Bed Climb

He lay down to sleep, resting his head on a stone.  – Genesis 28:11 (GNT)

When Mom and Dad became empty-nesters, they hired a contractor to renovate the spacious attic area of their home, raising the roof and adding large windows, closets, and a small bathroom.  The result was a master bedroom that felt like sleeping in a treehouse.

After Dad’s death, Mom continued climbing the six steps to this attic-level bedroom for both her afternoon naps and overnight sleep. I found it a pleasant place to help Mom each morning. After her shower, I would place a chair by the window and blow dry Mom’s hair using a round brush.  She had naturally wavy and full hair, so my styling efforts yielded nice results.

With Mom’s needs increasing, I struggled to attend to her in the small bathroom. A bigger bathroom, located on the middle level, connected to a large blue bedroom. I started directing Mom to that bedroom for afternoon naps and she obediently complied, but at night insisted on the attic bedroom.

Rather than fight, I placed the two massive wooden dining room table inserts atop the bed in the attic room thinking this would deter Mom. You can imagine my surprise the next evening when, after tidying up the kitchen, I headed upstairs to find Mom lying atop the table inserts!

The next day, my husband replaced the attic bedroom doorknob with a lockable knob.  When Mom tried the door and found it locked, she compliantly turned and went into the blue bedroom.

Help us and our loved ones to adjust, Lord, as we adapt to their changing needs.

Reflect: What changes have you made recently to accommodate your loved one?  Ask the Lord for extra grace amidst the changes.

The above selection is Entry #46 in Part V: The Final Season 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

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