slow

SLOW.... Letʼs face it.... for most of us, slow is a bad word.... slow refers to traffic and lines at the grocery store and well, many times, our aging parents. I remember the ultimate feeling of slow.... It was Christmas morning. My kids were awake and we called Poppa at his guest house to come over before the kids were allowed to look at what Santa had brought. We always played a game called “Hide baby Jesus” to at least think about what the day really meant before we commercialized it with excessive gift giving. It seemed that we waited and waited and waited. Finally, he came over and we had a nice Christmas morning. But I remember feeling so impatient--what was taking so long? My kids were bouncing off the walls but maybe it was a good lesson to them that not EVERYTHING revolves around them. (shocking, I know!)..... I also think it is good for US to remember to include plenty of margin in our day when we are caring for them. There is no way to serve really well if you are in a hurry. If you get huffy that they have forgotten their medication to take to the doctor because you are rushed, they will sense your frustration and feel badly for the trouble they perceive they are causing you. Not rushing, means allowing enough time to get them dressed, and perhaps one last trip to the bathroom, extra time for going to and from the car, getting in the car and buckling, folding up walker or wheel chair, etc.... You get the point if you at in this stage..... Allowing enough time makes the difference between an enjoyable outing or short snappy answer and attitude towards them. If you have had a frustrating outing, good news: Tomorrow is a new day! Love them well. Aging really does cause you to respond and move slower-I am already feeling it! They are probably doing the best they can! Grace--give it and you will be blessed!