My caregiving journey with my parents began after my own children were young adults and out of our home. Many of you are juggling your busy home with active children and caring for aging parents. There is a balancing act going on that must leave you feeling like you are juggling balls, spinning plates and riding a unicycle at the same time. When you get out of balance the balls bounce and the plates shatter leaving you with a sense of failure.
While I can’t say that I know how you feel, I can bring a smile to your face with my balancing act. We have an almost 16 year old Westie in our home. She is partially blind, deaf and incontinent. Some days she circles for long periods of time trying to figure out how to lay down. Other days she walks herself into a corner and stands with no idea of how to get out. Our hearts ache for her but she still eats well and seems to be in no pain.
Our newest addition to the farm is a rambunctious 4 month old German Shepherd. His favorite thing to do after chasing balls is to herd our Westie. As I write this he is running laps around my family room.
Watching one struggle with the simple acts of living while the other overflows with energy and excitement probably describes your home life. There are times that conflict results when the two age groups collide. Then there are the priceless times to treasure when they compliment each other and connect in beautiful moments.
You seldom have time to do anything except feed, clothe, bath, referee and clean. The parents time with you will be brief and the children will mature. Life will get better. While you are in the situation of being sandwiched between the two, take a deep breath and know you can make it through. Call a friend who cares and ask them to remind you of this when you get frustrated and have tied a knot in the end of the rope and are just holding on.
Even as I continue to write my house has gone silent. I checked to see and to my amazement both the old dog and the pup are asleep. Hope you get some quiet time for yourself today as well.
Word for Today
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear Heavenly Father, you are the shelter we run to when we are overwhelmed with the demands of life. We thank you that you provide peace even in the midst of storms. You gave us emotions and sometimes ours include sadness, joy, fear, excitement and more. Just as our demands require balance so do our emotions. We are so grateful that you are a safe place to pour our hearts out. After pouring our hearts out we are able to just sit in your warm embrace and rest. Thank you for being our refuge.
Amen
Walking Them Home 