My Mother has three younger stepsisters. Among the closest to her is Sandy, who''s the oldest. In Mom's absence and in a more stable marriage, Sandy has for 15 years been the one to take the most care of the family, especially of Grandma and Grandpa. Sandy moved back into their house more than 15 years ago. Although she lives in husband Don in Marysville now, for many years - especially after Grandma went to the nursing home and then died - Sandy - who worked nearby - spent the night one or two nights a week at the house. After she returned like this, when I stayed there I stayed in the basement.
For years now Sandy has been caring both for Don, who's disabled and has back problems, and Grandpa, who finally moved out of the Westerville house and in with them in Marysville. But several weeks ago Sandy - with Don at Camp Sychar, the church camp our grandparents always went to that Don and Sandy now help run - Sandy got hurt trying to hold up a heavy piece of equipment. Apparently aggravating arthritis she already had, Sandy has been forced to go to doctors trying to alleviate her back pain and has had to be very careful (much like I tried to be before and after my hernia surgery) lest she hurt her back even more. (Ssandy may get epidural injections, like what Stephanie hoped for during labor and like what my physical therapist and I talked about me getting for my neck/back/right shoulder pain.) Unfortunately, there's no one like Sandy there to take care of Sandy. My other two aunts - Barb and June, now living together with Dustin at Aunt June's place on the other side of Columbus, some 60 miles away, each have their own health problems, as does Dustin (as does Sandy's older sister, my Mom, recovering from knee replacement surgery). And Sandy's kids are spread around the region and busy with their own kids (and, in one case, with an incipient divorce). And we're not jumping to go up there.
We know caregivers who have in fact died before the person they are taking care of does. I don't Sandy is in that situation, but her back problems are very serious. July 9-10 she and Grandpa (who is slowing down and also losing his eyesight) have important doctor's appointments. We want to offer prayer support and ask those of you who pray to pray: for Grandpa/Marston, Don, Barb, June, Dustin, Lori, Robin, and Jon, and Mom/Martha - but especially for Sandy. Who will care for the caregivers? When it comes to Sandy and care by prayer, let us all do so. Get well soon, Sandy!
For years now Sandy has been caring both for Don, who's disabled and has back problems, and Grandpa, who finally moved out of the Westerville house and in with them in Marysville. But several weeks ago Sandy - with Don at Camp Sychar, the church camp our grandparents always went to that Don and Sandy now help run - Sandy got hurt trying to hold up a heavy piece of equipment. Apparently aggravating arthritis she already had, Sandy has been forced to go to doctors trying to alleviate her back pain and has had to be very careful (much like I tried to be before and after my hernia surgery) lest she hurt her back even more. (Ssandy may get epidural injections, like what Stephanie hoped for during labor and like what my physical therapist and I talked about me getting for my neck/back/right shoulder pain.) Unfortunately, there's no one like Sandy there to take care of Sandy. My other two aunts - Barb and June, now living together with Dustin at Aunt June's place on the other side of Columbus, some 60 miles away, each have their own health problems, as does Dustin (as does Sandy's older sister, my Mom, recovering from knee replacement surgery). And Sandy's kids are spread around the region and busy with their own kids (and, in one case, with an incipient divorce). And we're not jumping to go up there.
We know caregivers who have in fact died before the person they are taking care of does. I don't Sandy is in that situation, but her back problems are very serious. July 9-10 she and Grandpa (who is slowing down and also losing his eyesight) have important doctor's appointments. We want to offer prayer support and ask those of you who pray to pray: for Grandpa/Marston, Don, Barb, June, Dustin, Lori, Robin, and Jon, and Mom/Martha - but especially for Sandy. Who will care for the caregivers? When it comes to Sandy and care by prayer, let us all do so. Get well soon, Sandy!
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