A Day with Pa-Paw

We visited my husband’s grandfather at his assisted living home yesterday, and we left there saddened by our experience.  You see, Pa-Paw has dementia, a disease that slowly eats away at his memory.  Our hearts were aching as he asked us again and again where we live, where he was, and how long it would take to get to our house.  Every time we visit, he is intent on leaving his “jail” (as he calls it).  One thing remains steady – his anger towards my mother-in-law (his daughter) who arranged for him to live there in the first place.  While she didn’t want to place him in a home, she (and all of the family) knew it was the best situation for him.  Still, that is one memory he won’t forget any time soon.   

The only joy he seemed to have while we were there was found in the smile of our seven-month-old daughter.  All anger and bitterness seemed to melt away as he reached for her, trying every trick he knew to receive the sweet reward of a smile from his precious great-granddaughter.  Even though he can’t remember her name, he loves her deeply and prays for her often.

I’m sure by now he has forgotten that we even came to see him yesterday.  But for just a few minutes, we were able to brighten his day just by bringing Hannah by for a visit.

Whether or not you actually know someone in a nursing home or assisted living place, consider taking your children to one for a visit with the residents.  These are people who hardly ever receive visitors (including family) and who are missing the freedom they once had as healthy adults.  They once had a life and family like you, and they are probably especially reminded of that during the holidays. 

Let’s think of others during this holiday season!  You may be surprised at the joy you find!

Just Look Up

Another one of my friends lost their job last night.  The numbers are quickly adding up as unemployment skyrockets – and during the worst time of year, too!  We were a part of the statistics this summer as my husband unexpectedly lost his job just weeks after we brought our daughter home from the hospital.  Initially, we were in despair, hopeless, and worried.  And then we remembered to look up.  It was then that we realized Who was on the throne – our God.  He knew our needs, and He had promised to “supply all [our] needs” (Phil. 4:19).

Suddenly, we were filled with hope!  Our God was going to take care of us – and take care of us He did!  We never missed a meal, skipped a payment on a bill, or went without a stitch of clothing, thanks to our Father in heaven.  Sure, we couldn’t go to the movies (or even rent a movie) or go out to eat like we used to, but we had EVERY NEED met!

Unfortunately, we lose sight of the fact that our needs are being met and complain about things that we want that we just can’t afford right now.  Do you NEED cable?  New clothes?  Soda, chips, or ice cream?  Do you really NEED to go out with your friends tonight? 

Look around you!  If you have shelter, clean clothes, and food (even if it may not be your favorite food), then you are truly blessed!  Trust me, we have been eating our fair share of food that we would NOT have bought ourselves!  But we are thankful for every morsel!

As the holidays approach, people are frantically searching for ways to buy the latest gadget – even though they can’t afford some of the simple things for their children or themselves.  Have we lost our focus?  Would it really be so bad if you didn’t get anything for Christmas this year but instead spent time nurturing the relationships in your life, helping out in a soup kitchen, or volunteering at a nursing home?  What would happen to your children if they gave to children who were really in need instead of getting toys that they will grow bored with in just a couple of weeks?

I bet if we took just a few minutes to take our eyes off of ourselves that we would see someone who has it worse!  It’s a shame that we can’t enjoy the holidays because we lack the compassion to see beyond ourselves and look to the needs of others.

This holiday season, don’t look down, avoiding others’ eyes because you don’t have “the best.”  Instead, look up, thank God in heaven for ANYTHING He has provided for you, and then look around to help your neighbor.

Bouncin’ Babies and Supportive Friends

Thursday is my favorite day during the week.  Why Thursdays?  Every week, Hannah and I head to our local library to participate in “Bouncin’ Babies,” a free program designed to teach parents how to have fun with their babies while teaching them.  Our wonderful teacher, Miss Donna, leads us in songs and stories with the help of her loyal puppet.  Hannah’s excitement escalates as she waits for Miss Perky Bird to “fly” around the room and tap her on the shoulder.  And the squeals of delight from the children when Miss Donna ends the class with bubbles is just enough to make anyone smile.

During the class, I love the interaction I have with Hannah.  She laughs and smiles at my silly antics to the songs, and she even “bounces” along!  After the class are when the friendships are formed.  While our children play, we moms sit around and talk about anything that is going on this week.  For me, it is so refreshing to hear other moms as they talk about their good days and bad days of parenting!  We listen to each other, offer advice, and then go our separate ways.  We may come from different beliefs, different cultures, different worlds, but we all have one thing in common – we are Mom.

What do you do to encourage you in your parenting?  Do you have a group of friends to support you during your own good and bad days?  If not, I encourage you to check out your local library for free programs.  You may be surprised at the friendships you form!

The Mommy Factor

My daughter will be 8 months old next week, and I am amazed at how quickly she has grown – and how little I know as a parent!  As she has begun crawling in the last few weeks, I am seeing our house through different eyes – those of my child.  Suddenly, a cabinet is no longer a cabinet but a dangerous playland filled with deadly toxins.  A simple plug that powers the television set is now a hazardous rope of electrical energy waiting to zap the most unsuspecting child!  Even our round coffee table is a danger zone, causing numerous head bumps as my daughter tries over and over to pull herself up with little success.  I once thought our home was a “safe haven”; but now I see every sharp corner, every breakable artifact, every possible way for my daughter to be injured!

Some may say I’m insane; others just call it The Mommy Factor.