Family

My Third Trip to Grand Rapids

This past Monday I made my third trip to Grand Rapids in two weeks. I sat at my mother’s bedside in the hospital through the day and through the night. She has dementia and the hospital stay was traumatic and disorienting. I am thankful that she has been released from the hospital and is back at the nursing home. Questions remain about whether her condition will stabilize.

She was encouraged by the presence of my sisters and me. I was glad to pray and sing for her. Driving home I enjoyed seeing the beginning of fall colors along Michigan highways.

It is hard to deal with end of life issues. I am mentally and emotionally exhausted. When I arrived home I noticed the zinnias along the front walkway. They are continuing to bloom and have a certain majesty.

Majestic Zinnia

Beauty of creation and sorrow of approaching death. This is a great mystery that can only be resolved by God’s promises.

Then last night I sat on the floor with my 10-month-old grandson. He crawled around the family room eager to examine every item available to his touch. (Toys were not his first choice.)

I was delighted when he crawled over to me and smiled. As he tried to vocalize sounds I repeated what I heard. This brought joyful giggles. We were communicating and he was thrilled.

Zinnia

This post is linked to Five Minute Friday. Every Friday Kate Motaung gives a word prompt. And then we write for five minutes. Today’s prompt is DISCOVERY.  Visit this writing community by clicking here.

Carol is a follower of Jesus and a wife, mom & grandma. She worked for many years as a childbirth nurse and prenatal educator. She recently retired from clinical work. She has written articles for nursing journals and devotionals. Her novel, Aliisa's Letter, was published in 2010 and she is currently working on another project.

9 Comments on “My Third Trip to Grand Rapids

  1. Carol, wonderful thoughts about end of life issues. I also loved the zinnia pictures…they are persistent in displaying their glory into the Fall. May the Lord sustain you with a strength that only comes from Him to be persistent in displaying His glory to your family.

  2. Isn’t it amazing how our grandchildren can lighten our heavy hearts? I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming, all encompassing love I feel for them. Prayers for you, your mom, and sisters. I know it is an extremely agonizing time for you all. Cindy #fmf

  3. Carol, I’m glad you wrote your emotional response to this visit with your mother. Sorting emotions is one of the hardest things for me after I visit my mother in her home or in the hospital, so sometimes I don’t write what I’m feeling and everything just knots up inside me. So, bravo for naming your feelings. I also like that you look for beauty and wonder when you feel drained.

  4. I love the beautiful things you “discovered” along the way and in the midst of a harder time. It’s the little things in life, isn’t it? You inspired me to look for more of these in my life today!
    Thanks.

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