Through the years I have observed a beautiful setting where paths have crossed that filled me with joy and terrible heartache at the same time. My children and nephew enjoyed the moments when their great grandmother was playful and giggling. My first observation of this was when I walked in to find my son trying to make the bed while she was throwing the sheets in the air and laughing. He had a puzzled look but laughed with her. As time passed they matured and loved visiting her. They were growing up and understood that she had Alzheimer’s disease so they made adjustments such as eating ice cream twice when she forgot they had eaten a bowl of ice cream. Her favorite card game was rook. They patiently played and allowed her to win when she forgot the color of the trump suit and changed it to whatever she played each hand.
Some days I would drive from my daughter’s home where I had just cut up food for a little one to my parents home where I cut up my mother’s food for her. While one was potty training the other was beginning to wear depends. The paths crossed as one grew up and the other faded away. The heaviness of seeing my mom like this was lifted by the joy of the little ones around me.
Every caregiver watches this crossing of paths. A child becomes the one protecting and nurturing the parent. As a spouse, you will get tiny glimpses into what your husband or wife was like as a child. For most of my adult life I always knew that just talking to my dad on the phone made things seem better, even if I never told him what difficulties I might be facing. Just hearing his voice gave me comfort and strength. The last years that Dad was with me, I faced a complete reversal of this. I was his comfort and strength. He depended on me always answering the phone when he called. My cell phone had a specific ringtone assigned to him. I almost always took his call because I knew he would have taken mine in the past.
When the paths cross embrace the love and memories. Look for the best. Take the one you love by the hand and assure them you will walk the path with them to the best of your abilities. You will guide them when they are confused. You will be a light when the path gets dark. You will hold them up when they stumble.
In order to lead you must be strong. The role of caregiving can drain your strength. There is a source of refilling and renewing. It was provided by a loving heavenly Father. He sees every struggle. He feels every heartache. He collects your tears. He loves you enough to send Jesus, his only son, to die for you. He intercedes on your behalf. Allow this to be your strength.
Word for Today
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:105
Song for Today
Prayer for Today
Dear God,
Sometimes the path twists and turns leaving me uncertain of where it is going. I am responsible for helping someone else along this path as well. Give me confidence in you when I feel overwhelmed. Give me peace when changes occur. Allow me to experience your peace and presence and then help me connect with the one I care for in a way that offers them the same peace. I have the ability to trust you and I know their soul can still feel you as well.
As we link arms on this path be our light to guide us. For this we give you praise.
Amen
Walking Them Home 