This past month I took my parents on a month-long trip to visit friends and family in the Midwest. All was going well until my father took an unexpected fall. Needless to say, the vacation took an immediate 180.
Hospitals, rehab centers, and hotels became our daily regime, and our days were filled with many anxious moments. Then driving home one day, the cloud pictured on the left appeared on the horizon, and I realized that despite the hardships, I also had experienced some silver-lining moments.
First, I was able to reconnect and spend time with my Missouri relatives. Because they live over two thousands miles away, our interaction in the past was limited to some childhood summer trips, Christmas card exchanges, and a few family reunions as milestone wedding anniversaries or funerals surfaced. Reminiscing and conversing with my adult cousins and aunts and uncles has been a joy.
Second, I met many of my parents’ friends, whom I can now claim as my own friends. The concern, hours of visits, meals, and assistance from them has been invaluable.
Third, I learned the fine art of conversation. Just sitting and talking with others and not thinking about a second agenda.
Finally, I received love and support from my friends at home. I always knew I had good friends, but this experience only proved it further. My home was taken care of and the prayers just kept on flowing.
Such times are not easy by any stretch of the imagination, but God is faithful––and so are friends and family.
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