Caring for your Parents

Roberts is offering a bring-your-lunch workshop on caring for your aging parents. While I am not a primary care provider, I am deeply affected by what is happening to Mom. I am frustrated and distressed and wish there were something I could do to contribute to her care even though I have neither the stamina nor the funds to do much of anything.

The women who are presenting the workshop have been working hard to improve care for the elderly. They provide concrete information about all different aspects of parent care, including what you can do if you live states away. This is helpful. Mom is being moved from Tennessee to California to live with another sister and her family now. I can barely imagine Mom being able to make such a trip.

She has never flown. She doesn't do much moving around, and just getting to the plane will tax her strength, not to mention her anxiety levels will be through the roof. The flight is long, and then the trip to my sister's from the airport will add even more time to an already long day. Everything at my sisters will be strange and new. Being part of a family again will add noise and confusion to what have been quiet empty days.

There will be both good and challenging parts to this change for her, but I feel Mom's concerns. I have begun praying often and long for a smooth and easy transition. Sometimes I wake in the middle of the night with Mom's name on my lips. How different her life has become. How overwhelmed she must often feel. Nothing is what she has been used to.

It frightens my brothers and sisters. We see what is happening to Mom and know that we could well have a much more difficult time of it as we age. I continue to hold onto the truth that in all my desperate situations, of which there have been many, God has always been there with me and provided for all my needs. He will not change just because I am getting old and won't have the kind of resources you are supposed to have.

I determine to call my sister and express my concerns. Communication has not been terrific and maybe it would help if I established an open line of conversation so I can better pray for Mom's situation. Yes, I think we can put something in place that will be helpful all around.