A Pal’s Eval

“What you are doing is not good. You and the people with you will wear yourselves out, for the  thing is too heavy for you.”  –  Exodus 18:17,18

I contacted my church friend, Steve, who worked for a company that offered on-site consultations to those caring for an aging loved one at home.

Steve arrived on a Sunday afternoon – Mom and I met him at the door. Although Mom didn’t know why he was there, her antennae were up. Saying she didn’t want to intrude, Mom descended the six steps to the rec room as Steve and I sat at the kitchen table.

Eventually I checked on Mom and found her trying to listen in while simultaneously “organizing” the room. Books and videos were strewn everywhere. “Mom, would you like to join us?” I asked.

“I want to give you privacy,” she answered. I welcomed her up to the kitchen.

Mom sat at the table, eagerly listening as Steve discussed assisted living options. Suddenly she reached across the table to me, “We can do this, Sis!” she said eagerly.  Hmmm, I thought. Does she think we are siblings discussing options for a parent or is she trying to tell me something?

Steve and I finished and stood up as he gathered his papers. As we walked towards the door, Steve lowered his voice and offered his initial take on things.

“Your Mom is doing well,” he said, “But it’s full-time work for you amidst your own full-time life and family.” He promised a follow-up email containing a summary and recommendations.

Thank you, Lord, for kind friends who provide knowledgeable, unbiased advice.

Reflect: Are you weary from your full-time caregiving work on top of your own full-time life?  Know that God sees you laboring in the trenches and pray for wisdom.

The above selection is Entry #33 in Part IV: Summer Daze of Minding Mom: A Caregiver’s Devotional Story by Lisa Livezey (© 2024, En Route Books and Media)

Minding Mom: A Caregiver’s Devotional Story by Lisa Livezey | En Route Books and Media