The hunt is on...

On Friday, Dad had been napping in his chair in the bedroom. When he was ready to get up, Mom went and helped him to his feet and waited until he got his balance, as she routinely does. She went back to the kitchen and, a few minutes later, she heard him call for her. Because of the intensity of his call, she hurried back to the bedroom and found him laying on the floor...he had fallen. She wasn't able to get him up by herself and called Joaquin to come help her. Praise God that he was near enough to quickly drive there. The nearest neighbors on both sides of their place were out of town. If she'd been unable to reach Joaquin, she'd have had to call 911 for help. Dad fell on his already "bad" side. Through God's blessings, he is okay, just very sore. Mom checked with the pharmacist who told her to give him Tylenol for pain, not Ibuprofen, since Dad is on a regimen of aspirin with his Coumadin every day. I know it scared both of them tremendously. Mom called me on Saturday to let me know about the fall and to tell me that it is time for them to move into Austin where they us kids closer.

Now that Mom and Dad have made the decision, I believe that they are at peace with moving. Mom is excited about having quicker access to food delivery and about being able to eat at Luby's more often! We are looking at houses in my neighborhood, not a garden home or independent living. Both made Mom and Dad feel claustrophobic or like they were living in a prison! I have an appointment to see one house today and Jean and Mom are going to spend some time on Thursday or Friday with our realtor, Mike. The change will be so good for them. No doubt, they will both be sad to leave their place that they love so dearly, but, once they get settled, they will see how much more their kids and grandkids, etc., as well as fiends and family, can visit them when they live in Austin. My siblings and I want them to be happy and safe. We pray that this move is the right thing for them and that we are patient and loving throughout this process.

"Blessed Breath of God, of Life, breathe through us now. In this moment, we feel the sweet and merciful fullness of God in us. We have the wisdom, grace and love of God filling our soul.

Precious God, as we watch our aging parents change and move through the cycles of life, we are filled with emotion. Help us to be patient and loving adult children in this experience. Show us how to honor our feelings and how to be aware of all the lessons and gifts you have for us in this experience.

We appreciate our parents and all that they have brought to our lives. We feel the early taste of grief as we realize their mortality….and our own. Fill us with respect, big hearts and giving spirits, Lord. Help us to know the right things to do in each situation; may we always be a Light to them as their journey continues.

Prepare us Lord, for what lies ahead. Only You know the richness of our journey, God. In our Oneness, we know You light the way for them and for my family and me. May sweet and merciful angels be with our family throughout all our days. We give thanks for the many gifts we have already received in this family and the gifts in the days to come. All is well and God is good." * Amen.

*from PrayerGoddess.com