Do's and Don'ts for Hospitalization Support

I first published this to my Facebook Notes page in September 2011 and think it bears repeating. Fortunately, we do not have anyone in the family hospitalized at this time. There are families in my network that cannot say the same. This is for them.

My family has reached the "expert" level when it comes to handling major hospitalizations. Each time a crisis hits, I hear the well-meant refrain from kindhearted folks who simply say, "Call me if there is anything I can do."

Face it. I am not going to call.

It's not that I don't need assistance. It's not that I don't appreciate the offer. It's just that it is too burdensome to pick up the phone sometimes. 

It's daunting to try to remember precisely who casually said, "Call me." And I hate to inconvenience people. Everyone is busy, after all, with their own obligations. Besides, it takes precious time to call around. I am certain I am not alone in thinking this way.

Here are some simple, practical suggestions that may help YOU as you help others in a crisis mode.

• Instead of saying, "Call me if I can do anything," identify a need and just do it. It is better to say, "I can pick Joey up at school on Tuesday and bring him to practice," instead of "Call me if you need anything." Be specific in your offer to help. What are you willing to do? When?
• Fresh fruit, cold cuts, bread, milk, paper plates and bowls are all things that will be appreciated by family that's commuting back and forth to the hospital or who has someone home recovering. Caseroles or meals that can be reheated are appreciated. If you don't have time to cook for your friends, order a pizza to be delivered to their house at a time you know they are home.
• Patients discharged from the hospital often need prescriptions picked up or medical equipment (such as a shower chair) and it is difficult for the caregiver to get out to obtain them. Offer to stop at the pharmacy or to sit with the patient so the caregiver can do it. 
• Does your friend have pets? Pick up some animal food. If you are comfortable doing so, offer to stop by the house to walk the dog while your friend is inpatient and continue to do so, if possible, immediately following discharge. 
• Laundry tends to pile up. As someone who has had to buy new underwear during a family member's hospitalization I can attest to that! Spend an afternoon at your friend's home and wash some clothes. Or, bring it home to your house and return it the next day or so.
• Do you like yard work? Mow, rake, pull weeds (whatever needs doing.)
• Is it the time of year to tune up a snow blower? Cover a pool? Put in or take out air conditioners? Move the patio furniture? Chances are these tasks will get overlooked during a hospitalization or recovery period, as will other home maintenance jobs.
• Remember that commuting to the hospital (gas), parking garages and cafeteria meals are unexpected expenses that most do not budget for. (Some hospitals have fees for TV service for the patient. I once paid $8 per day so Larry could have TV and a phone in his room. And he was there for 3 weeks.) A small gift to offset these costs will be most appreciated.
• When you go to visit, look around you. Are there dishes in the sink? A litter box? Trash that needs to go out? Take the initiative and put the coffee pot (or tea kettle!) on and tell your caregiver friend to sit. Then, over his/her objection, get the dishes into the dishwasher, empty the trash, etc, all the while lending an ear to your friend. Or, encourage the caregiver to take a nap. Chances are, he or she has been going full tilt since the incident began and can really use the rest.
• Keep visits short as the patient and the family are often tired following a major illness or surgery. Pain medications can make the patient sleepy. Respect the need for the patient to rest.
• Pray With your friend, not just for your friend.

It is INCREDIBLY HARD to ask for help. It is humbling. Most are too proud to admit there is a need. Or, like me, they don't want to bother anyone.

If you do help someone out, DO NOT mention how busy you are. It will only make your friend feel guilty for taking you away from your obligations.

At a time like this, I really miss my Mom. She would help to keep the home fires burning during a crisis. She'd make me a cup of tea, put food on the table despite my insistance that I couldn't eat (and I always managed to eat what she served!), she'd fold the laundry, do the dishes, encourage me to take a nap, listen when I just needed to vent, etc. Her support was invaluable.

You, too, can be invaluable to your family or friends who are faced with a challenge such as a major illness. Remember, there is a good chance you might need someone to help you out some day. Let's all try to help one another.

Learning to Be Content

Philippians 4: 12-13  Paul writes:
I know what it is like to be in need. I know what it is like to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.


Over the past year I have been part of a growing number of people around the US. I have been unemployed. After ten years at the same organization, my position was eliminated. My husband is disabled so our family had been dependent upon my wages to make ends meet. So, like so many others, I can honestly say that I know what it is like to be in need especially as the bank balance dips dangerously close to zero.

To the outside world, it looks as if my family is "poor." We have had to learn to "make do" or simply "go without." It has been a couple of years since our television has served as anything other than a means to watch an occasional  DVD. My dryer had been out of commission for about seven months, forcing us to utilize the clothesline. It got fixed about three weeks ago and ironically the washer died just  the other day. Our one and only computer has 3 keys that no longer work and so we use the on-screen keyboard to compensate. My husband's recliner does not recline....the list is quite long, actually, of things we used to take for granted and cannot use at this time.

One lesson we've learned is there is a difference between our "wants" and our "needs." God provides our "needs" just as He provides the needs of the sparrow! We are not hungry. We have our home. We have each other. We truly are abundantly blessed!

Christmas is Coming!

Christmas is coming! Hooray! This year I have not gotten caught up in all the gift buying/holiday preparation frenzy as we honestly cannot afford such extravagance. Instead, I'm focusing upon the meaning surrounding this blessed season. And my heart is filled with joy!

