One of the phrases from the movie Independence Day is “Hello boys! I’m ba-a-a-a-a-ck!”
I’m not going to be quite that boisterous but after being gone for the better part of a week, it is good to be back.
Like many visits, I was on a roller coaster. I had the good time of driving about 6 hours and spending time with Jo. I listened to my music from time to time (but not too loud since she is not fond of it), but for the most part we talked. We spent the night in a hotel in order to cut short my next day’s drive and arrived early enough to change our plans that I could visit my dad in the nursing home. UP
We got to the nursing home and had to wait almost 2 hours for him to get back from the hospital (having tests) only to have him not know who I was. He also wanted to know who that lady was sitting across from him. As typical of most dementia patients, he asked the same questions over and over. We finally left after being there almost 3 hours. DOWN
We had a chance to spend time my two brothers. Rob & Joy were tremendous hosts…allowing us to stay with them. Joy played the super host even though her schedule is full. My third brother, Garry, and his wife and daughter came over to visit. We had a fun time. UP
We drove to Ohio and watched Braden practice football, spent Friday with him, and celebrated his 9th birthday on Saturday before we had to head home. UP and DOWN.
Life is a roller coaster. It is full of UPs and DOWNs. Highs and lows. What I’m glad about is God is on the mountain top and in the valley. It would be nice to live on a mountaintop but it is not practical. Nor typical.
Thanks to all who prayed for our trip. It was safe and routine (which is sometimes good).
Hi Bill! i’m so glad that you are safely back home. What a heartbreak to know your dad doesn’t recognize you. I’m sure your family was a great comfort to you, an ‘up’ to use your word.
Life sure is a roller coaster, and your week was filled with highs and lows. I’m sure each day brought new insights on the movement of God in your life, and in the life of your family. Maybe you all be richly blessed.
Welcome back!
Ceil
Thanks for the encouraging words Ceil. Life was and is up and down but as you say each day brought new insights. It is good to be back.
Hi Bill,
I’m glad for your car rides together with your wife Jo, and sweet times with your brothers and family, and son and grandson, but I’m sorry for the hard journey of your dad’s dementia. I can’t imagine. We have a neat older couple in our church who are going through a spouse with alzeheimers, declining fast. It hurts and is achingly beautiful to see their commitment through this new chapter.
Re your comment on my post “What the Engagement Books Never Tell You,” Wow, four am?! Every day? That’s early. Do you just like the calm quiet then?
Grinning and thankful for coffee and seven ams,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Thanks Jennifer. Dementia (Alzheimers, etc) are hard on all involved. But like you said, I had a good time with jo, my family and grandson. And yes, I do get up at 4 am every day (except Friday). it is calm, quiet and I can study.
So glad your back in Owen Co UP. Katie had 2 games today, hoping we can get together soon, Jacci mentioned the 4 of us.
It is an UP for me to be back Andy. As I made my way to the office this morning I thought how I’d forgotten to say it was an UP for me to be back with the people I love. Jo & I are all for the 4 of us getting together.
Sometimes too it is good to get back to our normal routines after a time away (whether it was up or down).
Agreed. i was a tad out of whack yesterday after being gone.
Glad you were able to experience most of that.
Thanks larry.
I went through a lot of that with my mother. Praying for you, brother.
I do appreciate the prayers Susan.
Sounds like quite a trip! I know that heartache about a parent with dementia. My dad, before he passed, had lost track of all of us three children. He kept telling me that it was hard to understand that I was his daughter, as he hadn’t seen me for over 40 years. Heartbreaking indeed.
I actually live on a mountaintop, but I still have those days when *valley living* happens – as life is full of ups and downs! Trying to negotiate them with the help of The Rock!
GOD BLESS!
I think I had read in your blog about your struggle with your dad. Sure sounds familiar. My dad is not totally gone but he is on the way there. It is a sad way to go. And yes, the help of The Rock is so important and life-changing.
Yes, life is definitely one roller coaster ride after another, Bill. Happy that you had safe travels and enjoyed seeing family. I will continue to pray for your father’s situation – I know exactly how that feels . . .
Blessings!
Thanks Martha. i do appreciate your concern and prayers.
Sounds like a roller coaster ride for sure.
But like you said, God is in the ups and the downs.
And I for one know I wouldn’t appreciate the ups if it were not for the downs.
Sorry to hear about your dad. Dementia is brutal.
Thanks TC. Appreciate your thoughts. You are also right about appreciating the UPs more because of the DOWNs.
Amen. He never leaves or forsakes us. Our emotions may not see it that way, but when we rely on our spirit, we’ll see. Blessings to you, Bill.