Slow Time
I am spending these few days caring for my mother here at the schoolhouse following her hip replacement. She came straight from the hospital yesterday evening, just forty-eight hours after the surgery. Ouch. She needs a lot of help with dressing, walking, washing, and of course she can't cook for herself. Today I realized that it was three in the afternoon and I hadn't "done" a thing, just like in the old days when I had very small children.
Although, as I told her, it was also *unlike* having small children because she doesn't scream or fight about changing clothes, washing, or eating. A step up, for sure.
It's kind of dreamy, this slow time. Everything takes forever, and then I look up and the day is gone.
Tomorrow maybe will be the day I get the broccoli plants set out in the garden, or maybe not. People before seedlings, I always say.
17 comments:
We are facing that surgery for someone In my family. Praying your Mom's recovery is fast and soon she will be able to do everything without pain!
O yes most definitely people before seedlings.
Get well soon Anna's Mum.
You're doing a lovely thing, caring for her at your home.
A blessing for her, indeed, and she'll have Daisy and Bella to cheer her!
Deanna
I hope your mother recovers quickly and feels better soon. Hip replacement surgery is not fun.
I also very much appreciate your comments about not getting anything done when you have small children. With a baby and 3-year old, it's nearly impossible. Instead, I concentrate on keeping the laundry clean and cooking. Your post from a long time ago about feeding your family as many fresh vegetables as possible and just enjoying the season - I took that to heart.
Thanks for the loveliness you share,
Katherine in Atlanta
Jesus said, "My work is to do the will of Him who sent me", and our work is to do the same, as far as we can discern it. Sometimes, this work doesn't seem like "work", but it is.
People before seedlings - definitely the Lord's work! :)
Lisateresa
I hope and pray that your mother's recovery is fast and easy. Being with you in your home can ONLY help heal her faster!!
I love your comments, too, about life with little ones. My son is 5 and my daughter is a *busy* 20 month old. I mostly try to focus on keeping everyone well-fed (I cook and bake a LOT) and dressed in clean clothes. Your 'people before seedlings' comment cheered me because half of my garden is all weedy! And last night before bed I was reflecting on life and on stewardship, and I thought that although I LOVE the idea of stewardship of my visible 'stuff' (keeping our garden productive, sewing, making things, etc) at this point in my life I really have to focus on stewardship of the invisible--the hearts of my children....relationships over things. (Which is so HARD at times when you can *see* results of 'visible work' but the invisible things result in messes, but happier families!)
These little reminders? They buoy the spirits of those of us still wrangling the babies! Thank you!
Prayers for a speedy recovery for your mother!
It's just a short season you are in and I'm sure you will reap as many benefits of taking care of your mother as broccoli.
Have a great weekend!
Prayers for your mom's speedy recovery! I'm going to retire after this school year and hopefully help care for my almost 3 yr. old grandson! I'm so excited at the prospect of being able to help my daughter who is a single mom.
I'm just loving your log cabin quilts--I'm inspired to try to make one myself!
V
Lifting you and your mother up in prayer for healing and for your health and patience. This can be a very difficult time, even when the patient is so 'well behaved' as your mother.
May God be your protector and your mother's healer at this time.
Blessings,
Maria Ricci
Will add your dear mother to my prayers today - what a grace to be able to care for her in your own home, Anna!
So hoping your mother heals quickly! I'm certain she feels comforted having you there. :o)
Brenda
We put out broccoli plants in spring (for the first time ever) and I was mortified by all the worms! We ended up throwing away all the broccoli :o( Do you have a trick to keep the caterpillars off, that you might be willing to share?
Thank you for your continued example of grace in all of life's situations. Praying for your Mom as well and may you enjoy this special time together while you endure this momentary trial. Hope Clara is settling in, please let us know how she is. Praying for her and her roommate too.
I can so relate to this post. Since June 8th I've been in TN caring for my sick mother. Time and again I've been reminded of the toddler days. Getting her out to go to the doctor is like trying to get the baby out the door. Replace a diaper bag with an oxygen tank, a tote bag with a change of clothes in case of an accident, etc. It's been so long since I've had to do more than grab my purse and head out the door, it's exhausting. Not to mention the sleepless nights, waking up to see if she is still breathing(she has level 4 COPD), so much like checking on a new infant every few hours not to mention my constant homesickness since my husband and sons are hone in FL and momma refuses to move. Anyway, I understand how these slow days seem to just fly by.
I dont usually comment but I was amazed to read that your mother was out of hospital just 2 days after a hip replacement! Is that a usual time frame in America? Working in a hospital here in Australia, I know that the very minimum is 5 days on a ward post op for such surgery! Anyway, I hope your mother has recovered well, I'm sure you are the best nurse for her!
Yes, 48 hours is normal. At that point it seems like the patient needs a frightening amount of care--I can't imagine how people handle it who don't have a rock-solid support system. I think actually that they might go to rehab before going home.
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