Caregiving Daughter

Yesterday was a really great day.  After going through a cold snap and a lot of snow in Indiana, we had a beautiful, sunny day with temperatures in the upper 40’s.  It was Sunday, and we had not been to church for several weeks, but this Sunday we were planning on going.

When I got up, Mom was still in bed.  I asked her if she was still planning on going to Church, but she said she was tired and was going to stay home.  Sometimes, if Mom doesn’t want to go, that gives me an excuse to stay home, too, but this Sunday, I was determined to go.  So, the kids and I went (my husband only goes with us occasionally).  It was a perfect morning to be out, and the service was uplifting.  When Church was over, I asked the kids if they wanted to go into town and try the new Sonic restaurant for lunch.  They thought that sounded like fun, so we went and enjoyed a nice lunch with their curb side service.  After we ate, I ordered some food for Mom and got the kids some ice cream for desert. 

When we got home, Mom was up and had taken a shower.  She seemed to be feeling better, and she was happy we brought her home some lunch.  After she ate, she went to her room to “clean” (the ongoing process of going through drawers and boxes of papers).  The sun was still shining brightly, and the whole house was lit up.  Since I was feeling perked up, I was in the mood to clean the house.  I made a list of cleaning jobs, and told the kids I would need their help.

We were in the midst of cleaning, and I was just about to start vacuuming the living room when Mom came out of her room wearing a jacket and a headscarf.  Surprised, I asked her what she was going to do.  She told me she wanted to go outside and pick up sticks to use for kindling.  She said she knew it was supposed to rain in the next few days, so she thought this would be a good day to go out and pick up sticks.  At first, I felt a little annoyed because I didn’t think we needed more kindling, and I was in my housecleaning groove and didn’t want to stop!  After a minute, I realized that this would be good exercise for her, and it was something she could do all by herself as long as I looked out occasionally to check on her. 

So, the kids and I finished up our housework while Mom picked up sticks outside.  When I looked out, she was busy working away, and I saw her stop occasionally to play with one of the cats who went out to join her.  When she came in, she seemed refreshed and happy.   She said she really enjoyed getting outside and working because that’s what she did growing up on their farm. 

All in all, it was one of the best days we’ve had in a while.  In our own way, we were all able to renew our spirits and find some inner peace.  That’s what Sundays are all about.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS