With love & Gratitude

My deepest gratitude for the love and prayers that were sent for my Dad and me over the last day. My 90 year old Dad is resilient, and is now home after two days under my care. He had an issue with his ankle which made it very painful for him to walk. But, he's up and active again. I do not doubt that your love and prayers helped tremendously.

As I drove my Dad home he said, "Thank you for everything you have done for me. I'm so sorry about all of this. I don't want to be a burden."

Naturally, I replied, "You're not a burden, Daddy. This is what we do for people we love." I said this, though I was feeling physically and emotionally exhausted. But, I meant every word, because I was not just helping him, I was doing it for me, because I love him. I needed to know he was getting the care he deserved.

After listening to Dr. Peebles' teaching today, I realize the greater truth of that more than ever. We help others, because it helps us. When it was a choice between of helping my Dad, or channeling Dr. Peebles yesterday, the decision was obvious. Help my Dad! I trusted that everything was in right order, and I learned some things about myself in the process. I learned how strong I am physically (I lifted a sofa up to my shoulders because my Dad was certain his medications had fallen underneath), and emotionally. And, I developed even deeper respect and love for all caregivers, whether nurses, hospice care workers, or "kids" like me simply helping out Dad.

Over the past months I've emailed back and forth with my friend, Monika, who is also helping her parents. We've talked about the challenges, and the exhaustion we feel sometimes, but we both agree to one thing: at the end of the day, we are the lucky ones. I wouldn't trade these moments helping Dad for anything.

Doing what is truly within your heart, as difficult as it may be, is never a burden. It's a tremendous blessing.

God bless you. And, again, my deepest love and gratitude for all of your support