2022 was a very trying year for me. My own health wasn't great and my mum; she continued to battle through life every day, until her last. Her arthritis, in her knees, hands and back caused her severe, chronic pain. Given her history, with prescriptions painkillers, all she could take was Paracetamol and the odd Diazepam.
Her pain was such, that she couldn't sleep in her bed. She slept in a reclining chair. In fact, she spent most of her time in the reclining chair. However, she'd sometimes potter about; walking stick in one hand and a feather duster in the other. She had a cleaner but, bless her, this was her way of exercising.
Since posting the, 'It's Personal' blog, my brave mum had to have her left eye removed after the optician found a tumour. I have never met anyone as brave. She took it all in her stride and was thankful that she had one eye, in which to see.
We spoke every morning at 10am. When she didn't answer I'd give it ten-minutes and then try again. On the 17th December, 2022, at ten-past-ten, she still didn't pick up. I shot across to her house and there she was, face down, on the dining room floor. She'd been there most of the night. She was in a lot of pain and unable to move, so I called an ambulance. They took her straight to the hospital. As I wasn't allowed in, I spoke to her later that day. It was a brief chat and she sounded very tired.
(On the same day; the mobile car mechanic told me that my car emission coil had broken. He came back, the following day, with the new coil in hand, only to tell me that they'd sent him the wrong coil. Isn't it always the case - it's just one thing after another.)
The doctors told me that if she deteriorated they would not resuscitate her - given all her medical implications (we were aware of this since 2017). On the 19th December, I went to see mum and she was pretty good, considering. However, the bruising was something else. On the 20th I went to see her and she had worsened. She told me, whilst the nurses were present, that the commode collapsed and she fell to the ground. I couldn't believe it! In the process she had fractured her collar bone.
She was bruised like this from her waist up, including her arms. The majority was caused by the fall at home.
On the 23rd December they allowed mum home. Fantastic! She's home in time for Christmas. Except, something wasn't right. She was too quiet and didn't want anything to eat.
Christmas Day arrived and we opened our presents. Mum was still quiet and didn't want anything to eat. Later that afternoon, helping her to the toilet, she collapsed. She fell to the floor, onto her bottom, legs bent almost underneath her and a dead weight.
God's Intervention - I tried several times to lift her onto the settee. I just couldn't. After several failed attempts, I stopped to catch my breath, and silently prayed. I asked God to help me lift her. I got into position and counted to three; she was as light as a feather! I placed her safely onto the sofa, and softly shaking my head and smiling, I thanked God for his help. I wasn't shocked that He had helped me, but just so grateful.
Now, I'm not telling you this, thinking I'm someone special - I'm certainly not. I'm telling you because it's true. Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." (Matthew 7:7)
Comments