Just as I expected, the Lord gave us the grace for our circumstances.
We were able to spend about an hour at the Teichribs' farm, chatting, shedding tears and listening to their hearts. Pat was putting finishing touches on a powerpoint of the pictures of Matthew's brief 14 years. One of her sister's was cleaning up in the kitchen, then shooing the "girls" to get changed for the family supper and visitation/viewing at the funeral home in Gladstone. We felt welcomed and very privileged to share those moments with their family.
Mark hugged us hard, barely holding back tears. He was doing better, but fresh tears were always on the surface. Watching Daniel hug his brother touched us. The bittersweet meeting was both a comfort and a reminder that Matt was gone.
Amy was helping in the kitchen when we arrived. Walter and I gave her tight embraces and told her we loved her. She was okay, her emotions also fragile. But when Daniel hugged her, she grabbed him, breaking into tears and realizing he was now her only little brother. Wow! What a moment!
The family supper was prepared and served by a neighbour couple and was a huge blessing to the out of town relatives who were arriving. Darrel and Pat were greeting folks, always the gracious hosts.
Then we began to make our way to the funeral home. It was packed with only relatives and Matt's closest friends. The immediate family had viewed Matt's body in the afternoon, and they were glad to see him in a familiar red shirt, not quite himself but looking better than the traumatic last sight they had of him in the hospital.
So their Pastor shared a Scripture, Darrel shared some verses that had been meaningful this week, then it was open sharing time. Grandpa Teichrib shared some hunting and wrestling stories. But he emphasized how Matthew was growing into a strong Christian young man. Then Grandma Healey shared the most recent Christmas visit and the "Nerf Gun" battles she had with Matt! Through laughter and tears, she also shared about the vital faith in Matt's life.
We left the immediate family saying good-byes, and made our way to our hotel about 20 minutes down the Yellowhead highway. (We ran into some snow flurries and thankfully Walter navigated expertly. Glad it was only a few miles of blinding snow and then it cleared!)
Mark had warned us to come early, as they were expecting 500 at the funeral. We came 1 1/2 hours early and found seats in the main sanctuary. Guess-timations are about 600 were seated in total, filling the basement with closed circuit TV, plus chairs filling the large foyer. I personally was so impressed with the turnout from our old Nipawin Bible Institute friends, and the current students and staff from the college. Mark and Amy's friends had made efforts to drive 2-3 hours to show love and support. And we were blessed to see two of our Healing Hearts staff from Regina come to support us and the Amy's family.
Again, God's grace was abundant as Darrel and Pat shared the eulogy. It was funny and tragic. Matt had been a mischievous character! Matt's sisters all shared a few memories and how much they had prayed to have a little brother. It was hard to see them mourn and miss the very answer to their prayers. Our son Mark was also included. He shared some cute stories about first meeting and winning over Matthew's approval in dating Amy. We have been so impressed with the sensitivity Mark has shown, and the manly strength he is also displaying as a husband and son-in-law.
One last poignant moment was when those who wanted were given opportunity to help fill the grave. In the cool but pleasant winter air, several mourners shoveled the dirt onto the plywood box where Matt's casket was nailed in. Both the finality of death, but the therapy of manually filling in the grave touched my heart. As the crowd sang "Amazing Grace" and "Great Is Thy Faithfulness", I saw Darrel singing with face raised to heaven and tears flowing freely. And I looked for Pat, who was surrounded by her mother and sisters, encircling her in love and prayer. God's grace again...
"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness...For when I am weak, then I am strong.' " 2 Corinthians 12:9 & 10
Wednesday 24 February 2016
Monday 22 February 2016
"We're just taking one day at a time."
I have heard that phrase, even sung the song by that title, but this past week I have learned a little bit more as to what that actually means.
One week ago yesterday, Walter and I shared in the time of my Grandpa's passing into the next life. We both ended up getting a cold/flu, so we gave ourselves permission to do the least we could do for a couple days. We anticipated a quiet week and then participating in Grandpa Glen's funeral, set for Friday.
