I found a perfect blouse at Merle Norman to bless Mom for her birthday, but I was also blessed. As I paid for the lovely item, splashed with blue and yellow flowers, the store’s owner Debbie Campfield and I conversed. She inquired about Mom’s condition. She also shared experiences of her and her sister Denise’s caregiving of their father, Ray Williams. I listened intently to obtain useful and helpful information to assist in my caregiving of Mom. I gleaned a lot as follows:

    * Our parents hide their ailment, but we eventually see, after that we process, and then we accept.

    * When conversing with a dementia patient-speak then give them 90 seconds to process.

     *Daily hygiene tasks become near impossible for the patient, but let them try.

     * Independence is important for as long as possible.

     *Becoming weary is common for caregivers.

     *Caregiving is difficult.

     *There are expected signs of passing that we can watch for.

I left Merle Norman with a satisfactory purchase but more importantly, I left feeling understood. Sharing our experiences in life can mean a great deal to others walking where we have walked. We can help others if we allow God to use us during our daily business.  

The Proverbs 31 Woman ran a business from her home while blessing many. She blessed her husband, her children, her servants, and the poor in her community. Ladies, we may not be called to accomplish all she did, but we can strive to support others.   

Sharing our testimony of salvation, our marriage struggles, our child-rearing challenges, our job stresses, or our battles with the enemy might leave others feeling understood. As we conduct our daily business, let us look for opportunities to assist others in need.

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also. Romans 16:2