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

Featured Image: (www.freepik.com)

This Magic Moment

And he vanished from their sight.  – Luke 24:31(NRSVCE)

Our youngest son, Trevor, entered the world when I was forty-three. Creative, talkative, and strong-willed, he brought much delight to my parents in their later years. When Trevor was three, Mom nicknamed him “The White Tornado” from the way his platinum-blonde, bowl haircut whirled about as he raced through their house.

Trevor was age eight when Dad died, and the grief he suffered at the loss of his beloved grandfather continues to this day. The year prior, Trevor had started teaching himself card tricks, eventually advancing to simple illusion-type magic tricks.

Always eager for a new audience, Trevor practiced his magic acts on Mom in her last days and on the hospice staff that came to the house. The nurse manager especially enjoyed his antics, and she dubbed him “The Great Trevini.”

After every trick, Trevor would ask, “Do you know how I did it?” Despite his delight at presenting magic, he also enjoyed divulging the method behind the trick. What’s harder to explain in words is the magical effect that his moments of fun brought to a home where Alzheimer’s was ravaging a loved one’s body and brain.

Dear Lord, thank you for Your mysterious ways, such as how you returned to heaven through the clouds. Thank you, also, for the mystery of the way child’s play can bring comfort to those around him.  

Reflect: Is there a child you know whose young spirit can bring a fresh moment to you and your loved one? Pray about having that young person stop by to visit.

The above selection is Entry #42 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

Featured Image: The Great Trevini (photo:Lisa Livezey)

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