Another thought from Barbara
Do you remember that epiphany you had in your late teens or early twenties? The one in which you realized that your mother actually did know what she was talking about and had experienced life and was a source that you could trust and that she was a lot smarter than you thought she was. Well, I had that and again I have had a similar experience in my forties.

I have always known that my mom was a nurse and that she knew a lot about medicine, but I only saw it practiced as any mom practices nursing her children. I have been to places where she has worked and her fellow employees have raved about her nursing abilities and care beyond the call of duty that she demonstrated for her patients.

But, it has not been until this year that I have been able to see first hand her knowledge and abilities and care. She demonstrates her love for Dad every day in how she cares for him. Her hands are full of service and love. She is meticulous in his physical care. She is so detailed and demanding of herself. I would let things go that she will do and do and do until they are perfect. She knows how to do everything to care for Dad. She is so confident in what is to be done and how to do it properly that she makes me feel competent when I am copying her. She never stops and works tirelessly way beyond what I would be able to do. She has a broken foot and yet spends 12 to 14 hours standing by Dad's bedside without complaint. I could not do that.

I say all of this to quote Proverbs 31 that her children will rise up and call her blessed. I stand now to call my mom blessed and a blessing to Dad and to all of us. I know that this blog is about my dad, but he would not be the man he is if he had not had the woman I call Mom.

Please pray for her. Pray for God's strength when she has no more strength. Pray for health and unceasing grace to flow into and from her. She is in a precarious position - emotionally, physically, and spiritually. But God is able to do far more than she could ever ask or imagine for her.

With humility,
Barbara