Friday, November 24, 2006
Manna for Mothers
When I was a young mother, I had a terrible case of the flu,and was immobile on the couch. As I dozed in my feverish state, I vaguely heard dishes clattering in the kitchen from my boys about 6 (Brad) and 4 (Lane). A short time later, the boys appeared bearing a tray laden with tea and toast. They sweetly placed the tray on the coffee table and helped me sit up so they could spoon feed me.
Fast forward 16 years. I have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer within the past year and have just had my 4th surgery, leaving me quite debilitated. Out of the blue, my older son, Brad called and offered to spend the rest of the semester with me. His plan was to cancel his current semester and retake it in January 2007. After a serious discussion about the logistics of being a full-time caregiver for your mother, Brad assure me he had thought it through and is committed to the plan. He gets up with me at night, changes my ostomy bag, keeps track of my medication and makes sure I get things on schedule, etc.
Lane, my 20 year old, in his second year of college, does not have the same flexibility as does Brad, but is home every weekend and spends hours at a time with me. He calls frequently and seems to be willing to indulge my desire for discussion of philosophical topics.
I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to get to know my sons as they are maturing, and to experience first-hand the care they are willing to provide. I thank God for these blessings every day.
Fast forward 16 years. I have received a diagnosis of ovarian cancer within the past year and have just had my 4th surgery, leaving me quite debilitated. Out of the blue, my older son, Brad called and offered to spend the rest of the semester with me. His plan was to cancel his current semester and retake it in January 2007. After a serious discussion about the logistics of being a full-time caregiver for your mother, Brad assure me he had thought it through and is committed to the plan. He gets up with me at night, changes my ostomy bag, keeps track of my medication and makes sure I get things on schedule, etc.
Lane, my 20 year old, in his second year of college, does not have the same flexibility as does Brad, but is home every weekend and spends hours at a time with me. He calls frequently and seems to be willing to indulge my desire for discussion of philosophical topics.
I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to get to know my sons as they are maturing, and to experience first-hand the care they are willing to provide. I thank God for these blessings every day.
