Feeling Stretched

Credit:baranq - Fotolia

Copyright:BartekSzewczyk.com

What a crazy spring and summer it has been!

In April, my dad fell a couple of times.  He had just recuperated from Influenza B, and was coughing again, too.  Thankfully, after some quick phone calls, he was taken to the ER.  He was experiencing several health issues.  Within the next two weeks, we almost lost him.  Dad was taken to the Kansas Heart hospital, and went through a couple of weeks of tremendous pain and sickness. 

While Dad was in the hospital, Mom had eye surgery for wet macular degeneration.  I'm so thankful for my three older sisters, and all the ways they cared for my parents during this time! 

The following weekend, Dad's condition worsened again. 

Our family made a quick, one-day journey to Kansas.  The day after we arrived, Dad began a  transition into hospice care.  Within a short time, he was moved to a nursing care facility closer to their home. I stayed with Mom for two weeks, and helped transport her to see Dad.  My husband and sons were only able to stay for one week.

While in Kansas, Keith developed some symptoms that appeared to be a sinus infection.  He visited the local ER, and was put on antibiotics.  He seemed to be improving.  However, on his way back to Ohio, his symptoms returned.  After visiting our doctor's office and having more tests, it was determined he was having thyroid issues.

The four of us finally reunited in Ohio on Memorial Day. 

June was a month of other issues, which I won't go into here.  During July, we had even more situations come at our family. 

My dad continues to be in hospice care.  My mom travels 40 miles round trip so she can see him every day.  My two oldest sisters and their families are going beyond the call of duty to care for both of them.

But the stretching wasn't done!

Keith saw an open position at a parish near us.  He has been looking for just such a position for several years.  Within a week of applying and his interview, he had the job!  He began his new employment this week.  This evening, our family attended Mass and a youth event at our new home parish.  We have attended the same parish for 13 years now, so yes, this is another bit of stretching.

I'm not sure what God has in store for our fall...but He is faithful, and it will be good! 

We are never done growing and stretching!