Then I received a prayer chain item: 14-year old Matthew Teichrib had a cold or flu and was now being rushed by ambulance to Winnipeg Children's Hospital. The next news was a text from Mark and Amy (this is Amy's little brother), that they were driving from near Nipawin to Winnipeg to see Matt. I sat up and took notice. From assuming Matt just needed some IV to rehydrate and maybe tests or observation to this is a bigger deal! We began to pray in earnest and send out the request on more prayer chains.
As Mark and Amy drove the 8 or 9 hours through Tuesday night, Walter and I could not sleep soundly, waiting for a text or phone call to update on Matthew.
The next text late at night was Matt's heart stopped; they resuscitated him but now he's in a coma. Shortly after, we heard they would attempt dialysis as his kidneys were failing. With each update, the news grew worse and we felt almost sick with worry for our kids driving and for the Teichrib's watching their son and brother fading...
When I checked my cell phone by my bed in the morning, the news was what we dreaded most: Matthew passed away at about 6 am on Wednesday. How could that be?
For most of the day, Walter and I functioned in a fog. Mark & Amy spent the day in Winnipeg with relatives, being fed and given a chance to sleep. Most of the family had been up over 24 hours. Then that evening around supper time, Mark and Amy called.
Through tears and shock and pain, they shared the events and what little the medical staff knew about what Matthew had been suffering with. It was a mystery. They planned to drive to the home farm, and knowing it would be so emotional, they wanted to call us before. Not knowing exactly what lie ahead, for Mark and Amy were to be moving from Torch Trail Bible Camp to Silversides in Alberta, Mark simply said, "We're taking one day at a time."
Although this loss is not our direct loss, Matt's sudden passing is affecting us and our family deeply. On top of my Grandpa's death that was expected, and then another death in a family in Regina that Walter often serves as pastor and funeral officiant, we began to feel overwhelmed!
One thing that I know, God does give us what we need, when we need it!
Each day, He provides our daily bread. Physically, yes, but also emotionally and spiritually. As much as possible, we keep our daily devotional time, eat and sleep and try to take care of ourselves. But ultimately, the Lord must be our strength, our shield, our all.
On Friday at Grandpa's funeral service, someone came up to me to ask about Matthew, concerned and caring for us, as well. All I could say is "I am just focusing on today and getting through this service!" It wasn't that I was overwhelmed anymore, but I wanted to grieve Grandpa well, and engage with my family there while we were gathered together.
The Scripture in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 6, had blessed me earlier in the week and it may have been my theme. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (6:34)
I choose to live today, not worrying about tomorrow's burdens but being present in the "present." Yes, we have to plan in order to get ourselves to Manitoba today and be prepared for the next funeral service. But God's grace will be sufficient for our needs today and then He'll pour out more grace when we get to tomorrow.
Matt's service is at 2 pm, Tuesday, February 23 in Gladstone, Manitoba.
"One day at a time, sweet Jesus..."
I have heard that phrase, even sung the song by that title, but this past week I have learned a little bit more as to what that actually means.
One week ago yesterday, Walter and I shared in the time of my Grandpa's passing into the next life. We both ended up getting a cold/flu, so we gave ourselves permission to do the least we could do for a couple days. We anticipated a quiet week and then participating in Grandpa Glen's funeral, set for Friday.
Then I received a prayer chain item: 14-year old Matthew Teichrib had a cold or flu and was now being rushed by ambulance to Winnipeg Children's Hospital. The next news was a text from Mark and Amy (this is Amy's little brother), that they were driving from near Nipawin to Winnipeg to see Matt. I sat up and took notice. From assuming Matt just needed some IV to rehydrate and maybe tests or observation to this is a bigger deal! We began to pray in earnest and send out the request on more prayer chains.
As Mark and Amy drove the 8 or 9 hours through Tuesday night, Walter and I could not sleep soundly, waiting for a text or phone call to update on Matthew.
