Monday 12 May 2008

Sunday Blessings - On the Mend

Chummu, Karan and Ravi (Dec 2007)

PIcking up the story from my last post. Over the weekend I ran into Chummu 's cousin Ravi (alias Pandit - as he was the first in his family to go to school - Pandit means "a man of learning") He told me that Chummu is working in a nice uptown restaurant. I was so happy to hear that because his family received several setbacks due to his bad habits.



I sent Mama to church and stayed home with Aunt Sybil.Her dementia has increased and she can 't be left alone. I must confess that her strange and confused behaviour causes a lot of
consternation
alarm
anxiety
sadness
and also irritation (and in me impatience)
in Mama and me. Sometimes we share a smile or two. But its not easy.

Psalm 99;9 says ...".we finish our years with a groan"

I know this is negative but sometime seeing the decline of the elders around me and serving them I pray Lord shorten the length of my life, so that I may not suffer like them.That will be God 's greatest mercy.

_____________________________

On Friday Pastor Shay bought a car.We all rejoiced with him and shared rounds of coconut burfis (Indian sweets). Almost like coconut fudge When Shay first came to live on campus he had a bicycle.After a year or so he bought a motorcycle and now a car. He also was promoted in the Bible College.Now he has been made the head of the distance education department. The Lord has prospered him.

Sunila (his wife) and daughter are away for 2 weeks visiting her parents,so I am sending him food, which is a pleasure for us.

In June they will be gone to the hills for a 2 week conference.



Nearly everyone I know is leaving for summer holidays and conferences etc.Makes my heart long for a getaway.We used to go for camps 2 or 3 times a year, but now its not possible for me.The last holiday I had was 3 days in the hills in 2001.

But the Lord knows my heart.This is a lesson in grace and self-denial.I have to learn to be happy in whatever circumstance I am. (Including the six and half hours electricity cut yesterday LOL)
Have a good week.

20 Fertilize my soul:

Shari said...

I'm sorry that your Aunt Sybil has gotten worse. It's such a shame that her later years have to be this way. This must be hard on you, too, especially if you can't leave her alone. I'm glad that you have this blog and that you can share your feelings and frustration with us.

Sita said...

I remember how hard it was to see how my parents had deteriorated last summer. I can only imagine how hard it is for them to lose their 'independence' slowly. It is physically and emotionally draining. On the other hand, now that they are back in TT, I think of them often and wish they were here so I could watch over them. It is at a stage where we have to pray for wisdom to know the next step for them. I would appreciate your prayers there.
As for you, please let me pray for you:
Father, You have given Amrita such special gifts. You have given her the role of 'care-giver', a role You carry out perfectly. I ask You to replenish her where she is drained. I ask You to refresh her where she is dehydrated. I ask You to grant her a divine respite, a physical respite. I ask that You provide all that she needs, practically, emotionally and spiritually. Now to Him Who is able to do so much more than we could ever imagine or ask for, to Him be the glory forever and ever, Amen.

Dick said...

I'm sorry for your aunt it is not easy to take care of her. My mother had the same and I feeled the same things you do and after all I felt guilty for things I said or didn't do. But you do whatever you can and that is the most important.

Jeanette said...

Amrita, I know this must be so hard for you. I think of you often and pray that the Lord will give you the physical strength and emotional stability you need.

Mel Avila Alarilla said...

Hi Amrita,
No need to worry about your condition when you grow old. God will provide for all your needs. Just trust Him to do this for you. And everything that happens to us is good because the Lord has ordained it for us. "All things works together for the good of those who loved Him, who have been called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)Thanks for the post. God bless you and your loved ones always.

Julia Dutta said...

That little prayer Amrita, God give me a life, short enough to not be a burden to my own self and other and long enough to be serving in "Your Garden" when I breath my last, is also my prayer. A long life, without even being able to recognise anyone or be able to even turn ones mind it God, or forgetting ones ishta mantra( as in the case of Hindus) or a prayer, is really a life very sad to carry on. Yet, who is to know, what is His ways. Somehow, I loved this post very much, perhaps more for the last few lines.

