Stacy
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God
what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace,
which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as
you live in Christ Jesus.
—Philippians 4:6-7
The
Peace of God
by Scripture Lullabies
This year was a rapid-fire blur with heightened emotions and whispers in the background that life is temporary. If challenges are opportunities for growth, I believe I am growing.
Dad and Mom, Max & Pam Wilson, flew to Florida on Dec. 9, 2023, where Dad required
round-the-clock caregivers with his triple-dementia steadily worsening. God sent some
angelic caregivers, but soon even they were overwhelmed. I became a quasi-expert on
long-term-care insurance and scrambled to find a memory-care home that was staffed to my
high standard. With herculean efforts, my parents flew back to Indy on Jan. 7, and Dad
entered Story Cottage by
Williams Creek. We frequently took him out for walks
around the lovely
neighborhood in his high-back wheelchair. Dad retreated into a loss of words and ability
to move as his body contorted, but he still welcomed all visitors with his facial
expressions. Mom never let him forget that she was his lover as she hugged and kissed him
passionately.
What a treasure to have adequate time to love on Dad and say our goodbyes as we knew
death was imminent. Twenty-minute drives to Story Cottage were filled with
emotionally-touching songs by JJ Heller such as Big Love, Small Moments,
You
Already Know,
and I See You.
Dad left his earthly tent on Sep. 18. We had a lovely memorial worship
service in Galveston on Sep. 24. It was there that Mom publicly accused me of
being very serious
after I spoke at the service, and then she proceeded to
dramatically share a lover’s tale that brought the house down in laughter. It was a
service like no other.
Mom frequently mentioned being encouraged in her marriage by seasoned authors and conference speakers like Cliff & Joyce Penner of Passionate Commitment. Joyce publishes her office phone number and welcomes calls. Her advice helped me overcome stumbling blocks.
On a tip from a Yosemite park ranger, we found a secluded, narrow road that led to a slice of paradise—a river rushing over massive rock slabs with some gorgeous reflective pools that were deeply refreshing to wade in on a hot, sunny day. A handful of families picnicked, sunbathed, and sent toy boats down the current. Just as we prepared to leave paradise, I stepped out of the water with my trusty water shoes, slipped, and sprained my right wrist.
Moving Ben to college surprisingly swept me with joy and sadness that JJ Heller again
helped me process with Learning to Let You Go
and Better.
Our home is down
to four occupants! We have not been this small since 1998.
It’s a joy to have 5/6 of our grandchildren close enough to see in person weekly. Our home is a revolving door filled with activity and toys. May was granddaughter Angie’s first visit to our home and first time to meet some cousins. Elizabeth hooked me on the daily Wordle game that gives us a fun connection.
As Bob’s father, Ron, suffered with minimal kidney function late this summer and could barely stay awake, he had a peritoneal catheter surgically placed followed by a week-long training to start peritoneal dialysis four times a day at home. It worked! Grandpa Ron revived and is back on the road again with Grandma Dianne at his side. What a team!!!
John & I share the joy & hard work of serving at a Good News Club sponsored by Child Evangelism Fellowship. Parents registered 48 children and maxed out the space in the school library where we are slated to meet 13 times this school year. Our 8-person team is looking for more volunteers to love the energetic young crowd.
In her frustration after the election, Elizabeth shared emotions and stories that she’d been harboring for years. She opened a door that cascaded into important conversations with children and repentance for things we parents had done that hurt them. It’s a work in progress.