Sometimes it seems like my gerontologist friend, Karen, has lived 20 lives to my one, especially when it comes to weathering the near-terminal illnesses of her parents. See what she recently wrote about how her parents’ belief and trust in God has served both them and her very well in life.
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See what she says….
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Life is a roller coaster ride. It has its ups and it definitely has its downs. For those of us lucky enough to be born to believers, we've witnessed from a young age what faith can do in our lives. The older I get, the more I'm assured that God is with me and has a plan for my life. I've seen it. I know it. More than ever before I know He is and is with me.
When I was young, I believed in Him, but as I approach the 60 year mark, He's more real to me than ever before. The old song says, "I don't know what's in the future, but I know I'm in His hands." The trials of life I've been through have built my faith by seeing His quiet, simple solutions to problems I thought would never be resolved. Each problem that arises gives me another chance to trust Him more.
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Both my parents have endured horrific health crisis. Through the months and years of recovery, I saw how their faith gave them comfort. As my daddy laid on what seemed to be his death bed, he looked at me with a peaceful look and said, "Angel, I've had a wonderful life. I have a wonderful family. If He's ready for me to go, I'm not afraid. I couldn't have asked for anything more." He not only survived, he has thrived past losing his bladder to cancer. He's amazed the doctors who thought he wouldn't survive a year. It's been over 11 years now. He continues to be the rock of our family and my mother's right hand man.
My mother was stricken with Guillan Barre Syndrome. She went from a vibrant, hard-working woman to one who couldn't hold a cup in her hand. After work one night, I went to visit her in the hospital. She had been moved to ICU and daddy was standing near the end of her bed. When he saw me coming, he moved in front of her bed, seemingly to hide her. They had put her on a respirator and he was afraid of my reaction. As I came closer and looked into her eyes, I didn't see my mother's fear. Even though she couldn't move or talk, she mouthed the words, "It's not so bad."
That was nine years ago. She never gave up. She pushed on and was released in record breaking time. She returned to a family that loves her, to a new baby great-grandson that she claims helped her recover faster.
She not only walks, but puts hours in the garden, the house and is there to baby my daddy like she always has. The doctors were wonderful, but I know it was God who spared both my parents. He must have known how much our family needed them both. I thank Him daily for these blessings and so many more.
Yes, growing older has its downs. But the faith we build as we plow through the problems gives us strength of spirit and the knowledge of an abiding Creator who loves us. In that, I rejoice!
Is Karen a champion in life? You bet she is!!
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For more info about caring for your elderly, please contact me at (949) 289-1534.Or call and join me for lunch and a tour of our facility. San Clemente Villas by the Sea is located at 660 Camino De Los Mares, San Clemente, CA 92673. Phone: | Fax: (949) 234-0081. Contact: Aileen Brazeau, Co-Owner of San Clemente Villas by the Sea. www.SanClementeVillas.com.