The next text late at night was Matt's heart stopped; they resuscitated him but now he's in a coma. Shortly after, we heard they would attempt dialysis as his kidneys were failing. With each update, the news grew worse and we felt almost sick with worry for our kids driving and for the Teichrib's watching their son and brother fading...
When I checked my cell phone by my bed in the morning, the news was what we dreaded most: Matthew passed away at about 6 am on Wednesday. How could that be?
For most of the day, Walter and I functioned in a fog. Mark & Amy spent the day in Winnipeg with relatives, being fed and given a chance to sleep. Most of the family had been up over 24 hours. Then that evening around supper time, Mark and Amy called.
Through tears and shock and pain, they shared the events and what little the medical staff knew about what Matthew had been suffering with. It was a mystery. They planned to drive to the home farm, and knowing it would be so emotional, they wanted to call us before. Not knowing exactly what lie ahead, for Mark and Amy were to be moving from Torch Trail Bible Camp to Silversides in Alberta, Mark simply said, "We're taking one day at a time."
Although this loss is not our direct loss, Matt's sudden passing is affecting us and our family deeply. On top of my Grandpa's death that was expected, and then another death in a family in Regina that Walter often serves as pastor and funeral officiant, we began to feel overwhelmed!
One thing that I know, God does give us what we need, when we need it!
Each day, He provides our daily bread. Physically, yes, but also emotionally and spiritually. As much as possible, we keep our daily devotional time, eat and sleep and try to take care of ourselves. But ultimately, the Lord must be our strength, our shield, our all.
On Friday at Grandpa's funeral service, someone came up to me to ask about Matthew, concerned and caring for us, as well. All I could say is "I am just focusing on today and getting through this service!" It wasn't that I was overwhelmed anymore, but I wanted to grieve Grandpa well, and engage with my family there while we were gathered together.
The Scripture in Matthew's Gospel, chapter 6, had blessed me earlier in the week and it may have been my theme. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." (6:34)
I choose to live today, not worrying about tomorrow's burdens but being present in the "present." Yes, we have to plan in order to get ourselves to Manitoba today and be prepared for the next funeral service. But God's grace will be sufficient for our needs today and then He'll pour out more grace when we get to tomorrow.
Matt's service is at 2 pm, Tuesday, February 23 in Gladstone, Manitoba.
"One day at a time, sweet Jesus..."
Monday 15 February 2016
Winding the curve up the mountain road, we were anticipating a delightful soak in the Miette Hotsprings in Jasper National Park. The sky was dotted with a few clouds and the temperatures were above normal for February. The signs indicated how many kilometres to the springs. Then the very next sign said "Closed for the Season." What? So we pulled into the roadside turnout at the Falls when we saw the barricade across the road ahead. Really?
Plan B. We would drive into Jasper and see what our options are. Before the townsite, we saw the sign for Maligne Lake and since we had never been there, we now had the opportunity open before us. After a distance, again we came upon a barricade. Sigh. We turned left into the Maligne Canyon parking lot and saw a few cars.
The sun was unseasonably warm, reflecting off the deteriorating snow. Gripping the handrail, I caught myself from slipping on the slick trail at the Maligne Canyon. Glorious! But slippery. We hiked a short ways to see the breathtaking canyon formation, while other folks were also making their way back from one of the longer hiking trails. They were equipped with proper cleats and hiking poles for winter. We had on our running shoes.
We wandered into Jasper and drove around. Several shops also had "Closed for the Season" signs. But Smitty's was open and we grabbed a late lunch/early supper. When we asked the waitress for a suggestion of a nice hotel, she recommended the "Sawridge".
The hotel and conference centre is owned and operated by the Sawridge First Nation from northern Alberta. What a beautiful building, with First Nations artwork and log construction. The foyer was nice but the great room in the middle boasted a large fireplace, dining area that opened out (one floor down) onto the pool and hot tub and sauna facilities. Our room was spacious and beautifully decorated. The balcony view of the mountains was exactly what we hoped for!
