I've never done this before I've picked a word for this year and it is
"Strength"
I chose it because it seems like this year may be the year I need it most. My my mother is 93 years old and dementia has a good hold on her. My sister's and I are really struggling with what to do. My three sisters have been keeping up with her needs quite successfully now for the past 5 years or so. One of my sister's has moved in for 5 days a week and the other two take over on the weekends. They are all burning out and I feel badly for them. I always have tremendous guilt for not being closer to home (I live 250 miles away) but when I do visit I pitch in as best I can.
Mom knows who we all are, she knows her home and has a routine but she truly isn't competent any longer. It's really hard to watch someone going through this. I've seen a noticeable change in her in the past year. We've tried to keep her from having to live in assisted living but sometimes things aren't always in our control and I don't know how much longer this can go on the way it is. My family and I can use your prayers for "strength" to endure and make the right decisions.
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I stopped in at Pier 1 Imports and their Christmas stuff is 75% off!
I scored on a couple of items.
I picked up a few of these- they were originally $6.95 and I only paid $1.68! I know I'll use these next Christmas!
This made me super happy. It was $59.95 originally and I paid $14.98! I invested a lot in the tartan plaid this past Christmas so I decided to go ahead and add this to my inventory!
Both the items I bought are no longer available on line but I'm sure there must be something left at other stores too!
Turkeys!
While putting the living room put back together I looked out and realized the turkeys were visiting! I've seen them many times but it's always a surprise especially when you are used to seeing small songbirds at the feeders. They parade around in large groups stopping traffic as they cross the road.
They were out back poking around looking for bird seed that may have fallen to the ground.
Fresh air and the sun's benefits!
Freshly fallen snow and the sun sure can be pretty!
A local tv station has a doctor on once a week to talk about random health issues. In one interview he said that for people who suffer with "SAD" (season affect disorder) just going outside for at lest 10 minutes a day and increasing your activity can greatly improve your mindset. I know that breathing in fresh outdoor air sure makes me feel better!
Well I guess that's all for now!
Wishing you a great weekend!
"word" not work in first sentence above.....
ReplyDeletePrayers for you and your family. My grandmother suffered from dementia for over 15 years, and it was brutal on my mom and aunt. xoxo
Thanks Ron I fixed it :-)
DeletePrayers and wisdom for your important decision. It must be so difficult.
ReplyDeleteYou found some fabulous finds. It will will lovely with your other decor.
The photos are stunning! Love seeing the white snow. Happy Friday.
Hi Liz, my prayers for your dear mother and all you girls as you deal with this life challenge. I know it too well with my own mother.
ReplyDeleteGreat finds from Pier 1. Your outdoor photos are beautiful. Have a great weekend and enjoy the snow! Hugs and Prayers
Liz a ton of prayers coming your way. My grandfather went through this, he was 94 and passed before Christmas. It is an unbelievable sad thing to see this happen to someone and there's nothing that can be done. It takes strength
ReplyDeleteSuper finds!! Love the mantel scarf
Many prayers
Cindy
So sorry to hear about your mother. My father had Alzheimer's/dementia and I was in the same situation. My siblings all lived closer to him (although none lived close, really) and they bore the brunt of taking care of him until he finally needed a nursing home with round the clock care. There's no easy answer, but you'll figure it out. She's lucky she has you all who care so much! xoKathleen
ReplyDeleteLiz, I send the best wishes to you and your sisters. It is hard for all of you. You need to think of the care givers as much as those who need care....some times it's just too much. We who are able should be talking our own futures over with our children ...so they do not have to go thru the same heartache.Blessings to all, xoxo,Susie
ReplyDeleteYou found some good deals for sure! I am sorry to hear about your mother. It will take strength I am sure. And that is an excellent word for all of us. Sheila
ReplyDeletePrayers for your family. Love your fabulous finds.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and your sisters, Liz. and strength indeed for you to tackle whatever life brings you in 2016.
ReplyDeleteLiz,
ReplyDeletePrayers for wisdom coming your way, dear friend!!!
This past year we went through similar with my Dad.
He had "Helping Hearts" like assisted living, but in his home.
While it seemed expensive, it was far less than Assisted Living or Nursing Home.
It was his choice to stay in his own home and the "helpers" were amazingly good to work with. One of them made the call to me on the night he passed.
I understand your feelings of quilt. . .I live 300 miles round trip from where my Dad lived. As soon as "Mr. Ed" had recovered enough from his stroke, we made that trip every two weeks until Dad passed. Do what you can when you can and leave the rest in the hands of the Lord!!!
Loved seeing the photos of SNOW!!!
Still none on the Prairie!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Liz,
ReplyDeleteMy heart reaches out across the miles for your family's heartaches at this time. There were several years where our hearts were heavy and our souls weary from worry, guilt, frustration and sadness.
You do have my prayers and thoughts for strength, gentleness and calmness for all.
Your Turkeys are brave souls and your recent snowfall is gorgeous!
xo
Jemma
Prayers for you, Liz. It's the hardest road to be on but I am sure you and your family will decide the best way to handle it. Your snow is soo pretty!
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to decide what's best for your parents and to co-ordinate care long distance. Tim's mom lived with her husband at a retirement community that had 3 levels of care and they lived independently for many years. Their friends all moved to the community too. We found an awesome Christian community for my dad in SoCal where he lived independently in a large apartment. This place had 3 levels of care and a memory care area, as well. I only wish that we had found this community a few years earlier so he could have enjoy it longer. The people were so caring there, the grounds were beautiful and he made friends in the short time he was there. All assisted living communities are not the same and the only way to know is to visit several. Praying for wisdom for you and your sister.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you Liz and prayers for your mom and sibs. Your word for the year is perfect and also TRUST, since you know in the end, you just have to TRUST GOD on this one...
ReplyDelete