Aging with Grace: Life Is What Happens While You Made Other Plans
Sunday, October 18, 2009 at 12:00PM When I started A Second Cup, I had 4 children living in our home and a healthy husband with a good job. We were talking about him retiring in 5 years and both of us working low stress part time jobs (my plan was to work in a bookstore….how perfect would that have been!)
We now have one child launched, one in college and two living in our home. The economy tanked and with it our 401s, college saving accounts and any hope of retirement any time soon. There are very few jobs available in our area. It is no long easy for someone out of the work force 20+ years raising her family to find even part time employment.
The biggest curveball we face is my husband is no longer healthy. His mind just can‘t concentrate anymore. CAT scans, MRIs and blood test have not revealed the cause of his problem. I have watched a man who for decades work 60 + hours a week in a job that required brain power be reduced to being unable to read a book or an long magazine article without needing to take a break. He is sleeping a lot. Our plan if he lost his job was that I would do more internet content writing since I am the faster researcher/writer and he would edit my articles. He can’t concentrate enough to do the edits anymore. A mind is a terrible thing to waste has new and darker meaning for me.
We are playing doctor roulette and have yet to find the doctor who can give us a diagnosis, let alone a treatment protocol.
Fortunately he is getting short term disability so the kids’ lives have not changed that much. Once the disability ends ……Who knows what will happen?
For us Who has a name. He is Jesus. I don’t know how difficult this road will be. I am reluctantly walking the path right now mourning what life could have been. This I do know…..walking this path faithfully will be a learning experience, with times of stumbling and times of rejoicing. In the end we will know our God better. I have but one overall goal: to hear one day…
“'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' Matt 25:21
I have this goal because ……Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. 2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Heb 12
Even a race with an unexpected turn….
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Reader Comments (9)
Changes of this nature are never welcome. I'm sure there is a reason behind your struggles, some greater purpose that may never be known. Stay strong in your faith and cherish each day for all it brings.
I was so sorry to hear of this event (series of events). You will keep the faith and things will get better. Thinking of you, Nancy
You don't need me to tell you that you definately have your head in the right place! Not one bird falls out of the sky without our Father knowing, and you surely know that you are worth more than many birds. I will pray for your family....
I am so sorry that things are so stressful right now. I miss seeing you! Please let's plan lunch soon!
I pray that your husband find the cause and solution to his health problem soon. I pray that your family is given the strength to overcome this path. I admire your faith.
God Bless you sister, may you breathe joy, my your husband breathe joy, for in your faithfulness you have already brought joy to many! I will continue to pray that His peace guards you. When I first met Jesus it was because of your peace in trials. I said to myself, "whatever it is that she has, I want it." His kingdom became real to me because of your love for Him...
I pray that your doctors find the issue before you husband's short term disability runs out. My husband had very similar issues and once the short-term was gone we began the road to get SSDI. It has been 3 years and still no final decision.
This is a hard road to walk, but since I am walking it with you maybe that helps lighten it a bit.
Life does toss a few curves at us...no doubt about that. Keeping a positive outlook and having your faith will most definitely be your best defense.
Good luck and God Bless you and your family !
I am sorry that this is happening. I will keep you and your husband in my prayers.