Complimentary breakfast was in the lovely dining room. It was a buffet of hot dishes, fruit platters and pastries. Delicious!
We contemplated staying longer but with our options limited, we decided to drive down to Banff, where we were almost certain the Hotsprings would be open. The drive was gorgeous and we took several stops for photographs. The highway was virtually empty of traffic. We listened to music and then to more of our audiobook. There was nothing open along the way until Lake Louise, so we munched on our snacks.
Once at Banff, we went directly to the Hotsprings and grabbed our towels and bathing suits. This was what we came for! The pool was moderately full but we easily found a space along the edge and let ourselves relax. The mountains embraced us. We were on holidays!
Gradually, we noticed the Asian population increasing within the pool. Soon it was brimming with tourists, taking selfies and crowding our Canadian personal space. We had been there almost two hours so we thought we'd find a hotel and some supper. There would be more opportunity for soaking.
The "Irwin Mountain Inn" was a place we had been for conferences in the past, so Walter checked us in there. The rates were surprisingly low and we thanked the Lord! The "El Toro" restaurant was attached to the hotel and we chose to try it out. Apart from two or three booths of customers, there was a large group of young adults in the back section, seeming to partake of a buffet. The waiter - from France- explained the hotel and restaurant were hosting participants in the skiing certification training in Banff for the next several weeks. They were a little loud and rowdy, but it was fun to hear the accents from various European and UK countries, as well as some American drawls.
We enjoyed our stay so well, we decided not to drive anywhere the next day, but just wander and walk the streets of Banff. Again, the sun was shining and the temperatures were therapeutically warm. We basked in the light and warmth as we made over 10,000 steps to the "Cave and Basin" site of the original hotsprings. We tried a couple new coffee shops and bought some little items in the shops along the way. By the time we made it back to our hotel, it was mid- afternoon and we needed a rest. We thought we'd have supper and then check out the pool again. Maybe tour buses would be gone by evening.
The dark sky meant we couldn't see the surrounding mountains and trees. But a sliver of moon, God's thumbnail, shone clearly. What an amazing experience!
Up to this point, news from home about my Grandpa's condition had been "no change". But Friday, my Mom texted to say his breathing was becoming thready and the care workers were suggesting family gather. So I of course felt a little torn. We were having a wonderful time but knew this was coming. In hindsight, I am glad we carried on with our plans and kept our appointment in Brooks on Saturday, because Grandpa made it until Sunday afternoon, Valentine's Day, when all his children and Walter and myself were able to be with him.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
As I write this entry this morning, I praise the Lord for His perfect timing and His goodness to guide our paths. I could feel myself getting uptight and I kept bringing my thoughts captive to Jesus. God clearly guided us to come home Saturday night and to drive down to the nursing home in Weyburn Sunday. Yes, it was sad to see Grandpa let go, but he went peacefully and the family was able to say their good-byes.
God is good. I am glad I can trust Him.
Plan B. We would drive into Jasper and see what our options are. Before the townsite, we saw the sign for Maligne Lake and since we had never been there, we now had the opportunity open before us. After a distance, again we came upon a barricade. Sigh. We turned left into the Maligne Canyon parking lot and saw a few cars.
The sun was unseasonably warm, reflecting off the deteriorating snow. Gripping the handrail, I caught myself from slipping on the slick trail at the Maligne Canyon. Glorious! But slippery. We hiked a short ways to see the breathtaking canyon formation, while other folks were also making their way back from one of the longer hiking trails. They were equipped with proper cleats and hiking poles for winter. We had on our running shoes.
We wandered into Jasper and drove around. Several shops also had "Closed for the Season" signs. But Smitty's was open and we grabbed a late lunch/early supper. When we asked the waitress for a suggestion of a nice hotel, she recommended the "Sawridge".
