Changing of the Seasons

Our lives are like the changing of the seasons. Sometimes the seasons change ever so slowly that it is hardly recognizable. There may not be any outward signd that marked the change, but it happened. Other times, you know your life is going through a change of seasons. For Scott & I, this seasonal change culminated this week after a series of yearlong events. First, was my Grandfather's long illness and his passing. He was the rock, the foundation of our family. It was a hard loss for all of us. I had travelled back and forth this past year and 1/2 since his first major fall to be there for him and my mother at critical times. After his funeral, I stayed with my Mother for several days at her home to help out and then invited her to come back home with me, which she did. I'm glad. It was good for both of us.

Today, my mother-in-law had out-patient surgery. I went with my in-laws to help out. Scott wasn't able to go and someone needed to sit with his dad and drive them home afterwards. What was supposed to be just a 30 minute surgery and 30 minute recovery turned into an all day affair. Mom had a bad reaction to one of the pain medications given through the IV. It caused strange reactions and drastically affected her respiratory. My eyes stayed glued to the monitor, watching her breathing and her oxygen levels...sometimes they bottomed out and alarms went off. It was an all too familiar experience. A very painful reminder of the hours I spent by Granddaddy's side watching those same vital signs, respiratory readings, and oxygen levels. She snapped out of it as the medication wore off, but it was scary for a little while there. She is still suffering from the remnants of her reaction but was able to go home and is much improved.

As with many of our friends, our lives are shifting into a new season. A season in which we are seeing our roles slowly change from just being the adult children of our parents to being their caretakers. A season in which we are still raising our own children, who need us in so many ways, but in which we are needed more and more by our parents. It's hard to watch our parents and grandparents, who were once so strong and vibrant, begin to fade. These people whom we looked up to, admired, counted on, and sought advice from. Many still have so much to offer and are going strong. For others, we are beginning to hear faint whispers of what is to come. Still others we have lost way before we were ready to.

So, in reflecting on all of this, I want to spend more time with those I love - my husband, my children, our parents, family, friends, our church family - and in doing those things that Christ asks of me. After all, people are important. God thought so that's why He sent His Son to save us! Make time for your loved ones and friends. Make time to reach out to others. It's so very important that you do.

My heart is with you, my friends, all of you who are caring for loved ones, who have loved ones who are ailing, or who have lost loved ones. It's hard. Lean on Christ, He loves you and desires to help you.

"As soon as I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me strength." Psalm 138: 3

I love you and I am praying for you!

In His Love, Cathy