Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Mom's Day 5.1

It's about 2:30 pm CDT and we're in Mom's room at Baylor Medical Center. She is in room 901 in the Roberts Hospital portion, and it is a private room, which is very nice.

It is a very good step for her to be moved out of ICU and into her own room. When we arrived today, she was just finishing her first round of physical therapy.

She was in quite some pain, but the nurse has now given her a cocktail of happy juices and she seems to be resting pretty peacefully.

Today will be the day I decide what to do next with my trip. Mom is well taken care of, but still not out of the anesthesia all the way. I would share with you how I know that, and to do so would bring you some good laughs, as it has brought us, but I'll just keep that in the family for now!

Because I am driving, and have the goal of being at church Sunday for Johnny's last "official" Sunday on Staff, if I drive home, I need to leave tomorrow. I am prayerfully considering why I am not yet comfortable with a decision to leave tomorrow. I know some of it is that I want to be here when Mom is more cognizant.

My other option is to use a round trip ticket that a dear friend has offered to fly home Thursday or Friday and then figure out when to come back for my car (probably in the first week of July). I would appreciate your prayers that God would give me wisdom.

Some of me feels (not just feels, but actually knows), that I have not always been as connected to my family as Mom, or I, have wanted for me to be. I think that's some of why God has given me this trip.

I have been working the last few years to strengthen my connection with my parents, spending time with them whenever I can. It's not been the easiest thing since they have lived in other states, but I have done my best, and it has made a difference for me.

All that to say I am trying to sort this all out for myself emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally, etc. Thanks for listening, and for understanding!

5 comments:

Dan S said...

Paul, I know "it's not about me", but I think this decision IS. I believe what's best is what will be best for the rebuilding, re-focusing etc. of YOUR healthy spirituality. Maybe there is a lot of going back in order to move forward. Johnny will understand, and BewHeart will be better the better our Pastor is. Miss you and love you and still praying, Dan

Anonymous said...

Dear Paul...
I am sure you missed your boys (great photos) on Father's Day, but I think that this is an important trip for you and will be among your fondest memories.

My parents never moved from Reseda, and yet I wasn't too connected either. When my father and I started to become friends, he suddenly passed away at the young age of 69. I used the following years to spend as much time with my mother as I could and it was worth it.(Easier for me since the distance was so short!)

Besides the physical connection, I feel that God wants us to have that spiritual and emotional connectiion that we feel in our hearts. I think as we get older it becomes more important than ever.

I am praying that you will be able to sort things out and make the best decision you can.

Thanks for sharing your trip and your thoughts with us.

God Bless You,
Judy :)

Jane Bolton said...

Pastor Paul - I love reading the praise reports on your mother. I was reading about your decision on when you should head home. You will know when the time is right. The will give you peace on whatever decision that you make. We miss you, but you need this time with your family. I, myself, do not spend a lot of time with my parents, but I am trying to rectify that situation myself. Especially since my parents are in their late 80's. Know that you are missed greatly and that we are praying for you and your family.

Blessings,
Jane

Jane Bolton said...

Pastor Paul - It is very good new about your mother. The Lord will give you peace in what ever decision you make. Just know that you are missed.

Blessings,
Jane

Pastor Paul said...

Dan, Judy & Jane,

Thanks for being with me on this trip, and for your thoughts and prayers, and for your wisdom and understanding! I MISS you all!!