Blessings

Daily blessings

 

            I have a patient who suffers from dementia.  She has days when she is barely responsive, and others when she is alert and conversant.  Her husband, a very devoted man, comes into the facility every day before breakfast, to sit with his wife and to make sure she gets the best possible start to each day.  He then helps her with her meals and stays with her all day, pushing her around the facility in her wheelchair, talking with her, pointing out the events that are happening around her, and helping her in every way that he can.  He then goes home to rest a bit before starting the whole routine over again the next day.  Oh, how he longs to have her whole again, to take her back home, and to share his love with her the way he used to.  But life has dealt them a difficult hand.  He waits desperately for a miracle.

            Now, when this dear lady first came to us, she was completely closed-in. She did not talk or interact with her environment.  She required total care in all areas.  She often didn’t even seem to be aware of her surroundings.  But, after a few medication changes, nutritional support, and, I believe, much prayer on the part of her husband and the staff at our facility, she has slowly begun to awaken.  She is now talking more, attempting at times to hold a cup or a spoon, and even to stand and take some steps with help. 

            We first noticed the change beginning to take place when some visitors brought in a Chihuahua to show the patients.  Pets do wonders in a nursing home.  They seem to bring out joy in even the grumpiest old codger.  I love to see the older folks interact with their soft, fluffy companions.  Often, after interacting with the animal, they will share stories of their own pets, and it will always bring a smile to their faces. 

            Well, as the visitors placed this tiny dog in the lady’s lap, she smiled and began to speak.  She said that she liked the dog.  It was the first time in a very long time that she had spoken a full sentence.  Her husband was amazed, and took this as a sign that his wife would be healed.  He told her, “If you get well, Honey, I will buy you a dog.”

            This just about broke my heart. I truly believe that God was listening to his prayers and was giving him and his wife nothing short of a miracle, in her ability to recognize and interact with her husband and her environment.  She wasn’t able to do that before.  But she was not completely restored to full health, so he could not see the miracle before him.  He wanted more.

            Isn’t that how we all tend to be?  We ask God for His blessings, and when He gives us what we need, in a package that appears different from what we expect, we are disappointed.  We want God’s blessings in the manner that we desire them, not waiting for Him to work out His will in His way.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could leave our problems in His capable hands and simply thank Him for the blessings He gives, however they come? 

            Take some time this week to note the generous blessings that God has showered down on you.  And then thank him.