COVID-19

Hello dear friends,

The facility Mike is in now has 2 cases of Coronavirus. They had done so well until last week when one of their employees tested positive. Then this past week one of the residents also tested positive. The staff member did not work with Mike and the resident lived on a different hall from Mike. Both are no longer at the facility, but are either at home or in a hospital hopefully regaining their health. The facility continues to strictly follow the CDC guidelines, as well as, those of the area hospital. The residents have been isolated to their rooms throughout the pandemic and no visitors allowed inside the building. 

It was to be expected that this virus would find it's way there also. I was thankfully amazed at how long they were able to keep it away, especially when there are over 80 staff members coming and going throughout the week. 

I visited with Mike via video again this week. He looked good and was eating breakfast. A couple of weeks ago he was not eating well, but his appetite seems to have returned to normal. There was no apparent physical reason for the reduced appetite. The isolation is being hard on all of the residents and it appears there is a general decline in their overall well-being. We are all social creatures to one degree or another. Residents of skilled nursing facilities are already removed from their homes and families and this added shut-down and isolation has made it even harder on them. Please keep Mike and the other residents in your prayers. 

In all of this turmoil in our world, we look to the Scriptures for our guidance and encouragement. I have focused in on Philippians 4 lately and will be sharing more on my other blog, (https://www.reflectionsbythepond.com/) but God's word tells us to "rejoice always...the Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything".  We are to pray about every situation with thankfulness and God's peace, that surpasses what we can understand, will be with us. His peace is real, soul-deep peace that lasts and cannot be taken away by outer circumstances. We must fix our minds on Him for He alone can guard our hearts and minds.

Philippians 4:4-7

"Rejoice in the Lord always.

I will say it again: Rejoice!

Let your gentleness be evident to all.

The lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything,

but in every situation, by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

And the peace of God,

which transcends all understanding,

will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."