Posted by I’ve been wishing I could talk to Dad about all that ‘s been going on with the pandemic, and world unrest, and heated debates about to mask or not mask, etc. Dad was so intelligent and usually had an opinion. But he’s been with Jesus for over two years now. I can’t discuss anything with him but I can remember his example and learn from it…
I can remember the days, when Mom’s walking was getting weak and unsteady, I’d have to put a gait belt on her and coax her to stand and hold onto her as we walked. Dad was blind by that time and not as steady on his feet himself. But I would notice, as I was walking with Mom, that he’d be whispering fervently. And I’d catch words and realize he was praying. And he’d keep praying until I had Mom settled wherever I was going with her. And then, if I was close enough, I’d hear him release a big breath.
I remember he’d want to hear all about my life and I’d also share prayer requests from my friends, and he’d pray for us all. And then, when I talked to him later, he’d want updates on how God was answering those prayers. And from time to time he’d feel God was leading him to send a check to a struggling friend, or give me cash to take someone out for lunch, or do something to fix whatever problem I had.
And I remember the day I’d been cleaning and when I turned off the vacuum I heard Mom and Dad out on their small porch. I saw them through the open door, holding hands in a ray of sunshine. Dad was singing Amazing Grace and Mom joined in, but decided to sing What a Friend we Have in Jesus instead. Dad didn’t stop to correct her. He just enjoyed her company and kept singing his song, and Mom sang hers. And they were content.
And it all makes me think about what Dad would say to me now about all that is going on…
Pray. There are many things in this world you have little control over, but you can always pray and know that prayer makes a difference. God calls us to pray. And you keep faithfully praying until you see your prayers answered.
Be aware of what’s going on and keep in touch with those around you. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and how God might be leading you to help someone or some cause. And then do what He tells you to do. Do it now. Don’t put off the good you know to do today.
Find a little spot of sunshine each day and spend some time singing to God. Bring your best friend with you if you can. Remind each other that God’s grace is amazing and that we have a matchless friend in Jesus! And know that you can still enjoy the company of someone who sings a different song. God knows our hearts.
Daughter, I know the world is a disaster right now. I’m thankful Mom and I are with Jesus! And wow, it’s so beautiful and peaceful here! You’ll love it when God calls you Home. But meanwhile, God has you there for a purpose! So keep praying. Keep trusting God. Keep loving those He’s put in your life. You’re doing great!
I love you dear daughter. I love you big, big bunches! Hang in there. We know the end of the story is good!
Oh, and don’t forget to buy dilly bars for your grandchildren. It’s what grandparents do.
God's Grace and Life's Challenges 
This is so beautiful. Your father was wonderfully wise man.
I’ve also spent a lot of time wondering what my father would say if he were alive for all this. I miss him so much.
Blessings to you.
This is so timely and uplifting- the world feels so dangerous and unprecedented In its course. Thank you for this post…
The world does feel dangerous! I’m glad you found this post uplifting. It helped me to write it and think about my dad’s example. Thank you for taking the time to share a comment, srmma49!
Thank you, Sally! I miss my dad, too, and his wisdom! May God comfort you with His Fatherly love.
I’ve been thinking about you and hoping you would post soon. I am always so blessed by your words. God gives you those words! Yesterday was my birthday and I got the best present ever. The assisted living facility where my parents live called to say that they are going to start allowing outdoor , masked visits by appointment tomorrow! I have not been with my parents since March 10. I am so excited to be able to talk to them face to face though it will be 6 feet away. I have had to entrust them to God’s care more than I ever have. He has kept them safe and provided dear nurses to care for them and let me face time them. I am in awe of His grace which has gotten them and me through this difficult separation period. Mom has no idea how long it has been since she last saw me and for that I am thankful. It has been such a blessing that, even though she is in year 13 of her dementia, she still knows who I am when I have spoken to her on the phone. Praising God for His mercy and grace which gets us through these difficult times. Thank you for always giving us your sweet, encouraging words. God bless you and yours.
It’s great to hear from you again, too, Ivy! And Happy Birthday, a bit belated! Celebrate your whole birth week! That is the best present ever!
We’ve had to entrust my husband’s mom to God’s care, too. She tested positive for Covid weeks ago. They moved her to a special area then that was on the first floor, so she was able to have some visits on the phone and through the window. She continued to test positive, even though she had no apparent symptoms. And then last week they told us she had finally tested negative twice and was moved back to her regular room! And they’ve told us we can do outdoor visits now, too! What a blessing!
That’s amazing that your mom still knows you! What a tender mercy! Enjoy your visits, my friend, and stay well! Thank you for reading and taking time to comment, encourage and share your story! God bless you and yours, too!
~Cheryl
Great news that you get to see your mother-in-law! So thankful she cleared the virus!
I love this so very much. I’m hoping your parents have met mine in heaven. I would agree about those DQ Dilly bars too! (Now I want one!!)
~ Cindie
Thank you, Cindie! I love the thought of our parents meeting in heaven. And thank you so much for reblogging the post and for the recommendation! That is so encouraging!
And I know . . . I want a dilly bar now, too!
Reblogged this on Barefoot Lily Lady and commented:
This is so worth reading – I was so moved by this post today. I can imagine my own dad telling me some of the same things. If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s too, this blog is one I would recommend following.
My husband died three months ago — and reading this brought tears to my eyes. Thinking about your parents, my parents, and the faith and goodness they shared. Thank you. Lovely post!
I’m so sorry for your loss, AECRM! I hope the post brought you some comfort. I know it comforts me to write about the faith of my parents and all that God was teaching me through them. Thank you for taking time to comment and for your encouragement! May God bless and comfort you now.
~Cheryl
Cheryl, Thank you for your kind words. My parents died in 1994 and 2007 — but I still think of them daily and, like you, have learned much because of their love of God and each other. Thanks again, Ann
i thank you for all your posts. they help me soooooo much, My mom has past about 5 yrs ago, after suffering for 5yrs of dementia …. i now take care of a gentleman, who is suffering with undiagnoised dementia ….. I need these posts to keep me encouraged and keep chugging along.
I’m so thankful to hear the posts help you, Joy! I’m sorry your mom had dementia and that she has passed. May God comfort you and bless you with His grace as you care for others!
Thank you for taking time to encourage me with your message!
~Cheryl
On Tue, Jun 30, 2020 at 1:32 AM God’s Grace and Mom’s Alzheimer’s wrote:
> chermor2 posted: ” I’ve been wishing I could talk to Dad about all that ‘s > been going on with the pandemic, and world unrest, and heated debates about > to mask or not mask, etc. Dad was so intelligent and usually had an > opinion. But he’s been with Jesus for over two years n” >