Good Night

Our Thanksgiving was tiring and long and sweet and good.

Gramma came home last night from the hospital to settle into the care of her family with hospice assistance. I spent the night at her home with my mom. We slept in short bursts either awakened by my grandmother needing our help or awakened simply due to our own hyper-vigilance. At 5:00 a.m. we finally gave up and started our Thanksgiving preparations with bleary eyes and over-tired minds. It's a wonder anything made it to the table at all!

Because Gramma arrived home late in the evening last night, she'd not been officially seen by hospice so they came by this morning to settle her in and show us how to comfort her best. Thank God for these special people. They allow us to be strong and weak at the same time.

We made a traditional Turkey Day feast and the family gathered at 1:00 for dinner just as Lynette, the nurse, was leaving. My dad's mother, my aunt, sister and Sarah brought their special dishes and together we enjoyed a bounty as though nothing but celebration was on our minds. And in a way, it was true. I am sad, to be sure. But I am more peaceful and happy.

Please pray for my mom tonight. She is home alone with gramma as Amy and I had to go to our own homes to prepare for work tomorrow. I had myself halfway convinced to come home and pack a bag to return but the Holy Spirit checked me. Tomorrow my uncle will arrive from out of town and then on Saturday a cousin will come to stay for the duration as a caregiver for my gramma. I felt the Lord tell me that tonight my mom needs to be home alone with her mom. There was much bustle and talk with a house full of people today but this evening there needs to be quiet with a mother and daughter together. I think it is a private night that should be for the two of them, prepared by a loving God. Please pray that the evening is gentle and peaceful. Let there be quietness and an opportunity for this mother and daughter be wrapped in each other's love. I wanted to stay and "help", but the Lord assured me he could take care of them without me for this night. I would ask that you intercede on my gramma's behalf that she be pain free and able to rest. And for my mom, let there be a great peace that there is nothing left unfinished between them when the sun rises.

Thank you. On my mom's and gramma's behalf, we are filled with wonder and gratitude at your love. I am sure my mom will blog about her experiences in due time. As for my gramma, you'll have to talk to her in heaven. Plan on it.

Jeremiah 29:12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.