Each morning as soon as my eyes open my mind and heart are immediately consumed with grief from the loss of my mother and the overwhelming problems of caring for a father with Alzheimer's. Each morning I have a choice. Do I follow this pathway of sorrow and worry or do I take a different path? This morning I chose to smile. I chose to not begin my day with worries. I chose a different path, a fragile one, but I chose to look for joys and to be content.
My daughter sent me a lovely card this week. She included the verse Isaiah 41:10.
My daughter sent me a lovely card this week. She included the verse Isaiah 41:10.
"So do not fear; for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."
I'm putting this card by my bedside and when I open my eyes I will read this verse and know I am not alone.
It's been a rough month. So many things to take care of while we're grieving. My heart will never stop grieving and the problems will not go away, but I'm beginning to realize that I have the strength to deal with it all.
There's another thing that makes me smile today. It's you! It's knowing that I have such amazing and special friends who care and who pray for me. I am so grateful to have you in my life. We may never "see" one another, but that's doesn't matter. I know you're there. Thank you so much for your kind words on my blog and in your emails, for your thoughts, and especially for your prayers. They have been a comfort to me and have helped me through the past month.
I hope this morning that you choose to smile and that you find joy in your day. Love to you all.
I was just thinking that I had not seen you post in a while...wondering if all was Ok. Then I went on with my frets over caring for the 3 elders in my home and the challenges of the MIL with Alzheimer. Quite frankly it has been one of those days where I could not find the smile in me. That is until I saw you photo and read your words. Thank you Cathy. My Prayers for you and yours continue.
ReplyDeleteYour daughter's lovely card and bible quotation help you get through your day - and especially help you choose how you want that day to be. It's wonderful that you can feel your inner strength coming through to do what needs to be done, both for you and for you dad who needs constant care and help. My thoughts are with you.
ReplyDeletei am smiling because you are here and i was so elated to see an update from you!!!! you have made a good decision and chosen the perfect path!! and that's a beautiful image!!!
ReplyDeleteChoosing happiness isn't easy, but I, like you, try to do that each day. Some days are so much harder than others, aren't they? Thinking of you, Cathy, and wishing you special strength as you help your dad deal with the ravages of Alzheimer's...
ReplyDeletei've been thinking of you cathy. knowing how hard it must be for you with the loss of your mom and caring for your dad. my parents are getting older and i lately it's like i'm catching little glimpses of what lies ahead. thank you for sharing your journey. wishing you peace and strength my friend. xo
ReplyDeleteGlad you chose to smile.
ReplyDeleteI can tell you have a beautiful and strong heart. It shows in the choices you make. :)
ReplyDeleteMay you always find the strength and humor you need. Sorry for your loss.
Isn't it wonderful how God sends us just what we need to help us get through those trying times. It's so wonderful He sent you the message in the card that your daughter sent. - I'm dealing with similar stuff right now and sure needed to read this post.
ReplyDeleteThose words in the card your daughter sent you are real powerful and consoling. The choice you made is the beginning if healing. We are never ought to forget our loved ones when they pass away but we certainly can choose to ease our sorrows. I continue to pray for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad to read that you have support from your family and friends in this difficult time. I know how hard to it is to care for a parent with Alzheimbers. Stay strong and remember to take care of yourself too.
ReplyDeleteTearful smiles and hugs to you - amazed by your strength to live with joyfulness amidst your sorrow.
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