A new life adventure

I've always had a lousy bedside manner, but that's about to change. My mother has been diagnosed with cancer - in her mouth, lymph node, and possibly jaw bone. She will have surgery, followed by 30 days of radiation. I happen to be at a time in my life when I can drop or delegate most things to be by her side. I don't know what I'm getting myself into. I just know I have to do it.

Dear aunts and grandmothers have died, and I've always said, "I wish I'd spent more time with her." I don't want to have similar regrets about my mother. Despite my previously lousy bedside manner, I'm determined to bring some love, optimism, and cheer into her life. She deserves it. Besides, my dad needs care too. He has Parkinsons and Mom can no longer be his primary care giver.

This will also be an oppotunity to be near my sister and take some of the caregiving burden off of her; she has a demanding job; I'm self-employed.

I believe we are all blessed with creative gifts for living. I believe we are meant to develop and use those gifts and give them away on a regular basis. That is why I intend to approach this chapter in my life as a creative adventure. How will I help my parents find creative solutions to caregiving and other challenges they now face? How can I use my creative gifts to enrich their lives at this time? How can I use creativity to maintain my sanity and balance during what I'm sure will be trying times? How will I stay mentally and physically healthy so that I can help them?

This blog will chronicle my adventures. Some days I'm sure I'll rant; but most days I hope I'll be able to express gratitude for this opportunity for family time, for laughter, for discovering new things about myself and my family - all of which are manifestations of God's grace in my life. And, yes, you'll hear me mention God from time to time.

So, whether you're a friend or a stranger, you're invited to join me regularly or intermitantly on this great adventure.