Put On the Clothes, Mother!
My friend Michelle Malay called me a bit ago to try to vent
some of her frustrations. Have never had to deal with anything or anyone like
she is currently, but will tell you that we need to have compassion on
caregivers. Her MIL is 98 years old. She does not want to wear clothes.
Currently a nine-year-old boy is spending the day and night with Michelle.
Mother Mary is not at all deficit in the mental department; she is just a
stubborn old git! When asked what she would do if the boy came out there,
Mother M said, “He doesn’t come out here.” Rolling eyes here. Well, tomorrow it
is supposed to rain. Maybe Mother Mary will wear some clothes tomorrow.
Had a visitor or three today. Rylan (Hanan’s son) came with their
adult clothes to use my laundry facilities. We got most of those finished
before he had to go pick up Isabella and my great-grandson Josiah. Enjoyed a
visit with them. Never know what a day will bring. [No kisses because of RSV!]
Yesterday, Mark Ogle came and stayed to visit for a couple
of hours and then he was able to take care of some business and visit with the
Route 66 Group at Pioneer on Maplewood. The group only goes there every four
months, but this old woman had to be at the dentist’s office at 2 p.m. Praise
God that Dr. Pitts was able to take care of this tooth that anchors my lower
bridge. It seems as if it has been just one thing after another lately, but
even though it was too expensive, at least the work did not hurt me and the
tooth was saved.
Having the battery down on the truck means that the old
woman is not going anywhere unless someone takes her. Mary Rhodes was kind
enough to take me to the dentist office twice, and now Judie Brunson is going
to take me to the ophthalmologist’ office to see if this cataract is ready to
come out this year. The neurologist said to wait six weeks before driving, so by
March maybe the truck will be up and running with a jump start. Now if only
there were a jump start for old folks like me!!
Rylan said that his stepdad had brought his wife over from
wherever it was she lived, and now she is just about ready to have their baby.
Guess what. The new immigration thing is causing them to have to fight for her
to be able to stay here in this country. Ensa is spending thousands of dollars
on lawyers just so that they can live in peace. Shaking my head and praying
that this is resolved without tearing their family apart.
Received my first copy of The Upper Room today that
my sister-by-another-mother (Sharon Dickerson) had sent to me. The stories are
encouraging and just what was needed around here. Sometimes things can get to a
person when we can’t really be with anyone else or don’t really have much that
makes us feel useful. Anyway, this little magazine reminded me of some areas
that need my prayers.
Talking to Sterling today, it dawned on me that despite the
fact that Rylan has been exposed to theories of creation, he has the idea that
Alla, Jesus Christ, and God the Father are all one and the same. How does one
talk to a person who thinks he or she already knows everything necessary? Will
look online (Mardel type places) to see if any quick reading things might be
available to give to him so that he can realize that he is missing something
important. Please pray that he does not become insulted or disgusted with an
old woman’s viewpoint. Meanwhile, prayer is all that can help us—any of us—in this
life. In my mind, the reason my grandson is here today is because God had a
reason for him to be in our lives.
Meanwhile, Sterling said that he and his friend George are
being asked to make a bevy of little kid’s rocking chairs for various men who saw
one made for a friend. They finish them and put G&S and the month and year
on them. No one will ever know what G&S stand for unless they know Sterling
or George, but that’s ok. Sterling says it keeps them busy and out of trouble—mostly.
This old woman is tired and ready to call it a night. May
you all know that from our conception—and before, God has loved us. Let us give
that love to others as we are able.
Rest well, my friends. You are loved.
