Hatfield House (in the city)

The Lord gives us no more than we can bear, right?

Then why do I feel like I am about to explode? Implode?

Mom is fine when she is alone in the mornings with me, but as soon as my children come home, she starts yelling and screaming at them and cussing like a drunken sailor. THOSE words come out fine! And so does "I can't" and "NOW!".

I know that God does not give us more than we can bear, but today and almost every afternoon, I wonder. Was I chosen to do this because he trusts me to care for another human life? Especially one as precious as my Mom? I knew this was going to be a hard road to travel, but truthfully....I had no clue what I was getting into. But God also says to honor thy father and thy mother, so this is my duty.

Will all of you dear people please pray for me to have strength and courage and love enough to give her the care she deserves?

I need to go to bed and rest and talk to God.

Blessings~

Julie

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{ 07:21, Wednesday, March 14, 2007 } { Posted by Andrea }

((((((((((((((((((Julie)))))))))))))))))))))).... I have been bathing my mother everyday for over 6 years now. She will be 89 years old next month. My youngest child was 3 years old and I was 44 years old when I first starting bathing and caring for my mom.

We added-on to our house for my mom.... 1,000 sq. ft. actually. We have sacrificed our lives for my mom and it is soooo incredibly hard. Unless someone has been a live-in caregiver to a parent (has "parented a parent") before, they simply do not understand how hard it is. Truly they don't. It's not their fault that they don't understand either. They simply can not understand unless they've worn the moccasins!

((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))) Write to me privately if you need some support. I'm here... and I *KNOW* what you are going through.

Blessings~ Andrea

Parents

{ 11:21, Wednesday, March 14, 2007 } { Posted by Keeblur }

We moved in with Mom and Dad when Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It's hard to take care of a parent, especially when they aren't acting "like themselves." After the surgery, my Dad was really, really sweet and loving with all of us, but as the cancer progressed, he started being very short with everyone. He didn't yell, or say any cuss words that I can recall, but did speak harshly and say some mean things. About 2-3 months before he died, he changed again. It was more of a regression to acting like a child. He even called my Mom "G" which is what her grandkids call her. It's very difficult to go through, I know and I'm keeping you in my prayers.
I just listened to one of Beverly Bradley's tapes the other day where she was talking about going through the same thing with her Mom. I'm trying to remember which one it was...I believe it was "Keeper of the Home" from their Godly Femininity series. You might want to contact them and see if it is still available, or if they can suggest something. Their site is www.familyministries.com .
Vicki

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{ 12:00, Monday, April 2, 2007 } { Posted by inthedeepwoods }

I completely, totally understand. That conversation with God in which you ask, You really thought I could do this? You really think I'm this capable? Because I'm not so sure....