Humbling Times

As I was unwinding last night I turned on the TV and was watching Nightline and they were discussing the topic of genetic counseling. One man had a 17% chance of getting Alzheimer's and another woman had a 37% chance. I have to say, honestly, our Alzheimers/dementia patients are often the most difficult because they are so forgetful/confused that they take up most of our time. Keeping them from pulling out IVs, drains, monitor leads, tubes, etc., and keeping them from climbing out of bed and falling is a difficult task. We try as much as possible to stay away from restraining pts, but sometimes it's just not possible. You'll walk in and fix everything, walk out and not even a minute later they're climbing over siderails or your IV is gone. I think it was a touching subject because my grandma is getting more forgetful - early Alzheimers. It is sad that Alzheimer's is a progressive disease with no cure. The medications out right now can only slow progression of the illness, but there is no stopping it.

There was a gentleman who was under total care with a caregiver, and I was a little sad but yet grateful because my other grandmother, who has been through so much, is in a nursing home. She suffered from a massive stroke on top of all of her medical problems, and now cannot walk or talk. My mom has been asking me recently, what's going to happen when I get old and need someone to take care of me? I think she is worried because she sees what her own mom is going through and doesn't want us to throw her in a nursing home. Don't worry, Mom, we'll take care of you just like you took care of us when we were growing up. It is difficult to comprehend when your family is growing and you know you need to take care of them, what more of actually doing it. My mom has to juggle her 18 year old son (he's a handful alone, crazy teenagers haha), cancer surviving husband who still suffers post-treatment effects and needs follow-up, and diabetic mother who also needs a lot of attention. I visited my mom last night and found that she was sick with a cold/cough, so I spent some time with her. We went to visit a Filipino members' home and had dinner with them because they were inviting her. I see how my mom is neglecting her own health to serve others, and I admire her strength. She has a lot on her plate. I'm grateful for the love and care that she has for me and the rest of our family, I know she has worked hard and continues to do so now even though most of us have moved out. I love both of my parents so much, here's one of my favorite pictures of them from last year.

Okay, so the second highlight from the news was a family that was living in an RV. It was supposed to be a temporary move since they were not able to handle finances and were evicted, but jobs, as we all know, are difficult to obtain nowadays. Especially good ones. The father was optimistic, knowing that if he gets a job in another state they can just drive down and go. I can't imagine how difficult it must be to have a family of 4, and a dog, living in 300 square feets on wheels. Here I sit having a great job with benefits, a roof over my head with room to roam, a nice car, a beautiful baby growing inside of me, an amazing husband...gosh I could go on forever. How selfish and ungrateful I feel. I take for granted so many things in life, and as much as I try to be grateful, I know there is always something that I am forgetting. I acknowledge my Heavenly Father's hand in all things, but I could not express my gratitude for everything I have, spiritually and temporally. I don't want to be inadequate in showing my love and gratitude, so I hope to prove my worthiness to return to him some day through my actions. Faith without works is dead, right? Well, I hope my faith is never dead. I'm grateful to have such a supportive husband who keeps me on my toes. I think we are a great match. He truly is strong where I am weak, and I hope that I compliment him the same. One day at a time...I will try to be better each day. More humble, more grateful, more kind, more compassionate...more like my Savior who bled and died for me.

How can I not be humble when I see this picture and remember all that Jesus Christ has done?