New Normal
Mom’s normal is a new and so is mine.
My mom is aging and with this life stage comes days of mental and physical restrictions. Her state of mind each day affects my daily lifestyle as I am her primary caregiver. I’m committed to Jesus, family, mom, ministry, and writing which can be overwhelming. I have no idea what each day will look like this year, but I expect new growth and less self-focus.
We’re not alone in our new normal as five percent of people over sixty-five and twenty to forty percent over eighty-five experience dementia and over ten percent of people over sixty-five experience alzheimeria’s. The elderly effected by these disceases undergo change as well as family members designated to caregiving. While celebrating Christmas at the end of 2022 and New Year’s Day in 2023, a lingering sorrow for my mother, and others, pressed upon my heart. But I find consolation in God’s word as we all can.
Jesus promised His disciples their sorrow of His leaving would soon turn to joy! He used a comparison in John chapter 16 for our understanding. Women travail with sorrow through labor and delivery but afterwards the joy of their new baby makes them forget their prior anguish. We will experience sorrow in this life, but we have the promise of seeing our Savior face to face and our heart will rejoice. This anticipated joy cannot be taken away.
Mom and I, along with others, are experiencing sorrow. But joy will soon be ours. Jesus is coming soon and our new normal will by eternal joy in His presence.
And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.
John 16:22
I love this Lisa! It makes me feel better knowing that we all have our own anguish, sorrow, and nevertheless responsibilities we must do through it all. Life waits for no one regardless the circumstances. I miss you, Mary, and Brenda. I’ll be praying for you all. Please remember me and my family in prayer… I’m struggling something aweful. Love you sister ❤️ I appreciate all you do. God be the Glory forever and ever
Love you dearly Jessica. The struggle is real but so is the faithfulness of our Lord! Love you big and hope we can chat soon.
Love you Jessica. Keep pressing in no matter the struggle. Love you and I would love to visit soon!
No matter how hard or difficult, you will never regret this time caring for your mom. God will give you all you need to do the task He has put before you. Bless you, Lisa!
Thank you Krisin for your kind and encouraging words. Pray I honor God as I honor my mothter. I plan to pursue writing in the middle of this new repsonsibility. God’s grace is sufficient and He is faithful! Your love and support is so appreciated dear friend!
God Bless You as you show His love in caring for your mom on this difficult journey for both of you….XO
Thank you Angela.
Your mom sure is a special lady. I didn’t know that she was have health issues. Praying for you all. ❤️🙏🏻
Angela, she is a special lady! Thank you for your prayers.
It is a great honor to care for those who cared for us.Dementia and alzheimers are extremely difficult to watch someone go through. God will lead guide and direct you.I love you both and I am thankful you are my family
Rhonda, it is an honor to care for our parents. You know that as you are caring for your own. Thank you for your words of encouragment. Love you and I’m also thankful you are my family!
Lisa,as I am reading this I think we all should have trouble with the word normal,it is one of the most overrated words I know .I think we need to just accept what we do each day as , the new necessary, not normal ,because we do what we find is necessary, each situation and each day. If we can survive the day and find and hold the love , we are exceptional, not normal.
Gerald, this is true. Normal is overated; I’m not sure we have a way to meansure it! Love from God and for others sustains us to do necessary things exceptionaly well! God is faithful! Thank you dear cousin. Your comment means a lot.
Praying for you and your mom. Love you.
Thank you for your prayers. We sure need them!
Praying for you and your mom. I love you.
Michelle, thank you for your prayers. Love you too.
We are called by God to honor our parents and you are living that directive, Lisa. Praying for you as each day is both a challenge and a blessing. God is with you on the journey.
I agree. Honoring our parents is a indisputable command. You said it well, “each day is both a challenge and a blessing”. Thank you for your prayers Katherine.
Lisa
I have only recently began to follow your writing.. (I am sorry to say this; I have allowed work and day to day life to move my focus from searching- to accepting what I have right in front of me). Your writing and work for the Lord have in a sense “found Me” and I am truly grateful and blessed.
In reading this; the first thing that came to my spirit is : GOD IS GOING TO USE your “New Normal “!!
You are living the “New Normal “ just as soo many others are – including myself. Maybe my normal is not the same exact as yours; but many others will find themselves in the same “New Normal “
Allow GOD to use this as a way to speak to so many others who are facing the same day to day changes. Use this “New Normal “ as a way to minister to those who are exhausted and drained. Use this opportunity not only to find HIS Strength and Peace within your new normal; but allow God to speak and minister through you and your journey.
You absolutely have a beautiful, God Given Gift and HE is using you to touch so many lives. (Including Mine)
Trust His path – Trust the journey
Covering you in prayers of Peace, Certainty, and vision.
Blessings
Janet
Janet, I’m glad my writing found you! Your response of encouragement is a tremendous blessing. Your words have moved me from chills to tears. And, yes we all face “new normals” throughout our lives. I needed the reminder to trust his path and the journey. Thank you for praying. It means so much.
Alzheimer’s has struck my family, and it’s a disheartening disease to say the least. I pray for you and your mom and for a cure.
You have a great attitude and your faith will help, but don’t hesitate to reach out for additional help. The Alzheimer’s Association in my town, for example, will help pay for some outside caregiving. Not a lot, but just a few hours a month can help. Make sure you investigate resources. A free online training helped me better know how to deal with some of the things that can come up.
Thank you Candyce for your helpful information. I am presently seeking more help with caregiving and I may look into the free online training. I ordered The 36 Hour Day published by Johns Hopkins Press. I too am seeking information to cope with changes.