Donald and Olene

I come from a large family.  Not Duggar big, but big.  My parents have 6 kids.  You can't really call us kids any more, but you know what I mean.  Anywho, the folks live in Branson, Missouri. They're hard working, God fearing, salt of the earth kind of people.  A couple of years ago my dad had a stroke, and that changed their lifestyle completely.  He had worked full time until a few months before he turned 80, and then he had stayed busy working on the house, yard, and cars. He was never idle.  

Now my mom is never idle.  The little 4'10" lady is the full time caregiver for a nonambulatory stroke patient.  She uses a hoist with a sling on it to haul my dad out of bed and into his wheelchair.  She feeds him through a tube, and cooks treats that are easily swallowed for the times when he decides to eat.  She gives him his regimen of vitamins and meds on schedule.  And she does it joyfully.   Every morning she wakes up and says "This is the day the Lord hath made. I will rejoice and be glad in it."  And she does!

We kids each do what we can to help.  I have a brother who lives close by, and he services their car, drops by to check on them, and will run errands.  A sister who lives a couple of towns over spends days and nights with them in the weeks when she's not travelling with her singing evangelist husband.  She helps with the meds and feedings, and provides wonderful company for Mama.  A brother who lives in Texas goes to see them as often as possible, and helps with any financial or legal issues they may have.  A sister who lives in Texas goes to see them as often as she can, and spends her time there visiting with Daddy, and helping Mama with housework and feedings.  I call several times a week, and go whenever I can.  I'm not much help in the caregiving, but I do laundry and cooking, and go shopping with Mama.  I was able to get some time off work a few months ago and drive my mom to west Texas so she could go to her brother's funeral.  It was the first time she'd left Daddy overnight, but they both coped well.  He had a caregiver there, and he talked to Mama on the phone several times.

My 23 year old nephew lives with them.  He grew up in Branson, so he feels at home there. It's good to have someone there in case of an emergency.  He mows the yard, goes to the store for them, and helps Mama haul Daddy around with the hoist.

Their other grandkids do what they can. They call and text, and message Mama on Facebook. She's quite the computer whiz.  They bring those precious great grandkids to Branson when they can afford the trip.  One of their granddaughters is an accountant, and she does their taxes for them.

Yesterday, my daughter called me and said she had talked to Grandmama and Grandmama sounded really sick.  I called the sister in Missouri, and she said she was on her way to check on her, and would spend the night and go with her to the doctor today.  I started to worry, thinking about worst case scenarios.  Then, I thought of all the miracles God has wrought in their lives.  He has provided so bountifully for Daddy's care, and for Mama's provision.  He has given each of us talents and gifts that we all use together to keep the family going.  He has all of us in His loving care, and will work everything together for our good and His glory.  I texted my sister today, and she said Mama was much better and didn't even have to go to the doctor.  God is good!