We were ready to post a blog sharing that things with mom and dad have settled down a bit. It seems we were a little early on that statement. Unfortunately, last week or so has been difficult. Jeanine will share a little more detail on this below.
We are happy to announce that Mike got a job! He started work this week in the IT department of a small state college. The drive is only 1.25 hours away! (that was sarcasm if you didn't catch it)
As always, we would like to share events from our individual perspectives...
Mike:
I recall what it was like in Colorado during the first day of snow each winter. The commute time doubled and drivers would slow to a crawl, cautious to maintain control of their vehicles. In Massachusetts, drivers race along the highways through the snow as if it where dry ground. But when the sun comes out around springtime, the commute time doubles and drivers slow to a crawl. The concept of sun glare is a fearful notion, only because it is so rare.
We are grateful that I found work. There are so many people without income right now and we know how much of a blessing this is. The commute is rough. Let me put it this way, I have to change the radio station twice along the way because I travel outside of the transmit range. I shave twice a day; once before I leave for work and again when I arrive at work because the beard has started growing back again.
It is still difficult to wrap my head around the whole work thing. After the past year and half of service, I am having trouble settling into the job. I don't really feel like I fit in. I think that is mostly because my recent lifestyle has not been a focus on work, but rather service to others. I am trying hard to relate my tasks into a service role, but the responsibilities seem unimportant compared to working to alleviate poverty, feed hungry children and care for our parents. Not to mention I was with Jeanine 24X7 for over a year. I know, you are thinking, "Poor Jeanine, forced to be with Mike all that time." It was a privilege and I miss her when I am at work. Cheese.
Regardless I know we are blessed. I see Gods grace everyday and I look forward to what He has in store for us in the future!
And now for the star of the show…
Jeanine:
So much has happened since our last update…
Mom has been hanging in. She has good days and bad. She was doing well and getting more and more comfy at the nursing home. She had embraced it as her permanent home. She was finally requesting that we bring her clothes to the nursing home and allowing pictures to be hung on her walls. We would have nice conversations and she was responding with a slight nod or shake of her head, and even though it took a lot of effort, she would verbally answer questions that require more than that. Lately, however, she has been losing weight, eating less and sleeping more. The nursing home is doing what they can to adjust treatment, but the nature of her disease will continue to attack her at different angles. She speaks less and it seems to take more effort when she does. She has trouble holding things like her glass of milk. She is also down for the count right now with a severe stomach virus and with her being so tiny already……. We fear the disease is gearing up for another round. Please pray that dad, us and the family may be prepared for whatever comes next.
Dad has had a wild ride lately. On 25 Feb, he went in for surgery to install a bypass stint so his remaining foot could get blood flow. (This is the same procedure that didn’t work on his right leg, causing the amputation). Praise God, the surgery was successful! He will be able to keep his left foot! It was amazing to be with him after the surgery and hear him sing praises to God! Ok and then there is also nothing like watching your Dad get high after he pushing the button to self-induce pain meds. LOL He kept speaking into the button wand…”hello, hello, can you hear me?” HA, HA, HA!!! And we also found out according to Dad that Mike is extremely “huggable”. (course I already knew that). We also received the GREAT news that they are releasing Dad into my care on Friday!!! After being gone since November, he could not be more anxious to be home. He will need 1 assist (moi) from the time he gets up till he goes to bed sooo about 7am I’ll head his way & return home about 10pm. Mike will come to Dad’s after work each night & we’ll eat as a family. This will taper back some once Dad get’s his artificial leg & adjusts to living on his own again. Yes, I know it would be simpler for all if he would just move in with us, however he doesn’t want to lose his sense of self & we want to respect that. Yeah maan… it’s gonna be WILD, it’s gonna be GREAT….it’s gonna be FULL OF HIM (and yes I’m heavily counting on this one!!!).
For me, dear friends, I would ask for strength. I am blessed to be able to spend time with my parents after 34 years of being away. There is a peace & a sense of honor when I feed my mother, wheel her around on our walks or hang out with my Father while he heals. But now and again, I look around and see all of the folks there…. Old, sickly, just sitting there with drool down their chins as they sleep in their wheel chairs, and there at the end of the group is my little Mum, with Dad by her side holding hands, and it gets real, and it gets hard. I also worry that I might not be able to physically care for my Dad on my own (although I am getting some PT training starting Monday to prepare me for this). Most days it is ok, but some…….
Us:
We have continued some of our work with BEAM and Siyathemba in Africa. Mike is getting ready to send a few new databases and marketing videos. Jeanine has been working on a calendar and the curriculum for Siyathemba. Although not physically there, we still plan to serve as much as we can from abroad. We also hope to launch a new web site for African Endeavor soon.
We will keep you updated on the next new adventures in store for us. Meanwhile, we ask for your prayers over mom and that dad and family may be strong regarding her condition. Please pray for dad and his quick rehabilitation. We also ask you pray that we find a church we can participate in and worship with.
We thank you for your prayers, support and encouragement. We pray that God may bless each of you!
With love,
Mike & Jeanine
Bird watching with Mom
A view from our backyard
A day in New England
How Jeanine takes care of the staff at the nursing home
