I’m at that age where my parents need parenting.
My beautiful mom, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s four and a half years ago, once a sharp woman, now has trouble completing a sentence. For safety reasons she should not be left alone.
My poor dad is in denial.
Imagine my frustration upon learning he does leave her alone, talking to him on the phone and trying to get him to understand the dangers ... and him telling me three times, "Get off my back!" Yeah, not fun. :/
Frustration turned to anger, and rightly so. I want to know Mom is safe. A friend told me that last year a woman in my mom’s condition wandered off. She was not found until days later … dead in a ditch. A creek runs behind my parent’s back yard.
That night after the unfruitful talk with my dad, I prayed through the situation until my anger subsided and turned to peace.
The next day, as a biblical response, I realized it was time to bring in special forces. Dad had refused counsel from Mom’s caregiver (a professional), and my husband and me. He flippantly cast aside our warnings. It was time to call my pastor.
In agreement about the situation, he made an appointment with my dad and called in one of the other pastors.
After their meeting, my pastor called and gave me a “heads up”. I won’t go into details, but I am thankful for their wisdom and grace in dealing with a difficult situation. Lord willing, my dad now sees the wisdom of not leaving Mom alone.
Will you pray with me to that effect?
2Co 4:16 For this cause we do not faint; but though our outward man perishes, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
2Co 4:17 For the lightness of our present affliction works out for us a far more excellent eternal weight of glory,
2Co 4:18 we not considering the things which are seen, but the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are not lasting, but the things which are not seen are everlasting. MKJV
The Lord uses trials in our lives in order to turn our focus to Him. That we trust Him. That we lean on Him. He is our peace as we traverse life’s difficulties. In fact, I can’t imagine doing life without him, can you?
Lord Jesus, thank you for carrying me through this struggle. I’m so thankful for the strength you give in times of trouble, for your peace and comfort—for answered prayer. Bless my friends and keep them strong in whatever trial they find themselves this day. Lift them above their circumstances as they trust in you. Amen.
Love & Blessings ~ Danie
Oh Danie, I am so sorry to hear that you are going through this. Alzheimer's is such a horrible and frustrating disease. It is not only devastating to the person who has it but all their loved ones. I am thankful that your dad listened to your pastor and will pray he follows the guidance of others. It must be hard for him to admit he has lost the love of his life. I will pray for peace and strength for all of you. My husband's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's but fortunately, and I use that word lightly, his cancer took him before the Alzheimer's got too bad. He was such a sweet man, I'm glad his mind did not deteriorate too badly before we lost him. God Bless
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, thank you for your sweet words. I'm sorry about your f-i-l. And yes, Alzheimer's is a horrible disease. I recently learned that diabetics are prone to get it, and I'm a diabetic. Before Mom, I don't know of anyone on her side of the family that had it, accept for an uncle, and no one on my dad's side.
ReplyDeleteThank you for praying!
Love & blessings ~ Danie
Danie, I can so identify with you. We have a lot of Alzheimer's in our family and I personally help care for my grandfather and aunt when they were still alive. I'm sorry your dad didn't understand. I hope things are calmed down now.
ReplyDeleteMy grandfather wandered off and thankfully a stranger found him on the side of the road, lost and with broken glasses and a cut brow because he fell in a ditch. He took him to every house down the road until someone recognized who he was and knew where he lived.
And I hate to say it, but my mother is now experiencing early signs. It was her dad who had it. I hate to think of going down that road again but I know if we have to, God will see us through.
Praying for you as you walk this difficult journey.
Can't wait to see you in August!
Hi Vonda ~ Thanks much for stopping by. I know you have a busy schedule. And I'm sorry you've had to go through so much. Praying your mom doesn't have it. I just spoke to my dad, and he's still not worried she'll wander off. Everyone gets it but him! :/ So frustrating, but I don't see the use in bringing it up again. Some day she will leave. I just pray the Lord keeps her safe.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Danie
PS So looking forward to meeting you in person, too!