Update 8/10: My father-in-law is still in ICU. I hope to go up to Georgia to give my husband some help caring for his parents. Right now I have a stomach flu and I am stuck at home until I am germ free. Chelsea is doing fine after her spay. Thank you so much for your prayers.
We went to Georgia last weekend to check on my in-laws. Tuesday, the day after we returned, we were notified that Mr. H's father George had a heart attack and was in ICU. Back to Georgia Mr. H went. His father is still in ICU, stable but with lower oxygen rate than the doctor's prefer. He will need bypass surgery in a month. This will be difficult for a man who is already semi-invalid from a stroke three years ago. Mr. H's mom has beginning dementia. Would you pray for them?
We take the back roads when we travel to and from there, a six hour drive. It's peaceful and we always talk a lot about where the future is going with his parents. We're not the first ones to face this in life~caring for parents. I have kindred spirits walking this same journey. We worry for their well being when they are far away and we are the only care givers. See the cows above sheltering themselves in the shade? We are sheltering ourselves under God's invisible hand as we seek His guidance, and pray for the parents to be under His care and love......that they would know Him too. I also eat comfort food on the trips. This time it was a Krispy Creme doughnut with chocolate icing and Florida Gator orange and blue sprinkles.
I crocheted....... 
and looked at hay bales scattered like life seems sometimes........
and in neat rows the way God is able to order what seems out of control.
I'm standing by at home in case I need to go back to Georgia too. Otherwise I will go at the time of surgery.
We went to Georgia last weekend to check on my in-laws. Tuesday, the day after we returned, we were notified that Mr. H's father George had a heart attack and was in ICU. Back to Georgia Mr. H went. His father is still in ICU, stable but with lower oxygen rate than the doctor's prefer. He will need bypass surgery in a month. This will be difficult for a man who is already semi-invalid from a stroke three years ago. Mr. H's mom has beginning dementia. Would you pray for them?
We take the back roads when we travel to and from there, a six hour drive. It's peaceful and we always talk a lot about where the future is going with his parents. We're not the first ones to face this in life~caring for parents. I have kindred spirits walking this same journey. We worry for their well being when they are far away and we are the only care givers. See the cows above sheltering themselves in the shade? We are sheltering ourselves under God's invisible hand as we seek His guidance, and pray for the parents to be under His care and love......that they would know Him too. I also eat comfort food on the trips. This time it was a Krispy Creme doughnut with chocolate icing and Florida Gator orange and blue sprinkles.
I crocheted....... 
and looked at hay bales scattered like life seems sometimes........
and in neat rows the way God is able to order what seems out of control.
I'm standing by at home in case I need to go back to Georgia too. Otherwise I will go at the time of surgery. Speaking of surgery, little Chelsea gets spayed today. Would you say a little prayer for her too? I know she'll be fine. She had a traumatic vet visit Tuesday when they took her blood to be sure she was healthy. I heard such screaming coming from the back of the office I thought I was going to have to ask the vet to tranquilize ME. See the little spot under her neck where they took the blood? Poor baby.
Thank you for your prayers. You are so great to have around when life is happening.
29 comments:
I am so sorry about Mr. H's parents. I will be praying for them and for both of you for wisdom about what to do and for strength and healing.
My thoughts are with you, I have just lost my mother after a long illness and 240 miles between us.
Its very diffuicult but you will get through it.
God bless
Karen
I so very much loved your story today. Me and my sweet DH always travel the back roads when we travel. We like the quiet comfort of the road less traveled . I too care for my Mom and Dad. Dad is 91 this December and had a stroke 10 years ago that crippled him. Mom will be 90 in December and she is middle to sever dementia and on medication. We moved them next door to us 2years ago as I was driving across town two and three times a day. I have been their care giver for 7 years now and the heartbreak of them so close is that I see each day of the havoc that life takes on their bodies.. I cry a lot.......But the Father God blesses me with grace to abide and HE pours out HIS love for them through me....... I am blessed...
I will pray for the FIL.......
Oh Lallee, I understand what you are going through! My dad's health is failing fast, and now my mother is wearing out from caring for him all the time. And I am wearing out from driving back and forth (fortunately only 1/10 of the distance you have) dealing with doctors, frequent hospital ER visits and 1, 2, 3+ day stays in the hospital. Being the only caregiver for my elderly parents is the hardest job I've ever had. But when all is said and done, there will be no regrets from my end. By the way, we are in GA, too. If you ever need a shoulder, let me know! Becky G.
Lallee, I'm praying for you and all the family including little Chelsea. I know this must be very traumatic for you and Mr. H. I wish I could come hold your hand and help you eat some Krispy Creams? ;-)
Katherine
Sending good thoughts and prayers your way Lallee! Hope all is well.
Give sweet little Chelsea a ♥ for me!
Prayers for your loved ones...and also your sweet kitten.
Love,
Sue
Hi Lallee
I am adding my prayers to yours.
Hugs, Rhondi
My thoughts are with you, your family and your little kitty.
