Physically & Emotionally Rung Out

it is late . . .

i am off to bed very soon . . .

but want to ask for prayers . . .

it has been a very difficult week . . .


We got home from our Thanksgiving Trip to Oregon late Sunday night.  It had been a GREAT week, but emotionally hard (good stuff and difficult stuff).  Just the 2  1/2 hour Prayer Time on Sunday morning was physically and emotionally draining (in addition to the 9 hour drive there on Wednesday due to the over-the-top amount of accidents slowing traffic and the 8 hour drive home late Sunday night).

Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, I was just plain physically and emotionally drained.  I slept in most mornings, and took an afternoon nap once or twice, too.  I couldn't figure out if I was getting sick, or just catching up from an emotionally charged 5 day trip.

Monday and Tuesday I had a pounding headache.

Wednesday night at midnight, Elijah came into our bedroom with a raging fever.  (Maybe I am getting sick, too?)

Friday morning, Hosanna woke up with Pink Eye.  I immediately made a Dr's Appt. for that afternoon, since I know from experience how contagious it can be . . . and knowing I didn't want to go through the weekend without getting it treated.

I was thankful that our Dr.'s office is right across the street, as I had to leave the 3 younger kids home alone for 30 minutes while I went to Hosanna's Dr's appt. (since Elijah was sick in bed).

Friday morning, Elijah's fever turned into a cough & fever.

Friday evening was my 5 hour Shopping Trip.

Saturday morning, Elijah started throwing up.  Hosanna was disappointed that she was quarantined to the house for 24 hours after she started the eye drops for her Pink Eye.  We had nothing on our calendar, and I was actually looking forward to a quiet weekend at home, working on some unfinished projects.  But, that was not to be.

Jim was at work . . .

Elijah was throwing up . . .

I had things baking in the oven . . .

when my 94 year old Dad called to tell me that his wife had passed away.

I was trying to figure out when Jim would be home, so that I could leave for the 3 hour drive to be with my dad.

I was trying to figure out where I could spend the night, so that I could be with my Dad both Saturday and Sunday.

And . . . I made a "wrong call".  Instead of trying to telephone my 7 older children, I sent a text to all of them.  None of them were especially close to my Dad's wife.  He got married at age 81, just after we had moved 150 miles away.  She has been in very poor health for at least 5 years, sleeping 20+ hours per day (thus we had few and far-between actual conversations with her during this time).

I purposely waited an hour before putting a prayer request on FB, so that I could "tell" my big kids first.  However, for some unknown reason, a couple of them did not receive the text messages and found out on FB and were, understandably, not happy with Mama.  (thus causing much "mama guilt" . . . in the midst of everything else)

My older brother and I are in complete disagreement about "what to do with Dad" . . . which causes much stress.  And . . . Dad disagrees with both of us.  (smile)  He is still quite mentally sharp, but unable to care for himself due to blindness caused by Macular Degeneration.  He has actually been taking care of his wife for 5 years, but they have been surrounded by her family who has provided at least once/daily meals.

I was able to go to church with Gregg, Kayla, and Noah on Saturday Night (a definite bright spot); and Kayla and I stayed up quite late visiting (thus causing more physical exhaustion).

I got some tough emails this morning . . . had some difficult conversations this afternoon . . . then spent 4 hours with my Dad this afternoon (with older brother joining us for the last couple of hours).  Dad wanted me to go through his books and pictures to see what I would want (the giving things away before he dies . . . which is good, but emotionally draining at the same time).

I then had a 3 hour drive home . . . with pouring rain much of the time.

It is now almost midnight.  My head is spinning . . . from too much caffeine drank too late in the day (but necessary for my drive home), in addition to everything else.


Please keep us in your prayers this week . . .

. . .  that Elijah would feel better.

. . .  that Hosanna's Pink Eye would clear up.

. . .  that Mama would get the rest that I need.

. . .  that my children could forgive me for the "wrong call".

. . .  that my Dad would have peace and rest as he grieves the loss of his dear wife.
       (It is actually quite amazing that they got married when he was 81 years old,
         and had 13 years together before she went home to be with the Lord.)

. . .  that we would have wisdom from the Lord for the question:
       "what should we do with Dad?"





* * *  update * * *

I woke up with a sore throat and swollen glands in my neck on Monday morning.  Elijah is also still sick. (day 5 for him)   We're having a Coughing Competition today.  (smile)  Prayers for health and healing appreciated.