I Could Waltz Across Texas With You!

Dad rested much better last night with the aid of Tylenol, rather than a stronger drug. He was up some, but not nearly like he has been previous nights. When I went into the bedroom this morning, he was in the restroom. An idea came to me...I got the protable CD/Cassette player, plugged it in Dad's bedroom and put in a cassette that was made by Dad's cousin, Jimmy Siegeler and his band. As I heard Dad coming out of the bathroom, I turned it on loud enough for him to hear it without his hearing aids. Dod got a little smile on his face when he heard the music and saw me grinning! I said, "Dad, do you know who this is?" His grin got bigger and I said, "It's Jimmy Siegeler and his band!" Dad then got a great big grin! I was dancing around in front of him in his wheelchair and he put out his hand and danced with me!!!! It was absolutely priceless to be dancing with my Dad again! We danced the remainder of the song and then Dad was ready to get into the bed! Once he got settled, I reminded him of the great time he, Mom, Ollie and I had in Snyder TX in June of 2009. The four of us attended the Western Swing Dance Festival and danced for four straight days! That was June and Dad had his stroke in September of that year. When I was talking to Dad about Snyder, he got a very nostalgic look on his face and smiled and nodded his head 'yes' when I said what great memories those were!


Danny, Jean and Jimmie came this afternoon, so I went to an antique auction with Ollie. As I was driving to meet him in Round Rock, I was listening to 105.9, the Contemporary Christian music radio station for our area. There was a guest minister on the show and he began to introduce the next song. He was saying that the song was about finding joy through sorrow. It was so amazing to me that I could so personally relate to what he was saying because that was exactly how I was feeling today. I have been blessed to have had such precious quality joyful time with Mom and Dad and I am here because of Dad's being so ill. I found the lyrics to the song that the minister was introducing and speaking about. I thought you might like to read them...


There’s a place of quiet stillness ‘tween the light and shadows reach
Where the hurting and the hopeless seek everlasting peace
Words of men and songs of angels whisper comfort bittersweet
Mending grief and life eternal where joy and sorrow meet
There is a place where hope remains
In crowns of thorns and crimson stains
And tears that fall on Jesus’ feet
Where joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place the lost surrender and the weary will retreat
Full of grace and mercy tender in times of unbelief
For the wounded there is healing, strength is given to the weak
Broken hearts find love redeeming where joy and sorrow meet
There’s a place of thirst and hunger where the roots of faith grow deep
And there is rain and rolling thunder when the road is rough and steep
There is hope in desperation there is victory in defeat
At the cross of restoration where joy and sorrow meet.
Sung by Avalon


As I drove, I also meditated about how this experience with Dad, since his stroke and now through this illness, has brough me closer to God and how it has strengthened my faith rather than made me question it. I feel so close to God and find such peace in talking to Him and praying to Him. Mom and I pray together at each meal, we all pray together when Sister Claudia or Deacon Pat bring communion, and I kneel and join Mom and Dad as they say their nighttime prayers. They have been a great influence in strengthening my faith in God, Dad in his patience with his afflictions and Mom in her selflessness in the care of him.


Dad had a marvelous day with Danny, Jean, Jimmie, Mom and the caretaker Monica. He seemed very alert and happy when I got back about 6:00. Danny had gone to Russo's "on the hill" at Mom's request and picked up the steak/zucchini pasta dinner that Dad loves for lunch. Jimmie and Danny fixed Mom's doorbell which pleased Mom greatly and they visited the rest of their time here. I haven't seen Dad that alert since I've been here! One thing for certain, the son, Danny, is the best medicine for Dad! Certainly we know that Dad loves "his girls", but his son is so very special to him! Dad is so, so blessed to have the son and the Son in his life, as is the rest of our family, and all of us!


We have been so very blessed with the caretakers Jerry, Christina and Monica who attend to Dad. They are on shifts for 12 hours, 7 to 7 during the week days and week nights, and then over the weekends. We have had to fire two women who did not provide adequate care for Dad. Yes, we set the standard of care high and nothing less is acceptable. One woman was fired before I "moved in" and the other I fired tonight after 3 incidences of neglect in only 2 hours! That was unacceptable! God bless Jerry, he usually doesn't work on Sundays nor at night, but he came tonight when the scheduler asked him to fill in for the woman I sent home! Mom and I will work as a team tomorrow and allow Jerry time to go to the other side of the house and have several hours of sleep! That's the least we can do! Again, God bless the people who devote their lives in the care of others. Blessed Lord, thank you for the caretakers who so gently, patiently, and lovingly watch over Dad and help Mom. Each of them, Jerry, Christina and Monica, have a special respect and love for Mom and Dad that shines through their care and service. Thank you for that loving care and for bringing them into our lives at this, our time of need. Help us to remember to show our gratitude to them because they are so very precious to us. Amen.


I can hear Jerry, now, attending to Dad with so much kindness. Mom has retired to her bed. I can go to bed now, comforted that we don't have to worry about whether or not Dad's needs are being met. I pray that my Mom and Dad have a restful night.


In peace we will lie down and sleep,
for You alone, Lord, make us dwell in safety.
Abide with us, Lord Jesus, for the night is at hand and the day is now past.
As the night watch looks for the morning, also do we look for You, O Christ.
Come with the dawning of the day and make yourself known in the breaking of the bread.
May the risen Lord Jesus bless us.
May He watch over us and renew us as He renews the whole of creation.
May our hearts and lives echo His love.
Amen.