Jo's-D-Eyes said...

hello Amrita,
I red this story with growing interest, take care my friend you cannot control all in life,thats a pity, I'll think of you.

Robin said...

My heart and prayers go out to you amrita, in caring for your elderly family. I know it can be so trying, but you are obedient and will be rewarded for it!
God bless you!

Gudl said...

God will give you an reward in heaven for taking care of the elderly. That is all I can say for now. I pray that God will give you peace.

Felisol said...

Dear Amrita,
I agree with you, getting old and helpless is a tragedy to many, and a burden to those who have to be caretakers.
I know that so well from experience. Nevertheless, I think it's the right thing for family to care for their relatives, not as is done here, store the elderly away in some unpersonal home.
Share each other's burdens sounds the Scripture. I'll pray that someone in your congregation may see your extortion and come to help so that you can get some refilling.
Any thing is possible for he who believes, and we your friends can at least pray.
From Felisol

Mrs. Mac said...

Hi Amrita ... the care you provide to your aunt will not go unnoticed by God. He will give you strength, grace and peace to care for her. You have given up much ... but you are making her final days more comfortable. Our humanity has much give and take. Hugs and prayers for you.

Amrita said...

Thank you my dear friends for your encouraging comments. Gave me so much strength and courage to go on.

Yesterday was a bad day. Aunt Sybil had a tummy upset. And it was hard work.Physically I still feel drained out and emotionally too. But God 's grace is with us.

She is better now, still needs a lot of monitoring.

Was following the tragedies in Burma and China and last night heard about the bomb blasts in Jaipur (North Indian city) All this suffering is too much to take.I felt so sick after watching all the news reports.What is happening to our world.

My computer or mouse is acting funny.Won 't do things I want it to do

Renae said...

Dear Amrita, Great is your reward in heaven, for caring so lovingly for your family. I am praying for you.

You are such an artist in the kitchen. You should have your own cooking show. Wish I were there to taste your work, and to learn from you.

I planted some flowers in my front yard, and thought of you. They are not nearly as lovely as yours, but I'm getting there. :-)

Dear Father, Thank you for my friend, Amrita. Thank you for her tender heart and her willingness to care for those who cannot care for themselves. Please give her strength when she needs it, and breaks when she needs them. Please pour out your blessings on her and on everyone she loves.

In Your precious name,
Amen

Sita said...

Father, thank You that because of your great love, we are not consumed, that Your mercies are new every morning, that Your supremacy and sovereignty are at work even when our 'world' seems to be falling apart. Like Amrita, the pain and untold suffering I 'see' in China, in Myanmar, in Jaipur, disturbs me greatly. May Your peace descend like a dove as we surrender our 'emotions' to You, as we allow the facts that You are good, You are God, You are able, to sink in. Especially at this time , I ask You to cover Amrita, her Mom and aunt Sybil, with Your loving protection. Thwart the schemes of the evil one from harassing them while they are vulnerable from physical and emotional exhaustion. Shower them right now and let them taste of Your goodness. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Pat said...

My dear Amrita - you are such a special person. I personally know how hard and trying it can be to take care of an elderly person, I went through it with my own mother. Know this, what you are doing is a form of worship to God, your rewards will be many. I'll continue to keep you in my prayers.

Saija said...

dieing to self ... daily ...
it isn't easy ... yet the blessings that come out of obedience ... nothing can compare too ...

may our Lord richly bless you!

Donetta said...

Hello, I know what your saying of the length of days and mercy.
A thought some soft music for Auntie...Perhaps it might sooth her soul.

Natalie said...

wow! since 2001? i hope yo are able to get away soon!

like the others have said to you, i believe that God will reward you and pray that he gives you the grace that will sustain you.

Amrita said...

Thank you dear friends for your prayers and kind words. Auntie is much better. I am giving her bland and mashed up food.

Yes Donetta, I play old hymns for her which are from her Methodist hymnbook, she knows those and also tune into a Christian TV program, so she can listen to the message.

Roo said...

ahhh that is hard. i am hoping you will find a quiet spot to retreat too.