Thursday 8 April 2010

Saying Goodbye -

Today was a tough day, but yet, a good day. My friend Paul, who is in a nursing home is now in Hospice care. He is alert, talkative and able to sit in his wheelchair. Seems to be pain free.

I met Paul seven years ago. At the time he was single. A year later he married Nella. They were both excited and mama and I attended their wedding. Within 2 years (2006) Paul developed Parkinson disease, I was already being affected by Parkinson myself. However, Paul's bout with Parkinson was taking a heavier toll. By 2008 he was placed in a nursing home, struggling to control movement of any kind. This past week he was advised by his medical care group he would be getting additional care from Hospice. His body is building with fluid faster than it can remove it - not good.

In December 2008, I put a bird feeder outside his window. It is in a good location and has a good variety of birds stopping by. Today was no exception - except for what happened when a pair of mated cardinals stopped by. Spring is in the air and the female is certainly getting ready to lay her eggs and raise her family.The male let her have full access to the feeder and seemed to be keeping other birds away as she fed at the feeder. He stayed on the ground and fed there. Then something I had never seen before happened.

The male cardinal flew up to the feeder tray from the ground, opened his beak and fed his mate the choice sun flower seeds he had found on the ground. Then he returned to the ground and repeated this activity several times. Paul and I just stared as we watched the male Cardinal take care of his mate.

I reminded Paul that God is watching over each of us and cares for us as well. I am so thankful that as my days go by that I have a Heavenly Father that watches over me. It also reminded me of how important it is that we watch out for each other. God bless.

12 comments:

Life Adapted said...

That was a beautiful display of affection you described - both in your visiting and caring of Paul and of the birds. There is a season for everything. . .I am so glad we have a Heavenly Father to be with us in all the seasons of our life.

Be blessed.

P.S. No I wasn't washing my feet, wise guy and waaaaa, you called me a whimp!

Indian Lake Papa said...

LA - Please pray for Paul & Nella and their families. They both seem fine with where life is taking them and yet have decisions to make. They are both precious Christians.

Peter Olson said...

Wow! That is a cool story.
Praying for Paul & Nella
Praying for your safe travels
Praying for your ministry
Amen!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Peter - It was a good day, but yet a sad day. Appreciate you keeping them in your prayers.

CrossView said...

*sniff* =(

Indian Lake Papa said...

:( ! I agree - :( !!
it was a very mixed emotions day.
1. Will lose a friend soon. :(
2. He will probably be gone when I get back next December. :(
3. He will be with Jesus before long, :)
4. We had fun watching God's creation! :)
5. Will hopefully see him next week! :)

Ed said...

I am very sorry about your friend Paul, at least he is at peace and pain free.

When our bodies fail us it is important to have friends, like you are to Paul, and our faith, to comfort us, when we need them the most.

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi ED - I plan to visit Paul one more time before we head to Michigan -

HE is currently "fine" but that could change at any moment. He is mentally alert and sharp, can talk and converse well. His body is just not able to take much more. He has at least 8 blockages around his heart. They were able to put in 2 stents.

Its hard to watch anyone go through this.

Thanks friend, for your concerns.

Carol said...

Just a drop-in to say thanks for the Birthday card I received today!! I don't have your email here at home, so thought I would sneak in the back door. You two are very thoughtful people, and you have many that you reach out to. May God bless you in return!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Hi Carol! Glad you had a good birthday!! See you in just over a week.

Technonana said...

Thanks for stopping by, brother... and yes... it's hard. Can't imagine what it's like for those who have NO hope!!

Indian Lake Papa said...

Tnana, hope is centered in Christ! He needs to be our focus. Right now my friend Paul has all his focus there - no wheres else.