A New Score

Caregiving is hard.

In fact, it’s probably one of the hardest things I’ve ever done and as my mom would tell you, I’m a natural born caretaker.

But, two weeks ago today, we lost our caregiver of more than five years.

For those of you who are caregivers, or have loved ones that need them, you know losing a caregiver is a big deal.

It rocks your boat, take you three steps back and significantly changes the course of your day.

You’ve invested in this person. You’ve trusted this person with the most important thing in life-your family.

And, when they walk away, it’s overwhelming, and at times, unexpected.

Can I be honest with you? I wasn’t surprised it happened, but I was surprised in how it happened.

Y’all know Danny can be difficult. He can get easily agitated and frustrated. And, sometimes, he’ll take out that frustration on those closest in proximity.

And, just so you know, that behavior is completely characteristic of a brain injury. It is not the heart of Danny.

While we’re being honest, things in Caregiver Land weren’t always lollipops and singing munchkins. And, we’ve had to have several talks about how to treat people that help us.

But, when we lost our caregiver, Danny’s behavior was in check. I was so proud of him and I was glad I was there to see it.

“Can I get a witness?”

It’s still overwhelming, distracting and feels as if you’re grabbing for lollipop sticks.

But, my Friends, God was there. God knew and oh my, if He doesn’t do more than we can think or imagine?

“Can I get a witness?”

I’m almost a little scared to tell you. I’m still in a bit of disbelief. I’m waiting for the flying monkeys to come out of nowhere.

She was already there. Waiting to step in. Ready to finish the course with us.

And, I had no idea.

She has loved and prayed for Danny for years, and introduces him as her son.

And, unbeknownst to me, she’d been meeting Danny at Shepherd for his physical therapy sessions.

For three weeks.

Just to be with him.

Because she loves him and Jesus.

God, the great Conductor, was directing the performers in our journey to shape the chorus of our life.

And, I didn’t see it. Until now.

She is an angel. She is Glenda the Good Witch with her magic wand that gets Danny laughing instead of being down in the dumps.

They are quite a pair. Side by side.

“Can I get a witness?”

One moment that changed the course of our life, that made me nervous and confused and frustrated, was solely orchestrated by the Maestro himself.

God was there. God knew it was coming. He was not at all surprised.

He prepared all of us, carefully setting the tempo in each of our lives to perfectly blend our life songs.

We have been ushered into a new season of this journey.

And, the munchkins are singing again and the lollipops are sweet as we continue anew down the yellow brick road of recovery.

“Can I get a witness?”

“Know this: my God will also fill every need you have according to His glorious riches in Jesus the Anointed, our Liberating King.” Philippians 4:19 (The Voice)