“Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turned out.” — Jack Buck
A New Season of Caregiving – Part 1
“What would you think about moving in with Mom?” my husband asked one recent evening. Before the last syllable died in the ensuing silence, I was already shaking my head from side to side. “No. Nope. No way.” There would be bloodshed. Not mine. A few weeks later, he brought it up again. My 93-year-old…
Care Giving or Care Taking
Webster’s Dictionary defines a caregiver as “A person who cares for someone who is sick or disabled.” A caretaker, by contrast, is “A person who is in charge of the maintenance of a building, estate, etc.” But Webster’s goes on to say, “A person who takes care of another.” When I think of the word…
I’m Afraid To Die – Part 2
The Fear Behind the Fear My friend Greg’s mom, Alene, and I discussed dying. It’s something she thinks about, now that she’s in her eighth decade. “I’m not so much afraid about eternity. I guess I’m scared about the actual event of dying. Will it hurt? Will I struggle to breathe or have pain?” She…
Caregiving Season – A Time For Hope
I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Freda Crews of Time For Hope. Her television program inspires and informs Christians who struggle with physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Dr. Freda V. Crews, D. Min., Ph.D., is the Director of Time for Hope Ministries and the host of Time for Hope, the internationally syndicated television…
I’m Afraid to Die
In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:12 “I’m afraid to die.” I’ve heard this comment from more than one older person. And all are professing Christians. What is going on? Christians have an abiding belief…
A Change of Pace – Book Review
Rarely does a novel catch my attention as much as this one. As a west coast girl from birth, I was ignorant of how other cities and states were established. Ms. Green’s extensive research was an eye-opening glimpse into the people who settled in New Orleans. These brave souls battled Native Americans, the British, and…
Hearing loss and getting older
Have you ever ignored someone speaking to you? Perhaps she asked you to do something you didn’t want to do (this is especially pervasive in the teen years). Sometimes I pretend I can’t hear my husband when he asks me for the seventh time how to find a document on the computer. He admits to…
Everyone I Know Is Dead
The friendship between Charleen and Phyllis began at a square dance competition when they literally bumped into each other on the dance floor. The fiery redhead and the hot-headed blond traded barbs over who was at fault. Their insults turned to laughter as they each tried to outdo the other. When they discovered they…
New Year, Same Old Caregiving
As we look to a brand new year, it brings to mind new beginnings. A fresh start. Maybe do things differently this year. Here are some resolutions I’ve made to make 2017 better than 2016 in my role as caregiver for my ninety-three-year-old mother: Give more grace. I need to remind myself that she’s 93,…