Travels aren't always fun

Don't let your ship sink
Belize 2008

I love reading uplifting and encouraging blogs.  

I love to write uplifting and encouraging blogs.  

Whether I'm writing about travels, family, writing, gardening (my latest fun pastime), 

I enjoy writing happy-go-lucky words, especially in this sometimes dreary world we live in.

But lets face it, life happens.  

You have your challenges, I have mine.  

And I like to be as transparent as possible without giving out any 

deep, dark family secrets *smiling*

This week we've been traveling back and forth to the hospital.  

Our challenge has been Rob's 89-year-old mother.  

She's been in the hospital four days. She ia slowly getting better, 

but her dementia is getting worse and its so hard for me to see her like that, 

but even harder for Rob.  

His s so caring, patient, and loving.  

She always says, "You're the best son I ever had."  

And he replies, "That's because I'm the only son you've ever had."  So cute.

Mom's favorite restaurant "I-Hop"
Strawberry pancakes every time!

When they release her from the hospital, 

we might have to move her to a nursing home, 

which will be hard because we love where she is now.  

But we will do whatever we can to make sure she is comfortable and well cared for.

For any of you who are going through this with your parents, 

or who have gone through this, 

you know how challenging it is for everyone involved.  

Just know that you're not alone.  

God is with you each step of the way and 

He will guide your decisions if you reach out to Him.  

He is our strength and support in hard times.

I must add that it is very important that 

family comes together to make some of these hard decisions.  

Although I was thousands of miles away from my brother and sister-in-law, 

they were wonderful as we made each decision for our Daddy these past five years.  

In his last months, when he told us that he was working in the circus, 

we smiled. 

When he said he was building a Boeing 737 airplane out back, we nodded.  

We followed along with him on his little journeys.  

When our 90-year-old Daddy went to be with the Lord in January, 

we drew on each other's love and strength as 

we made final arrangements.

Even if there are family differences, 

it is important that you put aside all pettiness when important matters need to be discussed.  

I always ask myself, 

"How do I want my family to interact when the time comes to make decisions for me?"  

Hmm, good question to ask before we act selfish.  

The "IT'S ALL ABOUT ME" syndrome has to be swept under the rug in times like these.

Life is full of ups and downs.  Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 says it best.

To everything there is a season,

A time for every purpose under heaven.

A time to be born,

 and a time to die;

A time to plant,

 and a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

 and a time to heal;

A time to break down,

 and a time to build up;

A time to weep,

 and a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

 and a time to dance...

I wish you oceans of blessings on the rough seas as well as on the smooth waters.  

May you keep Jesus at the helm of your ship, no matter where you may sail.

www.sharonleaf.com