Monday, July 9, 2012

July 9 – “Praising the Lord anyway”

 
 
Mom didn't have such a good day yesterday.  In fact she has been kind of out of it for the past few days.  She woke up on her own yesterday morning around 7.  That was red flag number one.  It usually takes Chris a few hours to get her up and moving in the mornings.  She got out of bed and made her way into the kitchen – without her walker.  And wearing only one slipper.  On the wrong foot.  I was the only one up at that time, but she wouldn't talk to me at all.  I did get the walker for her.  And I managed to get her to let me help her get her other slipper on.   I tried to get her to eat breakfast, and she started moving toward the table, but she just cruised right on pat it and walked around the house a few times.  In her journeys she occasionally ran the walker into the wall or chairs but she eventually made it to the couch and sat down.  Chris finally managed to get her to the table, but then Mom wouldn't eat.  She just sat there.  Chris had to feed her breakfast.  Chris assured me they would be fine, so I went on to church.  When I checked back with her, Chris said Mom never said more than an occasional "what?"  She wasn't really any better all afternoon.  She did eat some ice cream, but only after Chris put the cup in her hand.  At one point Chris was sitting next to her.  Mom leaned back, looked at her as if for the first time, and said, "Chris."  That was about the extent of recognition for the day.  We had an offer from a nurse at church to come sit with her whenever we needed her to, even if it was just for us to get out for a while.  We'll see how the first part of the week goes.
 
Church was like a flashback yesterday.  We still had lots of visitors.  The problem came with music.  The only two members of our praise team who were there were the bass player and a backup singer.  All the others were gone for one reason or another.  We thought arrangements had been made for us to "sing along with the experts" on the computer (Ah, the benefits of a computer and RealPlayer).  About time to start, however, the expected music had not yet arrived, so Cory the bass player selected some songs and ran the computer for us.  Just like the old days.  Everyone was very flexible and seemed to have a good time.  We even gave it a shot and sang "Family of God" a capella at the end.  We sure missed our worship leaders, but that didn't stop us from praising the Lord anyway.  Good lesson. 
 
Psalms 9:9-10 says, "The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.  Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you."
 
Father, help me to praise you anyway when it comes to Mom as well.  Amen.

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