My mom got
an infection after hip surgery. They didn’t know until she had been sent to a
rehabilitation center. In my mind she seemed too sick to do exercises and I was
right. We took her home to take care of her ourselves.
The government sent a nurse to
our house to evaluate her. They wanted to know if she could exercise and teach
me how to take care of her. The nurse was lovely. She met the family and then
went into Mom’s room and talked with her and me.
She could
see Mom was too weak and sick to do any exercises. She explained how much
easier it would be for me to take care of mother if we had a hospital bed. She
said the Red Cross loaned them for no cost for 6 – 9 months. After that we have
to buy our own. So, we ordered one from the Red Cross. We also are able to have
two nurse’s aides come and give mother a bath once a week and take care of her
for three hours while my husband and I go out. The cost is covered by the
government.
Mom’s
infection was cured; now she is just tired and wants to sleep day and night.
She isn’t eating anything, but drinks water, Boost and orange juice. I have
read that when we are dying, we no longer have an appetite. This is our body
helping us die peacefully.
My husband,
daughters and granddaughters have been helping me. Mom is restless and wants to
turn over in bed often. Actually this is good for her because of bed sores. I
would have to move her every two hours anyway. When she had the infection she
wanted to be turned about every 15 minutes. That was extremely tiring. My
husband and I took turns so we could sleep.
I bought a
book called, “Meditating on the Psalms,” by John Eaton. I’ve been enjoying it
very much. He writes about “alphabetic” or “ acrostic” Psalms. The poet begins
the song with the A of their alphabet and each line begins with the next
letter. I thought I would try to write one myself. Here it is:
All the Lord
does is beautiful.
Beautiful in
love, wisdom and mercy.
Call upon
the Lord, and he will hear you.
Depend on
his saving grace.
Everything
that breathes, the Lord has made.
From the ant
to the whale, God made us all.
He reigns in
the heavens.
In his
throne room he rules over all.
Justice and
righteousness are the foundation of his throne.
Keep your
eyes, heart and mind upon the Lord.
Look on him
who is perfect.
Many are his
marvelous words and works.
Never lean
upon man; lean upon God.
Open your
heart to him.
Pour out
your thoughts and sorrows.
Quietly, he
will strengthen you.
Rest in his
everlasting love.
Surely, he
will save your soul.
Tenderly he
will lead you.
Under the
shadow of his wings you will find refuge.
Vast are his
thoughts towards you.
Why should
we worry or be troubled?
eXalt his
name in all the earth.
Your heart
he will fill with peace and love.
Zion is his
habitation and from there he will reign over us.