There have been challenges galore in 2011 for my family. The heartache and struggles we've endured have enhanced  my testimony to how God has worked and is working in my life. Praise the Lord!

A number of years ago there was a popular story passed among Christians called "Footprints." I have it hanging in my kitchen as a matter of fact. Basically, it's a story about a man who takes a walk along a beach  with God over a course of his lifetime. Two sets of footprints are evident during his lifetime except during times of trial. God explains that those were the times He carried the person. What a marvelous illustration! God carries us during our times of trials, just as a loving parent carries a child. We are HIS children.

He sent HIS SON to live among us teach us His ways and to save us. That's what we celebrate at Christmas!

Do not let the circumstances of your life take away the joy in your heart as you anticipate the arrival of the Christ child. And please don't get so caught up in all the secular rituals of the season that you forget that God gave US the perfect gift already. You're not going to find it at the mall! Instead, you will find the perfect gift in a manger in Bethlehem. Jesus. Emmanuel- God With us. I cannot think of a better gift.

My wish for you at Christmas is that you, too, can experience the joy in your heart that comes in knowing that God loves you! He's there during all the storms as well as all the triumphs. Praise the Lord!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Follow Him Faithfully

.

Becoming a Millionaire in RECESSION

Over the past ten years or so I had the distinct privilege of meeting dozens of well known Christian authors and speakers while working for a conference ministry. I've met Luis Palau, Bruce Wilkinson, Chuck Colson, Mike Silva, Tony Evans, Rick Rigsby, Joni Eareckson Tada, just to name a few. And I have also had the privilege to meet some “every day folk” who are filled with a tremendous passion and devotion to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

John Isom falls into the latter category. He exhibited at several of the conferences as a recruiter for the US Army Chaplains. His enthusiasm and dedication to serving the Lord is astounding.

Give Thanks in All Circumstances

Be joyful always, pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (Emphasis mine)

All circumstances??? At times that is almost impossible for us to imagine, let alone do. How do we give thanks when a natural disaster like a tornado or fire destroys our home? How do we give thanks when a loved one (or even ourself) is diagnosed with a life threatening illness? How do we give thanks despite the pain and heartache when our world seems to be crashing all around us? I can hear my mother tell me to look for a silver lining or look on the bright side. Oh, that is so much easier said than done!

Be Still, and Know That I Am God

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

I know there are some Bible scholars who will cringe at my simple interpretation of this verse, but I often think of this verse and imagine a loving adult speaking to a small child. Be still. How many of us have admonished a youngster when he/she is wiggling, popping up and down, touching things off limit, etc.? It could be the child is anticipating a delightful event like a circus to begin. Or he is curious about his environment, or simply bored. The adult might have a smile in his voice as he encourages the child to sit still and wait. Patiently the adult tries to calm the child down. Or maybe the child has a "boo-boo" that the adult needs to examine and treat. Be still. Again, the patient plea as the child wiggles and squirms. Eventually, if the little one doesn't settle down, the adult may have to speak in a firmer voice to get the child to focus.

Isn't this also true of our Heavenly Father? He wants to calm our anxious spirit, treat our "boo-boos" and delight in our joy. But he needs us to sit still and listen, just as that small child needs to do.

Know that I am God. He's in control. He is God. He's got this covered. Know this in your heart. Let there be no doubt whatsoever that He has a perfect plan for all of us.

Sometimes we just need to wait quietly and simply let Him do His work in us and for us. Being still is a challenge, that's for sure. But isn't it reassuring to know that He is God and He has everything under control?

Don't Let Your Burdens Weigh You Down

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

Ever feel over burdened? If you're like most of us, the answer will be, "Yes." As a matter of fact, my answer is more like "When am I not?" Too often I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders as I go through the day. And frankly, that really is not necessary.

There was a day not too long ago that despite being over tired and achy I decided to do the food shopping on my way home. Feeling exhausted I muddled through the experience and loaded the car with oodles of bundles that included a 50lb bag of dog food. A feeling of dread accompanied me on the drive home as I thought about how I was going to have to unload the car and put all the stuff away. Then, pulling into the driveway I realized I had three choices:

1. Do it all myself without asking the family for help.
2. Ask someone to help me but still do the bulk of it myself.
3. Ask the family to take over the task and go inside and rest.

If I did it all myself, the feeling of being over burdened would only increase as would my physical tiredness. If I asked for help but did not let go of the task I'd feel a little relief but not enough to be restored. I figured out I needed to just let others carry my load.

Isn't that the same with God? Don't we have to give him our burdens and trust that He can carry the load? Trust that He wants us to relinquish our burdens so that He may be Glorified!

A Simple Beginning to Blogging

So, here I am, ready to share some random thoughts and ideas with the rest of the world.

As a Christian woman, I know firsthand how awesome our God is. It is my hope that my posts will convey to the readers a sense of just how often He is at work in our lives and how He can transform us.

Quite often the desire to share has been overwhelming. It is at that time I believe the Holy Spirit is prompting me to write something that can perhaps encourage others. At the very least, it is a way to share my testimony about the Lord's mighty blessing upon my life and upon my family.

I pray that you, too, will

Follow Him Faithfully