The First Part of Our Alternate Plan of Eating Dinner When We Come Visit Dad

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

My husband and I would go to see my dad each week at the Veteran's Home. We were really happy he was there, because they took really good care of him and he liked being around other veteran's who were also wheelchair bound. I think it helped him with grieving the loss of his mobility, because of having Parkinson's Disease.

Anyway, each week when we went up, we went out to dinner before going to our hotel room. Now, I enjoy going out to dinner, but going out to dinner that frequently takes a toll on your weight. My pants were getting too tight and I really wasn't sure what to do.

I was prayerful about all of this and the first part of the alternate plan was to bring my own food for dinner. At first, I didn't think that was so practical, but it has really worked out well. I have an insulated carrier. Before we leave home, put a pack of frozen vegetables in the bottom of the carrier to keep the rest of the food cold. I pack lettuce for our salad in a small BPA free container. I have started freezing leftovers of our meals. That way, I know they are healthy and the left overs don't go to waste. I usually pack some cottage cheese along with some fruit cocktail in it's own juice, because I need additional calcium with having Osteoporosis. 

We purchased 2 stoneware plates and bowls to heat the food and to eat on and some basic silverware at a local thrift shop.  This works out really well. Not only has it been healthier, but it's more economical. My husband and I really look forward to our meals in the hotel room rather than going out each week.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: Caregiver Depression
By: Mary Alexander, Home Instead, Monkey See via You Tube

The Great Leak-Part 2

There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother. Proverbs 30:11

In the last post, I told about a time six or so months ago when Dad went to eat at an Asian restaurant miles away with his cousins. The post told about when we were wheeling Dad out, we noticed he left a gigantic puddle under his chair. Instead of cleaning it up, I left it because I knew my dad would be mortified if I cleaned it up in front of his cousins.

 Well, my dad turned 90 and part of his birthday present, we told him that we would take him to the Asian restaurant to celebrate with any cousins that could make it. He had lost two cousins, since we last met and another was in poor health.

 We drove Dad through three states and we got to have dinner and celebrate with his cousin. I asked my husband  privately to take Dad to the restroom to change his briefs, before we ordered the meal. I asked my husband two more times to see if Dad would go to the restroom, but Dad told him, "No," each time. I didn't know what to do, except to be prayerful about everything.

 They had a wonderful time talking about the past and the present. Then it came time to pay for the meal, something I had dreaded. I paid the same waitress that we had the previous time. I know she must have been the one to clean up the gigantic puddle. All I could think to do is to apologize. She was so gracious and didn't even bat an eye. She told me she understood, because she used to work in a nursing home. I was so relieved. I apologized in advance, because I was uncertain whether my dad would have another gigantic puddle when we left today, but she was still very gracious. God has put such wonderful, understanding people in our lives and I don't know if I always thank Him enough for it. Fortunately, it turned out that my dad didn't leave a puddle, this time. I felt truly blessed on so many levels.

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

Caregiving Video: The Family Caregivers' Network Video Series
By: Rick Hoogendoorn -Victoria BC via You Tube

The Great Leak-Part 1

Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

 Although my dad is in a wheelchair and has oxygen, he still likes to get out and see family, when he's healthy enough to go. Actually, sometimes he's not quite healthy enough, but it means so much to him, we try to take him unless the medical staff tells us he shouldn't go.

We had driven through three states to take Dad to eat with his cousins at an Asian restaurant they both like. They had a wonderful time together talking about relatives, things in the past, and just small talk.

We had a great meal. The meal was paid for and we got ready to wheel Dad out. Everyone else was starting to head toward the door. That's when I realized that there was a gigantic puddle underneath my dad's wheelchair. I didn't know what to do. If I cleaned it up in front of Dad's cousins, he would have been mortified. I let my concerns for Dad's dignity override my sense of decency and I wheeled him to the car. 

I had felt terrible about this every time it crosses my mind. I had wished I had the phone number to call the restaurant and apologize for leaving that mess there. It was a terrible thing to do, but I didn't want to destroy the last shreds of dignity my dad has in front of his cousins.

Caregiving Video: A Day in the Life of a Caregiver
By: AARP via You Tube


Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.

The Rest of the Armistice Anniversary Celebration

Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward. Psalm 127:3

After the parade of the Korean War Veteran's at the Veteran's Home, they took them all inside for a presentation. They started with a VFW unit posting the colors. They had a Chaplin read a prayer and sing: "I'm Proud to Be an American!" We all sang the Star Spangled Banner and said the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 The guest speaker's wife, played the song of each branch of the service, so all the veterans in the audience got recognized. The veteran's proudly raised their hands during the song. It was interesting to learn that some of the veterans had belonged to two different branches of the service. 

 Afterward, the guest speaker, a Korean War Veteran's Association Chaplin, spoke about the Korean War. Now, I've heard bits and pieces about the Korean War for years, but this speaker put the whole thing together in chronological order, so everything fell into place for me, as well as, other listeners. Following the presentation, they VFW had grilled hot dogs and chili dogs for the veterans. What a wonderful way to recognize these vets, who are dwindling at an amazing rate. This Veteran's Home is to be applauded for all they did for the vets!

Since these are examples of how I've applied these Bible verses to my experience, they may not reflect the whole meaning of the verse.

I'm including You Tube Video clips on caregiving that I found interesting, inspirational, or might be helpful to others, but am not responsible for the content in the videos. Always check first with a physician before trying any suggestions mentioned.



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