The Flying Elastic

The doctors now tell us that Beverly's cancer is untreatable and she is in a nursing home because of the weakening of her bones and the danger of her falling and breaking her very fragile hip. When she is ready to come home we've made arrangements to have Hospice come help Jim and us learn to take care of her. We did not get to take her to Boston to see her mom. We canceled our trip and are hoping Roger's uncle can bring grandma here for a visit. We've been told Beverly could deteriorate rapidly. We don't know what to expect? She is in good spirits and looks good. She has little or no pain, still! If a positive attitude could keep her alive she'd live forever!
For each crisis/period in my life I get a book. While raising a teen, when Jess moved out, when Kev went to college, thru marriage difficulties, now when taking care of an ill parent (again) The book called "Family Sqeeze" by Phil Callaway is "Tales of hope and hilarity for a sandwiched generation" A sandwiched generation being a generation taking care of children at home still and aging or sick parents. His take on life is to look for the blessings in all situations. It truly can be a daunting task. How much of a blessing can it be to have a mom dying of cancer? However as a friend stated "We should feel lucky to have this time before she dies to tell (or show) her our love" This is what we are doing and it does feel good. It feels good to make her smile or laugh. Today Beverly was using her rubber elastic tied to the side of her bed to do her therapy. Stretching it across her body like putting on a seat belt. Roger was sitting next to the bed and Erik and I prompted her to let go of the elastic. ZAP! It flew past Roger's head! We laughed so hard that Erik's gum fell out of his mouth. I've certainly grown close to Beverly and Jim too. Something that hadn't happened until now. Roger has also bonded with his dad thru this all, helping him with all the difficult decisions and financial woes. We have went thru some discouraging news this year. It has really tested my faith. So I do ask "Why God?" but I also know that I don't see things the way God does. I can't see the BIG picture. I think God understands our questionings. I think we can be honest with Him. Can we grow thru trials? Maybe, we'll see... So much uncertainty lies ahead.