visible to others, but this little girl's major problem was there for all to see. She will be a blessing to many, I hope. I said a prayer to her family, adjusted my attitude and counted my many blessings as I drove on.
Carol
Look at what you said honey, all the people have hurt you and let you down that is why you are cynical, so am I. I do not rely on anyone for my validation anymore because they are incapable of giving it. Its called the me syndrome. But.... God has not let you down he is always right there, talk to him, give over to him what you feel you can not deal with. He is your father he wants a relationship with you You cannot have that relationship if you don't talk to Him. He may not answer you at first but He will in His time. All fathers discipline their children especially when they love them and He Does Love You! and so do we We are all in this together that is why we formed this band of caregivers connection to help each other.
Just a quick note, I worked as a photographer this week end taking pictures of a mother daughter tea so I would not be lonely. My son was out of town with his inlaws and my mother no matter how I tried with cards and gifts chose to spend the day in her room. Will not go out to eat will not do anything normal people do and if yu say something toher its I've been sick or its all my fault so the only person I have to turn to is God. My husband is on the road all the time so no time there and when he is home he has his things to do for his job and nascar and that makes him happy Its a very boring and unhappy life for me as I am a people person so both being born in November and no offense to anyone else born in that month but ... those November people can just sit home by themselves I am going to find some way to go to the places I want even if it is alone.
It is so hard to live in this world when you want to be spiritual and on another thread Naus said you don't have to be spiritual sorry Naus, yes you do if you want your soul to go to heaven than you must be spirtual you must walk the same path as Jesus. I hope this has helped you Peace 2 and I hope this helps you find Peace to. Love Neon
You are doing the best you can and do not worry about what others do. Each situation is unique. The beauty of how some of us have learned to rely on God is being right where we are at. God always meets us right where we are at. You don't have to "be" spiritual or "be" something you are not.
Again, don't be afraid of setting boundaries for yourself and those around you. It will help you find "you" again. We get so lost in providing for others that we do more damage to us and I truly believe that is why the statistics for caregivers dying first is so high.
Don't stop loving those you care for, but realize your limitations as well. Thank God for the agencies and people that do care and are now available to assist us in caring for our loved ones. God gave you a gift to care and it is one that is not easily learned or balanced. Do your best and hold your head high that you do it every day to the best of your ability.
Happy mothers day! Hugs to all. May GOD continue to bless you! Jerome.
When I say... "I am a Christian", I'm not shouting, "I'm clean living," I'm whispering, "I was lost. Now I'm found and forgiven"
When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride, I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong. I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.
When I say... I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success, I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess."
When I say... " I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect, My flaws are far too visible, But God believes I'm worth it.
To all of you who are caregivers, Happy (Mothers = Caregivers Day) to you. May God watch over and protect you and yours and may your hearts be open to receive all the blessings God has in store for you.
I just got a call about a possible home for my Mom's beloved dog, Angel. I called the lady who is willing and enthusiastic. She lives down near Mom's current home, with no children, so is willing to adopt Angel to be her "baby." She works for an Assisted Living Facility, and has already obtained permission to take Angel alone to work with her every day. Sounds like a perfect for our almost everyone! Now that's a blessing! (Thank you, Lord!) When we drive down to Mom's we'll meet with this lady and her husband tomorrow night. She's eager and excited. We're praying that Mom will take this well. So God is always right on time...and that is a blessing, as well.
you all have a good mothers day