Sleeping in Peace, Dwelling in Safety

Ecclesiastes 3: (10) "I have seen the burden God has laid on men. (11) He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (12) I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. (13) That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil—this is the gift of God. (14) I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him."

This week has been pretty quiet. Candace and boys have moved back to their house, which really leaves it quiet here! Mother’s had a good week – no anxiety attacks. She is, of course, still very confused and is sleeping much of the time.

I moved one of our bird feeders to the back yard right outside the living room windows so that Mother would be able to see it as the birds fed. Unfortunately with her sight the way it is, she couldn’t see the feeder. She could make out some movement as the birds would land on the feeder and fly away again. I had fun watching them, though. The next morning when I looked out at the feeder not only were the birds feeding, but underneath the feeder where the feed fell on the ground, there were 8 guineas, 1 rooster and the peacock feeding on the seed on the ground!



We have a squirrel in the back yard that sometimes comes up on the front deck and takes cat food and bird seed and I was afraid he would be in the bird feeder, but so far I haven’t seen him there. There are so many trees with acorns out back - maybe he just prefers acorns!
My Aunt Barbara – wife of my Dad’s 3rd brother, Lloyd – called today to check on Mom. She and I talked for a while about the difficulties in dealing with dementia. Uncle Lloyd was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few months ago and Aunt Barbara is caring for him at home with the help of Hospice. She and I both agree that without Hospice assistance it would be much more difficult to care for our loved ones.
I feel incredibly sorry for her because it is her spouse she is losing to dementia. I’m sure she must feel so alone at times. She said he does still know who she is and does recognize all of their kids, so that’s a good thing. He is still ambulatory, but does fall sometimes. He has bruised himself quite badly before from falls.
It was good to talk to her and know that she is praying for Mom and I assured her that I am praying for her and Uncle Lloyd. She worries that she may not be able to care for him if her health gets bad, but we both know that God will provide the strength we need to continue their care.
Jeannie came and sat with Mom this evening – actually Jeannie, Bob, Leslie and Stacey all came to sit with Mom while I had a break. I went to Norman to visit with Elizabeth. Addy came in about an hour and half after I got there and then Michael came home later. Elizabeth cooked dinner and we all just visited together which was really nice! I got home around 9:00 and Jeannie had just put Mom to bed and was giving her evening meds.
Jody and Chance went out to eat together and then went to Lowe’s (one of Jody’s favorite places to shop!) They got some paint and Jody started painting the extra bedroom we have again now that Candace has moved. Addy came home with me to spend the night, so we’re off to bed now.

I will lie down and sleep in peace,

for you alone, O LORD,

make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8