Today was full of randomness. But, that's true of most of the times I spend with dad.
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Mom had cataract surgery this morning. Cataract surgery is for old people. Mom doesn't seem old. She's almost 79. If I didn't know HER, I'd think that was old. She was nervous. She doesn't like the idea of ANYONE, even a surgeon, touching her eye. I prayed for her before she got out of the car at the clinic that she would feel His peace that passes all understanding. Her eyes filled with tears. I get that it's hard to trust - - - to be vulnerable and dependent.
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Later that afternoon while Dad is hanging out at my house he is noticeably distraught. "Where is the baby?" he asks. "What baby?" I respond. "YOUR baby!", he insists. I know I'm supposed to enter his world, and 'fess up to the baby. But, I just can't go along with this. "Dad, I have two teenage sons. I don't have a baby." He's not convinced.
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"Where would you sleep if I slept in your bed?" Dad asked 16 y.o. G at supper tonight.
"Grandpa, you're not sleeping in my bed. You're sleeping at your house in your bed.
"But WHAT IF I slept in your bed?" Pause. "Grandpa, if you were a rhinoceros where would you eat?" Laughter all around. "In the garden," he said.
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"How old
am I?" asked Dad. "How old do you feel?" I replied. "Well, I'm not feeling
my best today, so I'd say about 25." Mom and I cracked up. Dad
smiled. "Am I 83 he said?"
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"Honey, you can't get out of bed tonight," Mom says to Dad. (He gets up almost EVERY night, but after her surgery she's not supposed to do any heavy lifting for the next couple of weeks.) But really, TELLING him not to do something he can't remember not to do, is like . . . crazy? Hopeful? Desperate? G was willing to sleep over there tonight to help fill the gap. She graciously declined. I ask Jesus for extra angels for my parents - - - especially tonight.
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AND, there is still joy - - - G's patient, loving care for his Grandpa. ----- Savoring the first blueberries from our bushes. -----Watching the sun melt below the horizon as I drove back from my parents. ----- Delighting in the frog that croaked at me as it hopped away toward the pond. -----The love in my husband's voice as he called me on his way home tonight.
I trust you Jesus.
