Hello to everyone out there in the blogosphere! It’s been quite a while since my last post. These last few weeks have been extremely busy.
Would you like to know what I’ve been doing? Basically, I’ve been training as a home health aide. Well, I haven’t undergone any official training, but if rigorous, real-life experience counts for anything, then I’m well-qualified by now.
Seriously, I’ve been pitching in to help take care of my youngest sister, who has been laid up and in excruciating pain for the past month and a half. I won’t go into detail about her medical situation, but it’s been pretty bad. But regardless of the situation, we know it’s in God’s hands and He has blessed her with good doctors and health insurance (smile).
Because of her current condition, the fact that she’s already on dialysis, and her constant need to manage pain, my sister has a veritable drugstore of meds—all of which must be taken at different intervals throughout the day. Some are to be taken three times a day with food; others, three times a day without food. There are once daily pills, those to be taken every 12 hours, and even a weekly injection that I administer. On top of all that, there are meals, wound care, assistance with personal care and hygiene, late-night cries for help, other household chores, a busy six-year-old niece to supervise, and a never-ending stream of laundry.
Needless to say, taking care of my sister requires a lot of work—detailed, around-the-clock attention. And, if you spend that much time with anyone, you’re bound to run into some personality clashes. (And the tension around the house has been as thick as dried mud throughout this whole ordeal.)
All in all, my mom, other sister, and I have been getting some serious hands-on learning in what it really means to be a caregiver…what it really means to love someone.
The Bible tells us in 1 Cor. 13:4-8a: “4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8Love never fails.”
Sometimes we feel like everything is closing in on us and we just can’t handle it anymore. But love is patient.
Sometimes we want to scream at the top of our lungs and lash out at each other because we’re there. But love is kind and it’s not easily angered.
Sometimes we feel like we just can’t take it anymore and want to call it quits. But love always perseveres. It never fails.
Through this whole process, my family has really been learning a lot about what real love really is. We pray that the Lord will be glorified, as we learn and grow, and that we will come to love Him and each other even better.
Wish I could say more, but duty calls! I love my family.
May you richly grow in His grace!
Firmly In His Grip,
Genikwa
Praying that God refreshes you. I know He is well pleased with you. All of the love we need, and all of the love He possesses is ours when we abide in Him.
Thanks for checking out my blog, Karin, and for the prayers. He already has!
Just today I learned that I will be going on a surprise vacation to help out a friend. Also, my mom will be able to take a few days out of the week, so that I can breathe a bit. Thank You, Jesus! This all literally happened within the last couple of hours. I feel refreshed just thinking about it.
May the Lord richly bless you and your ministry, my Sister. I’ll be checking in with you soon.
Firmly In His Grip,
Genikwa
I have been on both side of the fence, one who has help taken care of a family member, and one that had to be taken care of. Both can be a difficult task for all involved, but the love of God and the love that we should have for each other, let that be your strength.
I am praying the continue favor upon your life and all that he has laid for your hands to do.