It was Thursday, February 28, 2008. I was awakened this morning at 3:30 a.m. and decided to go down to the playroom to join Dale. I fell asleep on the sofa while Patty, a dear woman who stays with us at night, took care of Dale. When I awoke, Patty had slipped out and I saw Dale just waking with a smile on his face.
Our routine is to let the dog out, feed him, put on the pot of coffee, give Dale his 2 cans of Pulmocare, letting him relax a little while I have cheerios and bananas and a big cup of coffee of course. After our stomachs are satisfied, we start our routine of meds, nebulizer treatment and cleaning the trach. Rest again. Dale is extremely weak and doesn't take much to tired him, so our pauses come frequently. He is such a sweet man and love's being read to, so I try to do so as much as I can.
We had a few visitors today. Lora came by to "check on us" before they (Bobby and Lora) go on an adventure to the far cold, snowy, north. David and Rachel have been so faithful in being here helping out in every way. We have a few laughs and a few scary moments in helping Dale do the simple things in life. You see, he has trouble moving his head, legs and arms. Great effort goes into his typing on the blog. So I thought I would help him today.
Our last thing to do before bed time is reading a chapter from a book. Tonight the book was "When I Lay My Isaac Down" by Carol Kent. I was struck by a paragragh on community. I feel compelled to share it with you all. This is during a difficult trial in her, Carol Kent's, family's life:
"I never understood what the power of community could do. It's people in the body of Christ working like a family to sit and cry with you. Holding you, caring for your needs. Carrying your burden for a day. Creatively solving problems. Gathering resources. Opening doors of hope. Writing notes of encouragement. Fighting a cause on your behalf. Finding a way when there is no way. Listening. Waiting with you as long as it takes. It's people being "Jesus" to you."
What a great understanding of community. Dale and I have experienced that community here in Ruston, LA and throughout the world....prayers, cards, food, visits and just being there to fill those needs, as Carol Kent says "being 'Jesus'" to us. How humbled we are for the outpouring of love and concern.
These are those we will spend eternity with. This life is the practice field for eternity. "WOW" as Dale says, "Heaven looks good."
Thank you dear dear people who are helping share this burden with us. It brings sunshine into the darkness to know we are not alone on this journey.
Helen
3 comments:
Tears in Erie-but know I love you, Dear Friends. We count it a blessing to stand along beside you during this time. GOD IS GOOD AND MOST IMPORTANT HE IS IN CHARGE!
Mom and Dad,
What a sweet entry, Mom. I have told so many here in Jackson about the wonderful community that you all do have there in Ruston. It has been very touching for me to see that through the holidays and just this past weekend. We are truly blessed. I too have that community on a smaller scale here in Jackson which helps when I can't be there.
I love you both and am so thankful for David and Rachel and their faithfulness to you all during this time. Wish I could be there more often. I do think about and pray for y'all every minute of the day and look forward to calling each night and hearing how the day was.
Love you and looking forward to seeing y'all in a few weeks.
Jo
What a wonderful entry, Helen. Its so comforting to those of us who can't be there with you, to know that you have such a loving community surrounding you. we love you both
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