Earlier in the morning I had videoed with Keegan's family and enjoyed being part of their morning celebration of reading and acting out Luke 2 and opening some of their gifts. I plan to go to NC later in January to have my Christmas with the grand-girls. On Christmas Eve I enjoyed videoing with Caleb's family as Watson celebrated his 6th birthday. I am super thankful for technology right now. It makes the distance seem smaller.
On the Tuesday before Christmas I went to see Mike. We still have to visit through-the-door and it is not very satisfying; honestly, I'd rather see him through the phone - at least he seems to be more attentive that way. As they were wheeling him to the door, he was taking off his mask. They put a microphone on the outside door handle and ran the wire between the double doors and put the earpiece in Mike's ear. He took it out almost immediately. He ommed and rocked gently back and forth in his wheelchair the entire time and after about 5-10 minutes of trying to talk with him or tell him things about the children or grands, I didn't know if he could even hear me, felt discouraged and sad and left. He shows no signs of understanding, or that he is listening, or seeing me - nothing, no recognition or change from the omming and rocking. I can't touch him or do anything for him and he cannot interact with me. It is so sad.I didn't know it then, but he was tested for COVID-19 that day. On Christmas Eve afternoon, I received a call from the director that Mike had tested positive along with 17 other residents. That's a huge jump after going almost 9 months and only having 4 residents and 10 staff test positive in all that time. Most of the 18 current cases are asymptomatic. Seems strange, but I guess it is a strange virus. Mike has some congestion and I spoke with a nurse this afternoon and that's still all he has and it is not getting any worse. He is prone to chest congestion anyway, so evidently he doesn't seem any different from his usual lung issues so far. They did have to make a "hot" unit and moved all the Covid positive residents to one hall so Mike is there. If he gets worse, they will do what they can to make him comfortable, but we've already agreed there would be no extreme measures taken. Mike loves Jesus and in his current state, it would be a blessing for him to go to his heavenly home, but only God knows when that will be. He has certainly survived so much in the past 8 years and 7 months.
My Mom is in a slow decline of mind and body. The Parkinson's takes a bit more of her every week, it seems. One of the blessings of a different Christmas is that my sisters have come at different times. It really has been sweet to have time with each of them and especially nice for Mom since I think when we're all together it is a bit chaotic and loud, plus hard to really visit individually. (Mostly because we are so busy either cooking or cleaning up from eating!) Having them here gives me a break from the 24/7 caregiving and I enjoy spending time and talking with them.
Christmas Eve was a very rainy day, but Mom really wanted to go to the Christmas Eve Candlelight service which surprised me, but was wonderful because I really wanted to go too. Hugh picked us up and the Lord blessed us by holding off the rain as we got Mom into the car and out of the car both going and coming. It was a very small gathering, but a beautiful service at our sister church, Rocky Hill. What a blessing to do something that felt normal although we wore masks and couldn't hug anyone. The church was so pretty in the candlelight with the nativity scene, tree, and bright poinsettias. I actually sat down Christmas Eve and spent probably an hour writing a post, but it was not coming together and didn't feel right, so I abandoned it and didn't post anything. However, part of what I wrote I do want to share. This Christmas season, more than any other, I determined to focus on Jesus' birth with joy. The temptation to let all that was not going to occur rob this season of joy was not going to be an option. Feeling depressed makes me miserable. That is not why Jesus came. He came to bring joy, light, life and peace. As I set on a path to enjoy this Christmas, God met me at every turn and prepared me for the news of Mike also.
God with us. Immanuel. That became the theme over and over again. God is with me. God is with Mike. God is with Mom. God is with Mike's Mom. God is with our children and our grands. God came to earth in the form of a baby to be with us. How amazing is that!? Nothing can change the fact that God is with us. God is sufficient. All the rest is great and wonderful, but God is who we need. God sent His son to us, ordinary people, like shepherds. God sees and cares and loves. God with us. Always. Let that sink deep into your soul.
I hope you had a joyous Christmas celebrating Jesus' birth and will will have a joyous New Year and 2021 remembering that God is with us no matter what may come.
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and they shall call his name Immanuel”
(which means, God with us).