Cal x
I will definitely pray for your family, including Chelsea. Poor baby, I don't like needles either.
Sandra
our priviledge will be to pray.
Father, God rain down peace and joy in the Holy Spirit on this God fearing family. May they look to you for the peace that passes all understanding.
I'll definitely be thinking of and praying for you and your family. What a beautiful post this was. My Dad, at 52, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and had to have 6!!! bypasses. He is now 67 and spent about seven months in a nursing home last year with severe dementia they never really diagnosed. (I think it's from the worsening heart failure). But he's home now and doing much better. Take care and travel safely.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family -- I too am the only local caregiver for my 91 year old father dealing with congestive heart failure and my 86 year old mother who takes care of him as best she can. I only live 15 miles from them so it's a little easier than traveling the distance you do. God bless you.
We've been through this too, Lallee. It's a hard time but looking back it's a precious time too. Our family will be praying for yours. Mimi
Dearest Lallee,
My thoughts and prayers are with your precious in-laws and the difficulties they are facing...as well as the trials and challenges you guys are facing with them. Lord, may Your supernatural peace pour over all of them...help them to relish it...rest in it. I pray for safe travels as well...Lord, watch over their coming and going both now and forever... And bless precious little Chelsea - may her surgery go well and her recovery be swift... In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Lallee, the Daily Prayer for You for today seems appropriate...I've pasted it below:
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"I have created you and cared for you since you were born. I will be your God through all your lifetime, yes, even when your hair is white with age. I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior." Isaiah 46:3-4 (TLB)
Loving and merciful Father, we need you today. We need you just as much today as when we were young. Age and experience has taught us to recognize more and more our daily need for your sustaining grace.
I pray today Lord, for those who have traveled ahead into the winter seasons of their lives. I thank you Lord, that your promises will not fail them even as their physical strength fails them. Care for them and provide for them as their bodies weaken, just as you have done from the time of their birth. Lord, may your strength be made perfect in their weakness today and may they be a witness to those of us who come behind, of your grace, mercy, and everlasting love. Carry in your loving arms today those who are too weak to travel forward in their own strength.
May sustaining faith in the promises of our salvation and of your everlasting love give them, and each of one of us, the stamina we need for the long journey home. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
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Take care friend! (and save a Krispy Creme for me, OK?)
Hugs & Blessings,
Becky S.
I'll be thinking of you all and sending up prayers.
Hugs,
Shari
We are my inlaw's home in Georgia this week too. Vann's mom has had to move into a nursing home because his dad isn't able to give her the care she needs. Also a six hour drive for us, and it has really tired Vann out. We're going back home tomorrow.
Praying for your MIL and FIL...my parents are getting up in their years and I worry about them so much but,like you said we can trust God to care for them and watch over them as well as meet their every need. Is is so wonderful to know other believers are holding them up in prayer as well. I love your blog and seeing all your wonderful creations. I am now a follower so I will drop by often.
Blessings
Laura, I know how you have been traveling along this difficult path over the past months. You and Mr. H. are such giving people and who will do the absolute best that you can do in order to help those that you love so very, very much. I will say a prayer for you, your FIL and also for Chelsea. The Lord gives us these steps as a way in finding grace through Him. I know that the steps can be awkward, painful and difficult at times. But we have to keep out steps in line with HIM as He will guide us through each and every step we take. Sometimes it doesn't seem fair, though we should never blame Him for the things in life that are difficult. Instead we should praise Him and share His love for us - no matter the circumstances. It is easier said than done - trust me. However, HIS light shall shine on us in the end. Just sing hallelujah's to Him - no matter the pain in your heart.
Prayers for all of you...
becky
xo
Laura, You have become special to so many of us who follow your blog. I add my prayers and well wishes to the many headed your way. Elizabeth
We arrived home from vacation to find many posts to catch up with. When I read this earlier today I began to pray for you and your family. Blogger wouldn't let me leave a comment - until now. Be at peace, my friend, and know that I am praying.
~Adrienne~
(((((Laura)))))
xo,
Kim
checking back with you ... hope things are shifting back in to normal soon.
We are lifting you all up
I will be thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. I hope you too are back on your feet again soon. We are dealing with the same sort of issues here and understand your pain. Know you are not alone!
hope and pray that all is going well.
hugs and sweet wishes~
chasity
I am praying for you...m..
Keeping you all in my prayers.
I did not think there could be anything better than a Krispy Kreme donut, but now I know there is.....a Krispy Kreme donut with Gator sprinkles :) GO GATORS!!
Tracey
i love driving through the georgia rolling hills and country side...will be praying for your family
enjoyed your pics!!
Hi Lallee... gosh, hope everyone is doing a bit better, out of ICU and that you are feeling well now too.
I wanted to let you know that my blog name changed. I am no longer The Blue Ridge Gal but now Snappyfinger@blogspot.com Just in case you want to stop by and say hello.
Take care and am wishing you all the best.
Snappy/ Di
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