As I sat in the drive through at a local pharmacy I noticed the car next to me. There is no privacy when everyone communicates over a loud-speaker.
I heard the daughter requesting the prescription for her mother. Of course, I was doing the same thing. I was already feeling a little melancholy because my Mom was depressed today. Seeing these women pulled on my mercy even more.
I looked over at these two women that I captured in this picture and I thought, “Oh, I understand your pain.” I understand the look of stress and agitation on the face of the daughter. I also recognized the look on the mother’s face. She held her head in sadness as her daughter was informed that this medication would cost them. I noticed that she had lost a lot of her hair … so many things I have seen in my own Mom. I sat next to them, intruding in their lives for a few minutes. I wanted to reach out and tell the daughter how much I understood. I wanted to cry.
I was grateful that I was not at the beginning of this journey! I’m not going to lie, it has been a TOUGH road.
Since my daddy crossed over into heaven last month, my mom has been pressing on with her normal routine, but she is grieving … lonely … depressed. She was really depressed today and I didn’t have a clue how to help her. I can encourage complete strangers better than I can my own mother. I know that is strange, but unfortunately it is true.
God bless the elderly and those who care for them.
Leviticus 19:32
Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD.
Sad…that’s just all I can say! Hope your mom will have better days.
Oh, Beth…..It is sad….and hard. I think – no, I know – that God allows us to experience situations so that we can help others that may go through the same thing. As far as your mother, there really isn’t anything you can do, except continue to love her and be there for her….she will never get over the loss of her helpmate, until the Lord calls her home.
Blessings, Beth.
~Beth
Oh Beth, my heart breaks for this scene, for these hearts, for your heart as well. I am a caregiver for my Mama as well. She is 98 and in a nursing home nearby. We have been on a long journey together, one that I would not exchange for anything, but it has been tough like yours, like theirs. Thank you for sharing the verse from Leviticus. That is one that I had missed among so many. God loves His children no matter what age they are.
These verses from Isaiah move me:
“Fear not, for you will not be ashamed;
be not confounded, for you will not be disgraced;
for you will forget the shame of your youth,
and the reproach of your widowhood you will remember no more.
For your Maker is your husband,
the LORD of hosts is his name;
and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
the God of the whole earth he is called.
For the LORD has called you
like a wife deserted and grieved in spirit,
like a wife of youth when she is cast off,
says your God.
For a brief moment I deserted you,
but with great compassion I will gather you.
In overflowing anger for a moment
I hid my face from you,
but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the LORD, your Redeemer.
(Isaiah 54:4-8 ESV)
May He surround us with His arms, keeping us close.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
P.S. I shall be back, Beth. Your words encourage and support me today.