Little Dancing Pilgrim

Tuesday, May 13:
My father-in-law whom I care for served our country during the Korean War, believed in working hard for his money in order to have the basic comforts in life and meet his family’s needs till this very day. His oldest son died while in his 40’s unexpectedly, he lost his wife to Alzheimer in 2006. Danny loved life, couldn’t even stay still long enough to watch a movie all the way through. In November of 2007 his body started to claim “I’m tired”, and today at the age of 88 it’s saying “I’m done.” Danny has been under Hospice care with us for over a month now.

I looked up the word Hospice in the Webster's dictionary and this is what it said, “a house for shelter or rest for pilgrims, strangers”. I thought how appropriate - we are pilgrims on a journey passing through this life in these temporary tents till that one day when our Heavenly Father calls upon us. But while still on this journey we can always find shelter, safety, rest in Christ Jesus. As a Caregiver there have been some difficult times in caring for my In-laws, even to the point of wanting out. But I see now what a privilege it is to have been a part of helping and comforting those in need. The Lord used this home to give that to Danny in his last days. I realize today more than ever that the reason we are not able to continue living here after Danny’s passing isn’t truly because we can’t afford it, because God can do anything. It is because it wasn’t for me in the first place; it was for Sophie and Danny…their resting place in their last days.

Psalm 31:20 - You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence.

Deuteronomy 33:27 - The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms;

Hebrews 4:1 - Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest,

Psalm 23:2 - He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.

Jeremiah 31:25 - For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.

Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

At about 5:15 this morning (Thursday, May 15), my husband went down to help Danny use the restroom, this was no longer a simple task. Danny had finally lost the ability to walk from the weakness of his heart and frail little body. Just two weeks ago I saw him from across the room standing over his walker dancing to the music playing on TV, he loved music. Well my husband comes back upstairs from helping him and tells me “I don’t think we can do this anymore, he needs around the clock supervision“. We knew Danny’s heart about not being put in a home; just yesterday he had thanked us for keeping him at home. In that very moment as we lay there in bed I cried out to my Lord, for help, for mercy, for wisdom, for direction. Well the Lord heard my cries, He always does. Psalm 6:8 - For the Lord has heard the voice of my weeping. The Lord has heard my supplication; The Lord will receive my prayer.

Later that day the Hospice nurse requested “continued care” which means a nurse will be hear for 16 hours a day due to Danny’s severe declining. We now had the help we needed. Danny doesn’t have to leave his home and the best part, but not the easiest, is Danny is on his way to meet his Heavenly Father. Thank you Jesus!

As we sit hear watching this little pilgrim spiritually taking his last steps, we see how truly life is but a vapor...

James 4: 14 - whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is
your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes
away.

Psalm 39:4, 5 - Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the
measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. Indeed, You have made my
days as handbreadths, and my age is as nothing before You; certainly every man
at his best state is but vapor.

Signing off for now…I’m tired and I need to go check on Danny…2:23 a.m. Friday, May 16

Friday 7:30am...After a very restless and difficult night for all of us, my husband goes in to check-up on his father, only to see him take his last breath. Our God is so merciful, Danny did not have to go anywhere, he stayed in the comforts of his home, his bed and from there he walked right into the arms of Jesus, probably ran and now dancing! Dance Danny, Dance!

I always had it in the back of my mind that when this time came it wouldn’t be as difficult as I now find it to be.

Closing thoughts, Sunday, May 18th
I am speaking to all caregivers reading this, whether it be a parent, child, husband, whomever you’re caring for...

• Never make any decisions based on emotions
• Take all your worries, concerns, weariness and doubts to the Lord first
• Find a Godly support group and if your church doesn’t have one, go to those in your church for prayer. There is great power in prayer!

This is how I made it through.

Galatians 6:9 - and let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Amen!


Ida