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MOOOrning Two
Cow Oil Painting by Laurie Justus Pace

8 x 10 Oil on Linen Panel

SOLD

Contact me for Commission Work: Laurie


Yesterday I went to Bonham to see my Dad with my brother and sister-in-law and my mom. Here is a slide show from our trip! We are still so pleased with the staff and the care at the VA home in Bonham. The folks that work there take such good care of their patients. It was a good move for good care of my dad.



My Dad was pretty adamant yesterday that it was time to retire. I know this is so difficult for him as he has times he is frightened not knowing where he is in his confusion. He still recognizes my mom for sure, and did recognize my younger brother Kirk in a picture out of the blue, but did not know my name or my brother's name yesterday. As I choke back tears I know he knows my heart. I know his heart knows my heart and nothing, not even death will ever destroy that. I praise the Lord and give thanks for the almost 79 years of my dad's life and the 55 years I have had with him. Dad, the protector, the problem solver, the worker, the provider, and the one that never gave up. He has still not given up.

It is difficult for my mom dealing with all of this. She went from taking care of him full time, to three hospital visits where we almost lost her. She was worn out. I think if she had to do it all again, she might have done things differently.


Our Father God always has our best interest at heart. He is always with us and never fails us. If we delight in Him he will always lead us, guide us, enlighten us, direct us... He will never fail us. Again I repeat this to you, He will never fail us, if we delight in him. All relationships require participation by two and it is our part to call on Him in good times and in bad times, daily, hourly. There is no greater power we can have protecting us and it is in Him you must put your trust. When you are afraid, He is there. When everything seems desperate, He is there. Over and over again we are reminded of this both in our lives and in the bible. Nothing is too hard for the Lord. His power is unlimited.

He is an awesome God!

Terry and I have talked in depth about the what ifs if Alzheimer's or something similar creeps into our lives in the next years. It was mutual decision immediately by both of us that we would move to a facility where we could live together until the afflicted one had to have full care as my Dad is now. Our commitment to each other and love for each other would not allow anything else. I know how much my father-in-law's presence meant to my mother-in-law the five years she was in a nursing home. He lived close by and he was there for hours at a time a lunch and at dinner. He was there when she decided she had had enough and stopped eating and taking her meds etc. She was ready to embrace the Father and leave this earthly life. It took six hard weeks for her to die but we were all there as she did. Family together.

My sister-in-law put it so simply and graciously yesterday. Is it family that is important or is it places? Terry and I have talked about moving out of state and that is what prompted the discussion. That is truly deep when you think about it. Reflecting the truth that everything here on earth is just STUFF. None of it compares to the human touch and caring of family on a daily basis. ( I guess that includes the good and bad that comes with family!) Sometimes we let STUFF get in the way in our lives and we allow our determination, stubbornness, or selfishness to guide us in our decisions. There is not right or wrong answer here. We are all individuals and we have the knowledge around us to make wise choices as to what is best for ourselves and our unique situations.

I pray for you today that you find His Grace in your life.

Delight in Him!
Laurie

“Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4
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