The hotel and conference centre is owned and operated by the Sawridge First Nation from northern Alberta. What a beautiful building, with First Nations artwork and log construction. The foyer was nice but the great room in the middle boasted a large fireplace, dining area that opened out (one floor down) onto the pool and hot tub and sauna facilities. Our room was spacious and beautifully decorated. The balcony view of the mountains was exactly what we hoped for!
Complimentary breakfast was in the lovely dining room. It was a buffet of hot dishes, fruit platters and pastries. Delicious!
We contemplated staying longer but with our options limited, we decided to drive down to Banff, where we were almost certain the Hotsprings would be open. The drive was gorgeous and we took several stops for photographs. The highway was virtually empty of traffic. We listened to music and then to more of our audiobook. There was nothing open along the way until Lake Louise, so we munched on our snacks.
Once at Banff, we went directly to the Hotsprings and grabbed our towels and bathing suits. This was what we came for! The pool was moderately full but we easily found a space along the edge and let ourselves relax. The mountains embraced us. We were on holidays!
Gradually, we noticed the Asian population increasing within the pool. Soon it was brimming with tourists, taking selfies and crowding our Canadian personal space. We had been there almost two hours so we thought we'd find a hotel and some supper. There would be more opportunity for soaking.
The "Irwin Mountain Inn" was a place we had been for conferences in the past, so Walter checked us in there. The rates were surprisingly low and we thanked the Lord! The "El Toro" restaurant was attached to the hotel and we chose to try it out. Apart from two or three booths of customers, there was a large group of young adults in the back section, seeming to partake of a buffet. The waiter - from France- explained the hotel and restaurant were hosting participants in the skiing certification training in Banff for the next several weeks. They were a little loud and rowdy, but it was fun to hear the accents from various European and UK countries, as well as some American drawls.
We enjoyed our stay so well, we decided not to drive anywhere the next day, but just wander and walk the streets of Banff. Again, the sun was shining and the temperatures were therapeutically warm. We basked in the light and warmth as we made over 10,000 steps to the "Cave and Basin" site of the original hotsprings. We tried a couple new coffee shops and bought some little items in the shops along the way. By the time we made it back to our hotel, it was mid- afternoon and we needed a rest. We thought we'd have supper and then check out the pool again. Maybe tour buses would be gone by evening.
The dark sky meant we couldn't see the surrounding mountains and trees. But a sliver of moon, God's thumbnail, shone clearly. What an amazing experience!
Up to this point, news from home about my Grandpa's condition had been "no change". But Friday, my Mom texted to say his breathing was becoming thready and the care workers were suggesting family gather. So I of course felt a little torn. We were having a wonderful time but knew this was coming. In hindsight, I am glad we carried on with our plans and kept our appointment in Brooks on Saturday, because Grandpa made it until Sunday afternoon, Valentine's Day, when all his children and Walter and myself were able to be with him.
"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5b
As I write this entry this morning, I praise the Lord for His perfect timing and His goodness to guide our paths. I could feel myself getting uptight and I kept bringing my thoughts captive to Jesus. God clearly guided us to come home Saturday night and to drive down to the nursing home in Weyburn Sunday. Yes, it was sad to see Grandpa let go, but he went peacefully and the family was able to say their good-byes.
God is good. I am glad I can trust Him.
Sunday 7 February 2016
Holidays. Vacation. Getaway. Escape!
Whatever you call it, Walter and I are going to do this thing!
Although my grandfather is bedridden in the Weyburn General Hospital, we are going ahead with our winter break. We will not be more than a day's drive from home so, should anything transpire, we can be back for a funeral.
But this thing most people take for granted - vacation time - many of us in ministry or mission work, have a tough time knowing how to truly take restful time off. We expend so much time and energy into our ministries that we find it difficult to disengage from people's lives and our responsibilities. It takes us a few days to unwind, to slow our mental and physical pace down to relax.
And then there is the guilt we sometimes feel for taking a vacation, pampering ourselves, when many of the folks we minister to are living in poverty and do not have such a luxury as a vacation. I know many families who save up or spend what they don't have to go to the Exhibition (Regina's annual fair) and that is their one "fun" expenditure of the year!
