Hello from South Texas. Today is not going to be a long post, but hopefully a relatable post and one that might help lift a heart or two.
This week has been one of those weeks that truly tried to rob me of my joy and some what sanity. My mom became ill. When mom is not well, life gets a bit harder. My dad is disabled and that is when I step into a caregiver role for both of my parents.
My hearts desire is to be the best daughter in the world towards my parents, but as you know human emotions can get a bit unraveled when there is a crisis. It is a strange thing being a retired nurse. I could take care of other people all day long with a calm demeanor and with a self assuredness.
When it comes to those close to me, I feel a little scared, their illnesses get me a little unnerved, and even emotional. I have talked to other nurses who go through this as well. As the crisis continues it is normal for any caregiver to get tired and worn out. It is very normal for us to worry about the future and how this new situation will effect All our lives.
Sometimes the crisis blows over and we are able to pick up as if nothing ever happened. There are other times we have to face new challenges and hard decisions.
My dad is an old 1st Sargent that has always been in charge. When he says jump, I ask how high, then followed with a big, "Yes Sir"! I suddenly become that little girl who follows all the rules and commands. Perhaps that is the difference in being a nurse "in charge" of other folks and me being in charge of someone who has always been in charge of me.
This week however, I took charge!
The old 1st Sargent was not playing nice and this daughter/retired nurse was not having it. I respectively let him know that this daughter/retired nurse was now in charge and he would follow my lead this time. Once we got over that little hump...he came around.
I prayed this morning for the Lord to shower me with His love, His patience, and His peace. Our Father did indeed answer my prayers. I was able to go over to my parents house and do all that was required of me. I did it with a smile and a loving countenance. The old 1st Sargent was on his best behavior and I knew he appreciated all that I was doing. Anyone who has ever been in a caregiver role can relate I am sure.
I am blessed with two very loving parents, who truly try to do as much as they can on their own. They do not want to be a burden to me. I know this is our time to walk through the garden and apply some principals I have learned. I also know as we walk through the garden together we are not alone.
Gardening Therapy 101 is now in session.
As caregivers we need time to regroup, pray, meditate, and have a special quiet place to think. My garden is my therapy. It has taught me to be patient, tender, attentive, forgiving, joyful, and to think outside the box of traditional thinking.
Just like Life, the garden is forever changing. There are seasons for planting and seasons to reap the abundance. Every thing in its time and a purpose... all under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3 v 1
Five Principals of Garden Therapy 101
We need to learn to try new things. Don’t be fearful!
Create new ideas that can be incorporated in
sometimes an unknown environment.
(The old saying-goes...you don’t know unless you try.)
Embrace each day with a new outlook, then we will be refreshed just like a garden after a rain.
We must learn to expect the unexpected.
Learn to change it up if something isn't working.
My garden has changed over time and continues to change. Situations in life will cause us pause and others will bring us to our knees.
This week a bird swooped in and grabbed my big red tomato. I was sure I had done everything right to keep it safe! The bird was smarter! It flew through two fences and in the back of a shelter which had no bird netting. My first attempt in keeping my prized tomato safe was a failure.
Plan B had to be established. I regrouped and added more netting to the back. I can only hope this time the bird will not succeed again. Surely...I can keep my tomatoes safe!
Worry and feelings inadequacy is a part of many emotions that being a caregiver feels. Even when we assert our best efforts some times...situations are beyond our control. If only I had added the netting on the back...
So today...I am thankful for what my Lord and my garden are teaching me. I pray as I care for my parents, I can continue to be the person they need me to be.
This morning as I walked through my garden, I could feel the Lord near. It reminded me of a song that my mom used to play on the piano. Mom taught my brother and I how to sing this song at a very young age in harmony.
This ones for you Mom.❤️
I pray you get better soon because Dad needs you and so do I.
Blessings to you all,
Kimmie
This week has been one of those weeks that truly tried to rob me of my joy and some what sanity. My mom became ill. When mom is not well, life gets a bit harder. My dad is disabled and that is when I step into a caregiver role for both of my parents.
My hearts desire is to be the best daughter in the world towards my parents, but as you know human emotions can get a bit unraveled when there is a crisis. It is a strange thing being a retired nurse. I could take care of other people all day long with a calm demeanor and with a self assuredness.
When it comes to those close to me, I feel a little scared, their illnesses get me a little unnerved, and even emotional. I have talked to other nurses who go through this as well. As the crisis continues it is normal for any caregiver to get tired and worn out. It is very normal for us to worry about the future and how this new situation will effect All our lives.
Sometimes the crisis blows over and we are able to pick up as if nothing ever happened. There are other times we have to face new challenges and hard decisions.
My dad is an old 1st Sargent that has always been in charge. When he says jump, I ask how high, then followed with a big, "Yes Sir"! I suddenly become that little girl who follows all the rules and commands. Perhaps that is the difference in being a nurse "in charge" of other folks and me being in charge of someone who has always been in charge of me.
This week however, I took charge!
The old 1st Sargent was not playing nice and this daughter/retired nurse was not having it. I respectively let him know that this daughter/retired nurse was now in charge and he would follow my lead this time. Once we got over that little hump...he came around.
I prayed this morning for the Lord to shower me with His love, His patience, and His peace. Our Father did indeed answer my prayers. I was able to go over to my parents house and do all that was required of me. I did it with a smile and a loving countenance. The old 1st Sargent was on his best behavior and I knew he appreciated all that I was doing. Anyone who has ever been in a caregiver role can relate I am sure.
I am blessed with two very loving parents, who truly try to do as much as they can on their own. They do not want to be a burden to me. I know this is our time to walk through the garden and apply some principals I have learned. I also know as we walk through the garden together we are not alone.
Gardening Therapy 101 is now in session.
As caregivers we need time to regroup, pray, meditate, and have a special quiet place to think. My garden is my therapy. It has taught me to be patient, tender, attentive, forgiving, joyful, and to think outside the box of traditional thinking.
Just like Life, the garden is forever changing. There are seasons for planting and seasons to reap the abundance. Every thing in its time and a purpose... all under heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3 v 1
Five Principals of Garden Therapy 101
We need to learn to try new things. Don’t be fearful!
Create new ideas that can be incorporated in
sometimes an unknown environment.
(The old saying-goes...you don’t know unless you try.)
Embrace each day with a new outlook, then we will be refreshed just like a garden after a rain.
We must learn to expect the unexpected.
Learn to change it up if something isn't working.
My garden has changed over time and continues to change. Situations in life will cause us pause and others will bring us to our knees.
This week a bird swooped in and grabbed my big red tomato. I was sure I had done everything right to keep it safe! The bird was smarter! It flew through two fences and in the back of a shelter which had no bird netting. My first attempt in keeping my prized tomato safe was a failure.
Plan B had to be established. I regrouped and added more netting to the back. I can only hope this time the bird will not succeed again. Surely...I can keep my tomatoes safe!
Worry and feelings inadequacy is a part of many emotions that being a caregiver feels. Even when we assert our best efforts some times...situations are beyond our control. If only I had added the netting on the back...
So today...I am thankful for what my Lord and my garden are teaching me. I pray as I care for my parents, I can continue to be the person they need me to be.
This morning as I walked through my garden, I could feel the Lord near. It reminded me of a song that my mom used to play on the piano. Mom taught my brother and I how to sing this song at a very young age in harmony.
This ones for you Mom.❤️
I pray you get better soon because Dad needs you and so do I.
Blessings to you all,
Kimmie
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