Things That I Miss - Things That I Have

I’ve been reflecting lately on the things that I have missed since Dean had his stroke 18 months ago.

• Riding in the passenger seat of our car. I must drive ALL of the time.
• Being able to sleep in. Before Dean would get up early and I could sleep a little longer but now I need to get up with him to help with his cares.
• Being able to run from the car to wherever we are going if it is raining and super cold. Now it is a slow process getting in and out of the car and then walking very slowly.
• Having Dean help with making meals and cleaning up afterwards. Before he would always clean up so I could sit a bit after preparing the meal.
• Being able to sit in my chair without interruptions by Dean as he needs something.
• Having to take the garbage cans down to the curb and back up again.
• Being able to have a time that I can go window shopping or to garage sales. Now basically I run into a store and back home quickly.
• Being well rested. Caregiving is exhausting.
• Having to check out where we have an appointment or event to see if it is handicapped accessible. Does it have steps?  Is there parking near the facility?  Are there automatic doors? (BTW I’ve gotten good at using my hips to keep doors open so Dean can go through).

BUT then I think of what I have in this ‘new normal’ for us.

• Dean and I get to spend time together 24/7. We have had many precious times of sharing as our life has slowed down.
• Our children and their families live nearby, and they are oh so helpful.
• We have moved into a beautiful townhome that is handicapped accessible and has all the outdoor work taken care of for us.
• There are an amazing number of adaptive equipment that make life easier for Dean’s mobility.
• So many friends have dropped by to visit with us and encourage us now that it is harder for us to go to them. Many of them have helped with rides or came to sit with Dean while I left for a bit.
• My mobility has improved as my day involves lots of bending, lifting, pulling, etc.
• We have a great house cleaner that comes in once a month.
• I have learned to check my attitude many times during the day. I pray for my attitude every morning too.
• We can be on the go. It just takes us a little longer.  I’ve certainly learned patience (and I’m still needing to learn more).

ABOVE ALL

We are getting to know our Savior and Lord better and better.  He is our strength, and we are daily  the recipients of His abundant and tender mercies.  The Lord has granted us new understanding of his Word and promises.

Isaiah 40:28

The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He does not faint or grow weary,

His understanding is unsearchable.