Or we feel guilty for leaving people behind who are in crisis, whom we are spending regular time with to help them formally or relationally with counsel and care. How can we treat ourselves to fun and rest when others are suffering?
Sometimes, we don't know what to do with our leisure time. Walter and I have worked at our hobbies in recent years. That may sound strange to some of you, but we had to give ourselves permission to pursue activities or pastimes that were totally unrelated to ministry. Years ago I took a creative writing class; Walter took photography courses. We both paid curling fees just because we loved curling and it was a good thing to exercise and have fun with people not connected to our regular world.
Now that our kids have their own lives, Walter and I have also had to rediscover what we would enjoy for a vacation time that was just the two of us. No more McDonald's Playland stops or Science Centres with kids zones. We can choose adult-type activities that are age-appropriate for us old folks! And so we need to find out just exactly what we are interested in.
One of the things we are doing is stopping at places we have seen along our journeys but always whistled by because of schedule. We spent a couple hours at a small town along the TransCanada that had an "Antique Car Museum". It was fun to take our time and not have kids/teens saying "I'm bored! When are we leaving?"
I have been reading a few books on the Sabbath, taking care of ourselves in ministry and how to replenish ourselves spiritually when we are so focused on giving out to others. I don't need to be convinced of our need for a break. I just pray that we can put into practice some of the practical things we have learned about rest and relaxation...
The verses I have meditated on lately are Matthew 11:28 & 29 and I believe Jesus invites us to rest in Him. His yoke is easy, He says. His burden is light. So when we are NOT taking adequate breaks to refocus and rejuvenate, we are carrying our own burdens and putting on our own yoke. The ministry is the work God has called Walter and I to do. But He promises to give us rest as we come to Him and work in His yoke which I understand to be His job assignments for us. I am still wrestling through what that means for me, for us. I want to take His promise seriously to experience REST. I know that means a lifestyle of serving Him with balance of work and breaks. And I'm pretty sure it means to keep the perspective on responsibility: what is mine, what belongs to others and what is completely up to God? Because having these areas out of balance will mean I burn out!
As we pack up our Jetta and drive away tomorrow morning, I am anticipating God's hand of blessing on this ordained holiday. He is our Father, the giver of good gifts to His children.
Bon Voyage!
Whatever you call it, Walter and I are going to do this thing!
Although my grandfather is bedridden in the Weyburn General Hospital, we are going ahead with our winter break. We will not be more than a day's drive from home so, should anything transpire, we can be back for a funeral.
But this thing most people take for granted - vacation time - many of us in ministry or mission work, have a tough time knowing how to truly take restful time off. We expend so much time and energy into our ministries that we find it difficult to disengage from people's lives and our responsibilities. It takes us a few days to unwind, to slow our mental and physical pace down to relax.
And then there is the guilt we sometimes feel for taking a vacation, pampering ourselves, when many of the folks we minister to are living in poverty and do not have such a luxury as a vacation. I know many families who save up or spend what they don't have to go to the Exhibition (Regina's annual fair) and that is their one "fun" expenditure of the year!
Or we feel guilty for leaving people behind who are in crisis, whom we are spending regular time with to help them formally or relationally with counsel and care. How can we treat ourselves to fun and rest when others are suffering?
Sometimes, we don't know what to do with our leisure time. Walter and I have worked at our hobbies in recent years. That may sound strange to some of you, but we had to give ourselves permission to pursue activities or pastimes that were totally unrelated to ministry. Years ago I took a creative writing class; Walter took photography courses. We both paid curling fees just because we loved curling and it was a good thing to exercise and have fun with people not connected to our regular world.
Now that our kids have their own lives, Walter and I have also had to rediscover what we would enjoy for a vacation time that was just the two of us. No more McDonald's Playland stops or Science Centres with kids zones. We can choose adult-type activities that are age-appropriate for us old folks! And so we need to find out just exactly what we are interested in.
