I know it isn’t Thanksgiving. Oh Lord, that’s only a few months away. 2021 is flying by, and so much is happening. But I am in a mindset of thankfulness today.
These last few months have been a whirlwind of the unexpected. It seems something unexpected happens in my life at every turn here lately. Some days it feels very overwhelming.
I am beyond busy at work. In the past month, Jaxon, my grand-nephew who lives with me, was diagnosed with autism and is lagging developmentally in a significant way, according to the report. And my folks are being uprooted from their Georgia home. Both are coming to Florida. Dad is going into memory care, and mom is going into assisted living. My plate is spilling over.
But I am still thankful.
How?
I have experienced an outpouring of love and concern for all I am going through. Some days struggling through is a better description. Still, many people have reached out to me personally by phone, text, private message, or personal visits with advice, help, encouragement, and reassurance.
So many have allowed me to vomit all over them on the phone and in person. Sometimes, I feel like a broken record. I just vomited on some friends last night in Home Depot. They asked me how I was doing and blah. I text them when I got home and apologized.
Never did I imagine that I would be dealing with two different stages of life simultaneously. One is almost three, and the others are 83 and 76. Dad is struggling with dementia, and there are days he is like a child. Dad’s mind is going; his body is doing good. Mom’s mind is sharp as a tack; her body is not so good.
Add into the mix that I know very little if anything about how to manage either situation. I liken it to cliff notes. Scan them because you need to take the test in an hour.
But I am thankful.
I joined some Facebook groups for support on autism. It’s unbelievable how many children have been diagnosed on the spectrum. I still get recommendations from friends on other groups to join. They have been a blessing to me.
It’s unbelievable how many grandparents and people my age are raising little children with autism.
In the short few weeks, I have learned so many things that confirm the diagnosis, and the groups have been a well of information. The problem is I haven’t been able to digest it all yet. I am working on taking one step at a time.
I posted on Facebook I needed help with placing my parents. I asked my friends to give me ideas, suggestions, and tips on what to look for and stay away from. Thanks to the many suggestions, I believe we have found the right places for my folks. But again, I have learned so much about elder care and senior living in such a short time and still have a lot to do to complete the transition, but we are on our way.
I have met and talked to some of the kindest and wonderful, caring people in the senior living communities in my search for places. Wow!
I am thankful.
Each morning I ask the Lord to direct me. I ask that the Lord give me wisdom and strength to make it through today. My shoulders are carrying a heavy load these days, but I know I am not carrying it alone.
I am thankful to everyone who has reached out to me, prayed, supported, written, offered advice and tips on what to do with Jaxon and my parents – all in the midst of a pandemic and a world falling apart.
The Lord has answered my prayers and continues to guide me accordingly.
Admittedly, there are days I cry out because I don’t see a way through, and in those days, I know deep down he is near. He’s always been near, and I am so thankful.
Today, I choose to be thankful as I ride out the storms. Thankful for the Lord’s provisions and thankful for you.
Blessings!
The Teaching Lady
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