I was explaining a recent frustrating conversation with my mother to a friend. As a comparison I said I that talk to Mom about apples and she responds about oranges. There is a problem at her house that is becoming a major problem. I am trying to be helpful, but I’m not sure my help is wanted or appreciated.
My friend’s response was that she heard the love in how I was trying to talk to my mother. That made me tear up.
“We are not called by God to do extraordinary things, but we do ordinary things with extraordinary love.” Jean Vanier
This quote made be cry. I do not feel I am sharing extraordinary love because I get frustrated with my mother. I hate that the aging process is taking Mom’s curiosity and cognitive abilities. I hate that she, once a woman of action, is unable to solve problems. I hate that I can’t fix this problem. I fear the messes my siblings and I will have resolve. I am watching the woman I have known my entire life slowly slip away. I fear losing all of her all together.
I pray for the courage and strength to care for her with extraordinary love
The Yoga Cowgirl 
When we were children, they cared for us. As they once again become children, we care for them. We don’t always do it perfectly, but perfection’s over-rated.
LikeLiked by 5 people
Yeah…this is hard stuff that probably will not get easier.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That is an amazing quote. I appreciate how your friend could hear your love for your mother in what you were saying to her. That is a wonderful friend.
Watching our parents’ age is so difficult, isn’t it? I understand how you are feeling. Sending you so much love.
LikeLiked by 2 people
So hard… Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful!
Liberty A thick and shapeless tree-trunk would never believe that it could become a statue, admired as a miracle of sculpture, and would never submit itself to the chisel of the sculptor, who sees by her genius what she can make of it. (St. Ignatius).
>
LikeLike
Love you friend.
LikeLike
I’m right there with you, Sarah. It’s hard, but somebody’s gotta do it. I think we do the best we can under really difficult circumstances. Don’t let fear get in the way! You’ll be graced with the strength you need at the time you need it most!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I don’t think there is a more difficult thing in life than watching a loved-one slowly slipping away. Can’t begin to imagine how you must feel.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is such hard stuff to be going through. I feel somewhere in the middle of it, not far from having to watch my own parents (and in-laws) go through this and probably driving my adult children crazy as they notice me forgetting things. When my mother-in-law was deep in her dementia (and no longer recognized anyone, not even her own children), someone said to me that they thought dementia was a form of the spirit having already left the body. It made sense at the time, and maybe a little easier to have already lost her (even though her living body was still here). She had been such a vibrant woman and the change was staggering.
LikeLike
Is your mom living with an illness? Forgive me for not knowing this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My mom has some health issues, but more than anything what is happening is a cognitive decline.
No forgiveness needed as I try to keep other people’s business vague.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Got it. Sending a virtual hug, Sarah 💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Caring for aging parents is very hard. Hugs!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is an extreme practice in accepting what is which is heartbreaking opportunities for extraordinary love. Not doing it perfectly, but doing my best and learning.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I feel compassion for you on this. That would be very hard to deal with. I didn’t respond at first because it’s such a heavy serious thing that I didn’t know what to say. Which is how people are, you know, we all tend to sort of claim up when we witness someone else enduring something difficult beyond words. But I wanted to show support even if I means risking a little inarticulacy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you. Just acknowledging is the perfect.
LikeLiked by 1 person