One of the things we are doing is stopping at places we have seen along our journeys but always whistled by because of schedule. We spent a couple hours at a small town along the TransCanada that had an "Antique Car Museum". It was fun to take our time and not have kids/teens saying "I'm bored! When are we leaving?"
I have been reading a few books on the Sabbath, taking care of ourselves in ministry and how to replenish ourselves spiritually when we are so focused on giving out to others. I don't need to be convinced of our need for a break. I just pray that we can put into practice some of the practical things we have learned about rest and relaxation...
The verses I have meditated on lately are Matthew 11:28 & 29 and I believe Jesus invites us to rest in Him. His yoke is easy, He says. His burden is light. So when we are NOT taking adequate breaks to refocus and rejuvenate, we are carrying our own burdens and putting on our own yoke. The ministry is the work God has called Walter and I to do. But He promises to give us rest as we come to Him and work in His yoke which I understand to be His job assignments for us. I am still wrestling through what that means for me, for us. I want to take His promise seriously to experience REST. I know that means a lifestyle of serving Him with balance of work and breaks. And I'm pretty sure it means to keep the perspective on responsibility: what is mine, what belongs to others and what is completely up to God? Because having these areas out of balance will mean I burn out!
As we pack up our Jetta and drive away tomorrow morning, I am anticipating God's hand of blessing on this ordained holiday. He is our Father, the giver of good gifts to His children.
Bon Voyage!
Thursday 4 February 2016
Some things seem very reminiscent of two years ago...
Grandpa is not able to get out of bed, when only a couple months ago he was walking with the aid of a walker and using the bathroom. He isn't able to swallow so can't take in food by mouth. He can't communicate and is growing weaker by the day.
It is hard to live through this so soon after my own Dad's experience.
But the difference is I know what to expect.
I am really thankful that my Mom and her siblings are in agreement with Grandma on the plan to keep Grandpa comfortable. They are accepting and working through the loss.
Walter and I were hoping to have a winter vacation this year. Just like two years ago, we planned a trip but weren't sure how Dad was doing. God blessed us and we were able to take that trip. Dad passed away a few days after we were back home. It was emotionally conflicting, but we know God gave us peace and acceptance at that time.
Again, we aren't sure whether to make plans to take some time away. While we can't leave the country, we hope to take a break in the mountains - we would only be a day's drive away should anything happen to Grandpa.
One thing I know, God will direct our steps. He will give us wisdom to make good decisions and will make a way for our needs to be met. He has been so faithful and good to us in the past; He will continue to guide us to make the right choices in the next while.
Lord, be with us and especially be with Grandpa as he prepares to meet You. We trust You to do what's best for us all. Thank You for Your love and grace in life and in death.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
Grandpa is not able to get out of bed, when only a couple months ago he was walking with the aid of a walker and using the bathroom. He isn't able to swallow so can't take in food by mouth. He can't communicate and is growing weaker by the day.
It is hard to live through this so soon after my own Dad's experience.
But the difference is I know what to expect.
I am really thankful that my Mom and her siblings are in agreement with Grandma on the plan to keep Grandpa comfortable. They are accepting and working through the loss.
Walter and I were hoping to have a winter vacation this year. Just like two years ago, we planned a trip but weren't sure how Dad was doing. God blessed us and we were able to take that trip. Dad passed away a few days after we were back home. It was emotionally conflicting, but we know God gave us peace and acceptance at that time.
Again, we aren't sure whether to make plans to take some time away. While we can't leave the country, we hope to take a break in the mountains - we would only be a day's drive away should anything happen to Grandpa.
One thing I know, God will direct our steps. He will give us wisdom to make good decisions and will make a way for our needs to be met. He has been so faithful and good to us in the past; He will continue to guide us to make the right choices in the next while.
Lord, be with us and especially be with Grandpa as he prepares to meet You. We trust You to do what's best for us all. Thank You for Your love and grace in life and in death.
In Jesus' Name,
Amen.
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