Burdens and Blessings

Hi Friends,

To say that these past few days have been have been "trying" might just be the understatement of the year.

My sister and her husband arrived on Sunday, in order to have a surgical procedure by the famous Dr. James Gills. On that same night, I received a call that my Mother, now living in an Assisted Living Facility, had fallen and they sent her to St. Anthony's Hospital. Mother's sight and hearing are almost gone, her memory functions at about 10%, and she is frequently in great pain. The hours spent in the emergency room were wild.

From that time, it was determined that she would have to be in a Nursing Home - something I have asked the Lord many times to avoid. Amazing isn't it, how we count "prayers answered" only when they're answered according to "our will"? It is very hard to describe the pain of placing her there to anyone who has not experienced it.

I drop by each evening to "feed" her - Her vision and trembling hands prevent her from doing it for herself. I will be leaving shortly for what has now become a part of my routine.

HOWEVER, as I write this on her 100th BIRTHDAY, the Lord blessed me with another great grandchild.........Elizabeth Anne Ryles. HOW SPECIAL, HOW HISTORIC. God blesses our family with great joy right in the middle of heavy heartache. WHAT A GREAT GOD TO KNOW, LOVE, AND SERVE.

He loves you,

Arthelene