Be Careful What You Wish For

I have heard them called "surgery prayers." Those are the prayers you pray for patience or resilience or to lose weight or get in shape. They usually require a change in you.

You don't magically get patience. A situation occurs that requires patience. You don't wake up one day all resilient. Some trials need you to work to bounce back rather than quit. You don't suddenly fit into your wedding apparel again, get a diagnosis or reunion invitation, and off to the gym you go.

Changes, changes everywhere

I have been thinking my life is going by pretty fast. There have been a lot of changes: a move, a new job, a new house, a kid moved out. No wonder I've been feeling overwhelmed! That's a lot.

I feel like I used to be in shape. I used to get a lot done. I have a lot on my plate now and don't feel on top of it. I work from home, so I can stay up late and get up late. I have to get some rest! Things used to be different. I should do something about it.

Nothing is preventing me from doing pushups. I don't have to join a gym. I have bands and weights. I have a floor! I sit and watch a show.

I should multitask. I get my steps. I don't care if I get them today. I will try tomorrow. Now I have laundry. Did mom take her pills? Is mom up?

Managing a comorbidity with Alzheimer's

My mom is a type II diabetic. She has been checking her blood sugar for years. Everyday. My dad was a type I. She helped him with his blood sugar and injections for the last few years.

She was a nurse. A couple of weeks ago, mom forgot how to check her blood sugar. She knew she had to do something with her meter. She not only forgot how to prick her finger - she forgot that she needed to! I am flabbergasted.

I have written about the tale of the zipper idea, that abilities in a series are like teeth in a zipper. Once one is missing, the zipper won't close any further.

All the other teeth can be intact, but they can't be reached because of the gap, and that gap can change anytime and without warning.

Forgetting how to take her blood sugar

Mom knew she needed something. She did all the steps except the first one, pricking her finger.

I grabbed the lancing device, put it to her finger, and pushed the button. She jumped and winced. She wasn't expecting it! Wow, she really forgot!

Mom had done all the steps except hold the opening to her finger. So, with no blood, she held the test strip in the meter to her finger, she knew that part, but nothing happened. She was stymied.

My husband asked me today if she could take her pills by herself. I realized, no, she can't. If I'm not here, she might not do it. I always check and remind her. I fill her pill box. She wouldn't be able to do that.

Getting on a schedule

I have wanted to get organized and constructive with more to show for my day. Tomorrow, I told mom, she is setting her alarm for 8:45 am. Perry Mason starts at 9:00 am, Monday to Friday. She can get up, check her sugar, watch Perry Mason, then get breakfast. I am getting up before that.

OK, 7:00 am. Specific goals. I will work out, have my personal devotional time with God, eat breakfast, and solve world hunger. Wait, let's be realistic and not set up for failure right off the bat.

We are getting on a schedule. Surgery begins tomorrow. It will help us both! I'll be ready to help her at 8:45 am.