Things have been busy as we continue on with normal life–at least as normal as life is when we’re at home! Last week, Dad took two days to visit Gram (his mom) who is in the final stages of Alzheimer’s. It was very hard for him to see her doing so poorly physically. It’s amazing how frail our bodies are.
We’ve been busy with school, working, ministry things, and family time. Grandad had minor hand surgery yesterday, which went well, so Mom was with Grandad and Grandma in Kansas City for a good portion of the day. On Monday, John installed a stove in the basement, and we’ve been enjoying the warmth–it’s not quite spring here in Kansas. Our other wood stove was not heating the basement enough, so it’s a blessing to have it warmer!
May Jesus give you grace to rest in Him, joy in Him, and delight in Him!
Sarah
We had a spur-of-the moment visit Tuesday night: a fiddler and a mandolin player! Several months ago, Dad had met the mandolin player at a convenience store. As they walked out, Dad made a friendly comment to him striking up a conversation. The man mentioned he comes to Leavenworth sometimes to visit a friend, who is a fiddler. They enjoy playing their instruments together. This man played the mandolin. Dad invited them to come over sometime! Tuesday evening, they called and wondered if they could come over, and we assured them they could. The fiddler had been playing for about 50 years! We were thrilled to listen, and several in our family brought out their instruments to join in. It was a special time. Grandad and Grandma were also with us, and we had a wonderful time in God’s Word after music.
Jesse’s guinea pig had died right before Christmas, and Mary had surprised Jesse with a replacement one the same day! Sadly, the new one died right after Christmas. It wasn’t a good time to get another one right before we left on our trip, so we waited until we arrived home and settled back in.
“A blessing, if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day” (Deuteronomy 11:27).
Be sure to put a carbon monoxide detector down in the basement!
I was interested to learn that Steve’smom is suffering from Alzheimers. And I am so sad and sorry to learn that, too. My sister and I recently discovered that our mother (who lived out of state and was not in good contact with us) also has declined past just plain demetia and in to stages of Alz’s. She was living on her own, which was very scary, as you might imagine. She s now in assisted living here in the state we live in and I am just now dealing with what might be coming next (this was all a rather sudden realization for our family as mom is not married and lived far away). I guess my point is that I completely empathize with the immense emotional turmoil that goes along with losing the person you love to a disease that robs them of their personality and mental processing and then eventually even their physical health. I am learning so much about this disease (in the past 5 months or so) and am grateful for connecting with anyone else living through this. Bless you Steve, and I wish all the best to you and your mom as you journey through this.
I am so sorry about your Gram, and will keep her in my prayers. ~ Jesse’s new guinea pig is so cute!! 🙂 ~ I enjoyed reading about your family’s recent activities and viewing the pictures – – thanks for sharing!
Blessings from Georgia, Patti M. 🙂
I am so sorry to hear of Mrs. Maxwell’s alzheimer’s disease. My grandmother passed away just yesterday from the same thing. It’s a terrible disease. We’re sad for us, but happy for her! My 6 y/o daugher, when hearing of her great-grandmother’s passing said joyfully, “Now she has a new body!” Praise the Lord!
I’ll keep all of you in our prayers.
Blessings–
Dana
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We’re sorry about your grandmother, but what a joy to be free from the suffering with Alzeheimer’s. Hugs to you all!
Sarah
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Hi Jesse, It is me, Joel, I like your new pet he sure is cute and furry.
Joel