Grief & Stress

Spending this first Thanksgiving holiday without Carol and being away from the family has been rather difficult as predicted, but I am thankful for wonderful friends, neighbors and a family that have been praying and keeping in touch with me. Hospice says that denying feelings and failing to work through the five stages of grief is harder on the body and mind than going through them. Well, I must not be in denial. I am very much aware of the “pain” which is my one-word description for those many feelings that like to attack me when I least expect it.

Sunday I talked with both Judy and Mary Ella about their husbands that are each having a very difficult time with cancer. Joe has become so weak that he cannot get out of bed and is unable to take much nourishment. Hospice has been called to assist them. John is still unable to talk and continues his radiation treatments this week. On the 15th he will meet with the Oncologist to consider possible chemo treatments to shrink the cancer. Do join me in praying for those families. They each are choice jewels that are a blessing to know and it is a joy to share in their lives.

Sunday afternoon I decided to put Christmas decorations up in the house and will do the outside when the weather clears. Christmas has always been a special time for Carol and me so I feel that I need to continue the tradition of entertaining and reaching out to friends and neighbors. During the afternoon I enjoyed listening to non-stop Christmas carols. I am looking forward to being with the family in Michigan for Christmas, so I just may see a white Christmas this year…not that I really miss the white stuff.

As I was reading Isaiah 40 yesterday I was especially encouraged by the final verses of the chapter: “He [God] never grows faint or weary. No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers strength to the weak…But those who wait on the LORD will find new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”

With an awesome God like that, why do I let that grief and stress get to me at times? It must be when I fail to FROG (Fully Rely On God). Hopefully this slow learner will soon catch on.

Love to you all,

Chuck