Repeat the Question
I have a congenital hearing loss, which is now compounded by age-related loss, as well. When the kids insist on asking me questions from the other room while the fan blows and the pots on the stove sing, my response is to repeat back to them what I heard. Even if it sounds ridiculous. That's easier than asking them to repeat, with their invariable comments about my needing a hearing aide.
Mary: Did you say, "Do you like the American flag?"
Peter and David laughed out loud.
"No, Mom. What time does Dad come back?"
Leading Question
Peter often asks me or Jonathan, "So, how was your day?"
While I know he usually does this when he's stressed out, as a means of connecting, I still love it! And he actually listens to the answer.
Sandwich Generation
Youngsters and oldsters. Lots of concerns. Many thanks for all your prayers.
Last Monday, my father developed a high fever, bad cough, and poor vital signs. It all developed in a matter of six hours. The doctor and nurse asked us about a DNR order, and the family had to make a decision between hospitalization and hospice. Because my father has reacted so badly in the past to medication (days of delirium and violent behavior), we went with hospice.
The hospice team gave him an oral antibiotic and Tylenol, and his body has responded well. As of yesterday, his temperature broke and his vital signs have normalized. Last night, I asked my sister to remind him of his orthopedic surgeon's comment last spring in the hospital:
"You are one tough dude!"
Dad smiled and laughed for the first time in days.
Back Home
Arrived in Chicago from Texas this afternoon after a day-long ride on Amtrak. I love the train! It gives time to transition between locales, to process events just experienced and to plan for events to come.
Burial Today
"O Lord, now let Your servant
Depart in heavenly peace,
For I have seen the glory
Of Your redeeming grace:
A light to lead the Gentiles
Unto Your holy hill,
The glory of Your people,
Your chosen Israel."
Leonard Stahlke 1933-2013
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
Reassurance
Last night, I dreamed vividly of a wealthy mansion, owned by an acquaintance who is a doctor.
The proud father stood on the balcony with his daughter, who was dressed in her white finery for the ceremony. After smiling at their joy, I strolled through the many floors of the mansion, finally finding the room intended for me. A multitude of guests filled the building, all relaxing and dressing up as they waited for the festivities to begin. Their individual rooms fit them well, and we all found it so gracious that our host not only invited us to the wedding, but also provided each of us a beautiful room for our stay.
For years, this historic house had interested me, and finally I could slowly walk through and see it all. Each room, uniquely decorated, shone with care and good taste. Some tiny rooms were backlit with candles, while other grand spaces soared with high ceilings accented with heavy wooden beams. I could describe dozens of rooms to you, in color and with great detail, but will instead continue my story.
After touring the home, I stepped outside onto the grounds. Looking up at the house, I could now imagine how the interior spaces fit into the familiar façade. As it was evening, the windows into the grand dining room provided a clear view of the preparations for the reception. The wait staff sat enjoying their meal in the pause before they would serve the wedding guests. The lavish food included the largest roasted turkeys I've ever seen, so heavy that conveyor belts were needed to move them into place for serving. The banquet hall shone with blazing light, and the fine wood furniture filled the room with luxury.
I departed into the city to return home for a dress to wear to the wedding. It was impossible to find my way, so I returned to the mansion. But the clothes I was wearing did not really matter, for my acceptance into this lovely home was complete and assured. By now, many people I knew from all stages of my life filled the rooms. We all waited for the wedding to begin.
Awaking from this vivid dream, I wondered what it could mean. Then I took comfort, as I prayed for my father-in-law, who is dying of cancer. He is going to a very wonderful place.
John 14:1-3
"Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
Matthew 22:4
"Everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast."
From Our Congregational President
Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
and lean not on your own understanding.
Acknowledge Him in all your ways
and He will direct your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6
