Sunday, September 19, 2010

Farewells

     Since my last blog I have been thinking about farewells. These thoughts began as we watched my father-in-law lose his battle with Lymphoma. He waged a strong fight but in the end the time came for the family to bid him farewell. What a blessing it was for all his children and his dear wife of sixty-two years to gather around his bedside those last moments and have a chance to speak with him.
   As I watched my husband deal with his dad's illness my mind often turned to the days I spent with my own dad prior to his death. After a heart attack he was placed on life support while en route to a hospital that specialized in cardiac care. I spent most of my time for the following twenty-three days there, going in for my allowed visit every four hours. I realize now that I needed that time to be able to "let him go". Dad was never able to speak once in that hospital and there was not opportunity to share as I would have liked. In his last hour I was able to be at his bedside, to hold his hand and whisper to him that it was alright for him to rest. I had the grace to softly hum a few hymns to him as he slipped away following another massive heart attack.
   We must all deal with some farewells. Sometimes we have the opportunity to prepare while other times we don't. How important it is to embrace the moments we have to spend with our families and dear friends. Let us do our best to lay aside any ill feelings there might be and love as if we had no tomorrow. In truth, we might not. Many times we believe that others just know how much we love and care for them, while in fact they may not. Take the time to be sure and tell the ones you love, who are dear to your heart just how much they mean to you.
   As you travel along this path of life cherish each day with your family and friends. If you have had to bid farewell to a loved one embrace all the happy times you had. Let go of the negative memories as it will cause you unnecessary grief. May the Lord give us wisdom and grace to live our lives with joy, and to share this joy with all we meet.

Debbie

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Late Summer Days

     Another beautiful day here in Kentucky, starting with a spectacular sunrise. The warm sunlight along with a gentle  breeze is perfect for being outside. This morning I was reminded in Colossians 3:2 "Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth." In looking around me I ask that my affection not be mis-directed. It is so easy to hold onto our possessions tightly even developing a bit of pride in them without realizing it. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing "wrong" in having nice things. It is just that when these "things" become more important in our lives than "Thy will be done" or even than our families they become a problem.
    Back to the lovely outdoors... and it was there I found our swimming pool with fallen leaves covering the floor, much neglected. Since the cool evenings began the water temperatures have kept me out of the pool, just can't take the cold. Even my four year old grandson, Matthew, decided it was "too cold". So this morning I faced the dreaded task of vacumning and cleaning the pool for shut down. The salt water filter my husband installed this year has kept upkeep to a bare minimum so I sure can't complain. Each Fall he has taken the pool apart and stored it for Winter. If anyone has had success in keeping theirs up all year I'd love to hear about it. That would save him a lot of work.
    Due to dealing with RA and some other health issues which have progressed I find myself currently on a path which has included retiring my nursing license last year. After twenty-six years that was a dramatic event for me. For any of you who deal with chronic illness you know how hard it is to come to accept the fact that you can no longer do all the things you used to do, at least I have had to deal with that fact. I can't say it has been easy. Although I have worked very little during the past seven years, I never wanted to admit I could no longer keep up. I am learning to slow down and more fully enjoy life around me. I can honestly say I have seen more sunrises and sunsets the past two years than in all my life. I have also read many dozens of books to my grandchildren, watched lots of Elementary Basketball, and Little League Baseball Games. I have sat in the swing talking with my husband and we have gazed at the stars many nights and wondered at God's creation. Life is good. No matter where you are along your path, I hope you will make the time to enjoy your life.   

Debbie