1-35pm
It’s a FAQ. How is Granny? I don’t often dedicate an entire blog to her and neither do I speak much about Granny on air. The answer is, she is very frail. I’m learning that there are various downward steps at this stage of her life (she’s 88). She cruises along, slowly deteriorating, and then ‘something happens.’ It may be a fall or a T.I.A (google it, if you want to know what that is) and her condition drops to as bad as just about bedridden. We cope with the event and she starts slowly improving. With determination and perseverance, she practices her walking and moving. She tidies the lounge and makes her bed and gets stronger. She soon is much better, but not up to the strength she was prior to the event. Then we continue for a while until the next ‘thing’ happens and the cycle is repeated. Each time, she needs a bit more care and help in coping with life. She can hardly communicate. It seems sometimes she has no idea of what I’m saying. It’s difficult to guess her needs. Mavis comes at 7am and leaves at 2pm Monday to Friday. After 2pm, she’s my ‘baby’. I cannot emphasize enough that she is the most compliant, most non-complaining, most appreciative Mom-in-Law I could have ever wished for. She accepts her lot in life with minimal complaining, with dignity. I often think of Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Granny is inspirational. She doesn’t even know it. When we have a relationship with God, it doesn’t stop with old age. You are forever growing spiritually, learning spiritually and walking towards eternity, regardless of how slowly and stiffly. It’s humbling to have someone assist you with the basics of life and humility is highly regarded in the eyes of the Lord. The Lord is close to those who are weak and frail. He sees Granny. He sees her needs. He nurtures her. We together are entering the stadium – the finish line is in sight…I imagine myself next to her, holding her arm, as she edges closer to the end. We may have some way to go. We may find the walker is pushed to one side in favour of the wheelchair. The chair may give way to the bed. It doesn’t matter. I know that however the end comes, we will cope. It is a privilege for me to be in this position. I am humbled that I got all my nursing qualifications ‘for such a time as this.’ The Lord knew Granny would need care at the end of her life. He had it all sorted 30 years ago when He put it in my heart to go nursing. God does nothing for nothing! He has it all planned way ahead of time. There are no surprises with Him. So it’s pointless fighting or pleading. It’s best to keep trusting, keep depending on Him. His grace is enough.
Granny resting today, reading the latest Joy Mag! 🙂
On a different note, the main event of today kicks off at 5pm. David’s final, hour long guitar performance. It has all come down to this. Today, he finishes his BMus – Western Classical Performance in Guitar. It is a MASSIVE occasion. He’s ready!
God bless YOU, this weekend.
Never forget, you are in His grip, no matter your age or situation. He’s gotcha!
Love Helga xx 🙂