| "Dream’s of Hope" Copyright (c) July 2001 Debi Gentry Sometimes I find myself juggling the memories of caregiving. It was the most rough road to go and at the same time, the most fulfilling. I remember going over and pulling in the front of my mom and dad’s house and seeing them sitting on the front porch. They had such twinkle in their eyes for each other. I remember the trips to the doctor office’s. Being in the role that my mother used to once be in, taking care of me as a child. I remember times as we went to the store. It is just deeply implanted in my heart and mind of all the times mom and dad took care of me, but now the roles were changed. It was a very "different" feeling for me. One of pain and of privilege. When I look back on these memories and thoughts, I feel a source of comfort as for as wondering if I had done every thing that I could have done? And I know that we had always had a wonderful and meaningful relationship. And even when the times brought the diseases on, their love still shined through! Even though their bodies gave out and their minds got tangled, they still showed the love they had for me. At times I feel so strongly the losses of my parents. I remember one time I went to the nursing home to see them. I was unable to go the week before. The first thing my dad said to me was, "I got you something". and "I want you to have it now". He would not rest until I went to his room and got it. It was a little praying bear. The Salvation Army had given them out to all the people there, and dad wanted me to have his "gift". I believe it was his way of showing his love in a "giving" manor. He had not much money and no way of getting any where to buy a gift. But what a loving thought, the passing of one gift to someone else. Love can not be bought, but dad I believe showed his love by giving his "all" from his heart! A little bear that was given to him with much love. He now passed on to me. When I find my eyes wet with tears, I look to my heavenly Father. His promises keep me holding on and fighting the good fight of faith! One day my parents and I will walk the streets of gold, never to remember these sad times again! There will be no more watching our loved ones perish in front of our eyes. We will no longer feel the helplessness of this life’s disease’s. "FOR BEHOLD, I CREATE NEW HEAVENS AND A NEW EARTH; AND THE FORMER SHALL NOT BE REMEMBERED OR COME TO MIND." Isaiah 65:17 I claim the promises as mine! Personally given to me from Jesus! This is the only way I could ever get through the disease’s of this world. I thank God every day for His word. And how I long to be with Him in heaven, with my family----disease free! But for right now, this life brings us many obstacle’s. But it is up to us to make that obstacle a "opportunity". Finding a way to show love and compassion to these people, including our own families. I now have been blessed with caring for my mother in law and father in law. I have wondered where this road of life would lead here on this earth for me, but as long as there are needing hearts, that is where I need to be. A question was once asked, "Are you living your dreams?" I have really thought about this one. And asked myself what is a dream? A dream is a "hope" or "wish".........I think back to when I was taking care of mom and dad at their home. And remember seeing their happy smiles, there love that spread all through that house. The family closeness and the love for their family between them. This is the type of dream that one dose not experience much anymore. We can have all the dreams of this life in material things.....but are they really a "dream" come true? Are we content when we have a dream come true like this? Spending time with my parents or a elderly person who needs a warm hand to hold, is a dream fulfillment for me. The smiles of a broken hearted or frail person can be such a blessing if one takes the time to see them as they are inside. There are many hurting hearts out there, lonely broken people.....What are their dream’s? Can we help to give them a little joy and peace? With some, a "dream" is just a smile from a passer-by. A hug that only takes a minute of our time. A listening ear, even though the words may not be to clear. "ASSUREDLY, I SAY TO YOU, INASMUCH AS YOU DID IT TO ONE OF THE LEAST OF THESE MY BRETHREN, YOU DID IT TO ME." MATTHEW 25:40 Am I living my dreams? Yes I believe I am! |
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