Finally, a good day!

Today was a good day! I realize it's only 2:24 PM but it's checked off in my mind as "good."

My mom is still struggling with her caregivers. She doesn't "need" anyone there, she tells me. She flashes her anger at me frequently and when the phone rings at 4 PM, I know it's her...confused, sad and feeling useless. She can't find her parents, she can't find my dad...the phone must not be working...she probably doesn't have any money left...

But not today - ok, not yet, anyway. Today was a good day. It started a couple days ago when I sent an email to the staff at my church. "Does anyone need some help? My mom needs a purpose." I received my first response within 5 minutes from Michelle, the Children's Director, who, of course, always has things to cut and staple for Sunday. But her heart was really for my mom. While I'm sure she would appreciate someone helping her prepare for her classrooms for Sunday, there's a chance my mom might not actually be any help, especially if everything we do needs to be redone! But Michelle put my needs, my mom's needs, before her own and we arranged to come in today to volunteer. Her compassion towards us made me cry, but then every kind gesture towards my mom does! But Michelle was not the only staff member that was willing to extend themselves! Others responded quickly as well, but since they don't often have stickers to stick or toys to organize, they asked for some time to think of something. It might seem odd to hunt for a project for an 86 year old woman to do, but not to these people. They understand that everyone has value and can contribute. Maybe it's like the woman so long ago who put 2 coins in the offering, giving what she had, whom Jesus held up as an example to all of us, giving her value. That story is found in Mark 12 and Luke 21- and I realize that really wasn't the point of Jesus' story but it makes sense in my head! Anyway, these are people who love God and love people and for whom I am eternally grateful.

So today was our day to help Michelle. My mom and I stapled and organized papers into folders. Then, we helped organize the monthly "store" for children's ministry, putting like things together in bags and boxes. It went really well and my mom was a big help. It was mutually beneficial, which was really my goal all along. We went to lunch afterwards and there was NO anger whatsoever even though she was quite tired. I just think it was a good tired! Amazing. Now, was it because her caregiver wasn't present? I don't know, maybe the combo of having a purpose and some space agreed with my mom today or made my mom agreeable. It doesn't matter because it was a good day!