It seems like I say it has been a busy week every Friday, and so far it has been a busier than usual summer. But this is probably the busiest week so far. Here are some of the highlights:
1. Jason’s birthday celebrations. His birthday was Thursday, we took him and Mittu out to eat at a new-to-us Chinese place Friday and then went to their place for cake and presents, then Saturday Mittu threw him a surprise birthday party with friends at our house. Each event was much fun!
2. A good session with the doctor. I had my yearly physical Monday and was able to discuss some concerns that, for whatever reason, I hadn’t wanted to bring up before, but we were able to have a good discussion and he gave me some practical solutions.
3. A friend indeed. A friend at church who has taken a special interest in Grandma, always greeted her at church, and has visited her on occasion, was asking me about her on Sunday. She hadn’t heard that we were planning to bring her home, and as I was telling her about it and admitted I was struggling a bit with having my peaceful solitude at home “invaded,” I got unexpectedly emotional. She didn’t judge, just hugged and understood and said…I don’t even remember what, but it helped. 🙂
4. A word in due season. Either the morning we were to bring her home or the morning before, I was seriously wrestling with how I’d be able to handle it, and God gave me just exactly what I needed in my morning devotions and gave me a calmness of heart.
5. A smooth transition for Grandma. We moved her home Wednesday, and she seems to be doing well so far. Change, even positive change, can be hard, especially at her age and situation, but she seems happy and peaceful, and she’s very patient with our bumbling attempts at her care. The home health aide has been great with her and we all seem to connect well. The nursing home gave referrals for a physical therapist, a home nurse to visit a couple of days a week (they came yesterday), a speech therapist, and an occupational therapist (still to meet them). I was very glad – otherwise we, or at least I, would have felt set adrift after leaving the nursing home. We have been very pleased with all of them so far. Health care workers who are compassionate, caring, and competent are worth their weight in gold.
I’m understandably behind with reading and commenting on blogs, but I hope to catch up this weekend, when some of the extra therapists and such won’t be here and it will be a fairly regular day – at least as far as I can foresee just now. 🙂
Friday’s Fave Five is hosted by Susanne at Living to Tell the Story, who invites us to share five of our favorite things from the last week. It’s a wonderful exercise in looking for and appreciating the good things God blesses us with. Click on the button to learn more, then go to Susanne’s to read others’ faves and link up your own.
Stray Thoughts 
It’s so great when the Lord shows Himself to us in His word and His people. We experienced that daily when my son was here recuperating. I know what you mean about health care professionals. My mom is so far away, living on her own, and we found a Geriatric Care Manager who is proving to be worth her weight in gold in helping us assess her situation and get home health. Those people are real blessings. Praying you’ll have a great week ahead, Barb.
Don’t you love a Word in due season? That’s wonderful, and so very reassuring. It sounds like a great week, Barbara. I’m. So glad things are going well.
Can Grandma stay alone at all? Or are you homebound if no one else is there?
Praying for you–
I wouldn’t feel comfortable leaving her alone. Right now we have an aide there from about 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., but once we get more comfortable with her routine, we might have her come just in the mornings. We have to change her position every two hours, and so far I’m not confident I can do that alone yet.
Will lift up a prayer for you, Barbara. My MIL is in a care center right now, and we are making decisions about her care when she’s released.
It appears to have been an emotionally trying week. I am happy to hear that things are going well with the transition. Will be adding you all to my prayer list. God Bless and you get some down time whenever you can! 🙂
Much thankfulness in these days of transition for you. I admire your humbleness and hope I will do the same one day.
I’m glad the first few days are behind you now and that it didn’t totally overwhelm any of you. Thank God for his grace. I’ll continue to pray that the daily routines can be set in place in as stress-free a way as possible.
I know what you mean about telling things to the doctor. Sometimes I’ll tell them this but not that; other times not. ha. I don’t always have hope that they’ll be able to help, so why bring it up? But I recently told them something I’ve had going on for a few years and now I find myself with an appointment with a neurologist in a couple weeks. Oh well. Maybe it was time!
I am happy that God met your need through your church friend and through His word. I will pray for you with this change in your home. It would be difficult for me too. Glad your physical went so well. Mine is in 2 wks! It’s so important to be upfront with our doctors so we can get the best care. Blessing to you as you approach the weekend!
That’s a lot for you to take on. She must be very happy to be with you and your family.
I’m so glad you had that friend there to support you and have just the right words to say. And also that the Lord uplifted you with your devotions. It’s not just a big change for Grandma for your family too! So glad that you have had caring home workers to give you a hand until things settle into a routine for you. And know that you have your bloggy friends saying a prayer for you too and supporting you in that way.
Birthday celebrations sound like they were lots of fun.
A “calmness of heart” – how peaceful and soothing it sounds. Love it! With you on compassionate, caring and competent health workers being worth their weight in gold. Happy birthday to Jason.
Thank you for the update, Barbara. I’d been wondering how the transition went for you and Grandma. It’s a big step in about ten different directions — and it seems the Lord is giving you the grace to handle all the additional tasks of coordinating doctors and therapists for your MIL. God bless you for taking it on.
So happy that Jason and Mittu as close by and that you can celebrate his special day together. And I’m glad you had time to talk with your doctor and have some concerns addressed.
Please say hello to Grandma for me. I’m glad everything is going well with the transition and that the aide is great too.
It’s very sweet of you to take care of your grandma in your home! I hope and pray that she and your family will adjust well to the change.
Thanks for visiting my blog. Have a blessed week in the Lord!