An Unexpected Journey

A few weeks ago, we received word that my mom had been taken to the emergency room in my hometown of Seminole. She was then sent on to Lubbock to Covenant Hospital. So, a seven hour drive, and my name changing from “Beth” BACK TO “Ina Beth” began a bittersweet journey for me! I headed straight to Lubbock. Mom had aspiration pneumonia as a result of complications with her esophagus. She was not able to eat, but was fed through IV until the pneumonia was improved so that she could have an endoscopy done. I stayed at the hospital with her. We were there five days. She was so cute! They would come in and check this or that. When they were ready to leave, they would say, “Do you need anything?” She would always say, “Food,” knowing she was not supposed to eat, but hoping someone might “forget!” Ha!

Leon stayed in Seminole, which was difficult for both of them. His son, Jerry, brought him to Lubbock a day or two after mom was admitted. To see the love they shared for each other, and how close their relationship is, was such a blessing! 

FINALLY, Mom was able to go home! She was very weak from having pneumonia, and lying in bed for the most part, for the five days. Standing alone was a challenge, so she was using a walker, and physical therapy began coming. Speech therapy also came. He worked with her on swallowing, and some coping skills so that the difficulties she had did not reoccur. Mom was getting stronger and stronger, and things were going good.

I was enjoying putting out the flag, picking the garden, and cooking for Mom and Leon. Leon suggested bringing in arrangements of the beautiful zinnias and sunflowers in the yard since Mom was too weak at first to go outside. Often, there were plenty of flowers to bring in four arrangements! We all loved it! We also visited and talked about memories they both had...separately before they married, and then memories of the last nineteen years together.

Then, Leon was taken in to the emergency room. So, I ended up staying four weeks all together! Not what I or Larry planned, but it worked out! God had a plan, and I wouldn’t trade that time for anything! Leon stayed about three weeks in the hospital. Mom and I spent alot of time together! Then, each morning, we would call Leon, and each evening, we would call and tell him “good night.” Twice-a-day, planning around physical therapy, speech therapy, and Leon’s physical therapy, we would go visit him at the hospital. We would take the mail for them to go through, and they would visit. Their love for each other shown through, what sweethearts they are!

I had some of the best conversations with my mom and Leon! We talked about their very first memories, favorite times in their childhood, songs they remembered! Leon and I even cooked his special soup! My mom and I ate meals together, and visited about everything! We talked about God’s treasures, and how they are not in things, but in relationships and people. We talked about “my mom’s life” that she saw around her, like pictures, figurines, furniture. I told her that her life was not in those objects, but in the legacy she had left for others, and the memories we all had in our hearts.

I did tasks for them that they did or would have done for me before. It was difficult to “switch” roles: to be the caregiver, the cook, the delivery man, the shopper...all those things my mom used to do. That part was bitter, and hard to swallow, but the “sweet...” the conversations, the memories, the love and acceptance for each other, were a priceless treasure! 

I learned that when God gives us “bitter,” He always adds a “sweet!” He gives us blessings upon blessings; strength, and a path through to help us continue what He has for us to do. He leads each and every moment...One Step at a Time!