Sufficient Grace

2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.

I spent some time with mom and dad this week. She had been to Cleveland again earlier in the month for a checkup, and was in good spirits during that visit. She mentioned how beautiful all the snow was as they drove up to Ohio. Her checkup went as well as possible and Mom and Dad were encouraged to know that there are about 4-5 'hits' each day: lungs that become available that go through the process of being matched to a donor...That's a good number, but so far, no matches. The doctors told them, "We really like you. You're special, and we soooo want to find a match for you!" If only that was all we needed! Mom would have been running around with Ella and Allie long ago!

After returning home, Mom had some chest pains, which resulted in her waking Daddy up in the middle of the night and going to the ER in Columbia. She was diagnosed with pneumonia and put on many antibiotics and meds to help ease her pain. She was released after about 6 days.

Since then, she's been feeling very puny. She's been vomiting, coughing, and generally too weak to do much more than lay in bed.

I took the girls down to see her and bring some encouragement on Monday. She got some good snuggle time with Ella in the bed as they watched Dora the Explorer and other cartoons and took some naps together. It's getting tougher, though, to be able to bring the girls down because of all the activity they bring with them. It's just too much for her to endure.

I had a few special moments with her by ourselves. I was able to give her a massage on her back and head (she's a sucker for a back scratch and head rub! That must be where I get it from, cause I love it, too).

She's getting weaker, to put it bluntly. I am just past the sugar-coating stage. Is that OK? I don't even know who reads this anyway, so it's more like a journal for me to document the journey when I get a few minutes here and there.

God told us that when we are weak, He is strong. When we are wasting away, He is being built up. He said that His grace is sufficient for us. His power is made perfect in our weakness.

I am seeing that happen in Mom. The peace that overwhelms her circumstances is precious. She has fought a good fight. She is still fighting, and I believe that she will finish well, whether that includes coming out on the other end of a successful lung transplant or not. God is becoming more in her as she becomes less. Her gentle and contrite spirit God will not reject.

And I continue to give God glory for what is happening. I will not blame Him. He is the author of LIFE, not death. He has sustained us through this. And He promises that this world is not the end, but the beginning of an eternal life which He has provided for us through his Son, Jesus Christ. I am thankful that both she and my dad have put their trust in Him alone.

So if there is anyone else reading this, I encourage you to continue to seek Him as you think about Mom. I pray that the eyes of your hearts will be opened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.

Caretaking

Giving around-the-clock care is difficult, to say the least. My dad, as I have mentioned before, does a pretty amazing job at keeping Mom alive, comfortable and cared for. But things can get pretty tense (as anyone would imagine) when one's life is flipped up-side-down and the day to day activities and thoughts literally revolve around another's care. So here are a few tips for anyone who finds himself in the role of a caretaker.

15 Tips to Help You Care for Your Family Yourself

1. Eat smart and exercise. You'll be surprised at the energy you'll gain from choosing nutritious foods and finding time for some daily physical activity.
   
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Be kind to yourself. Give yourself credit for what you do.
4. Set realistic goals and expectations.
5. Cut yourself some slack. Nobody’s perfect. Even the best caregivers occasionally find themselves getting impatient, stressed or frustrated. Learn to think about these feelings not as evidence of your failure but as cues that you need some time to yourself.
6. Schedule “me time.” Caregiving is a job and rest is your earned right. Reward yourself with respite breaks often.
7. Set limits and let everyone know what they are.
8. When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things they can do.
9. Watch for signs of depression, and don’t delay in getting professional help when you need it.
10. Grieve your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
11. Learn what helps you relieve stress – keep a list and use it. Try walking, reading, listening to music, take up a new hobby, or take a nap!
12. Remember your spiritual health. You can make good use of your own spiritual beliefs to cope during difficult times. Many caregivers find great solace in meditation, prayer or time spent in nature.
13. Share your feelings with family and friends.
14. Seek support from other caregivers. There is great comfort in knowing that you are not alone. Talk with other caregivers at PH support group meetings, and try to arrange for a caregiver support group to be held at the same time as your local patient group. Also be sure to sign up for our email group for caregivers and other family members of PH patients. Join PHA Family now (Requires a free Google account. Please allow a short delay while your group membership is processed.)
15. If it gets to be “too much,” talk to your doctor, another healthcare professional or a member of the clergy.