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Caring for Homebound – Practical Giving

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caring for homebound practical giving

Consider some inexpensive, practical gifts for those you love this season.

Shoppers line aisles searching for gifts for elderly and homebound loved ones. Dollars will be spent on items that may or may not be appreciated or needed. Let’s look at some inexpensive, practical gifts I was given during and after my recent 40-day hospital stay.

  1. Just a cup of coffee? Really? On a long October afternoon in rehab, the aroma of freshly-brewed pumpkin pie latte announced Vickie’s arrival. She would not have us miss our monthly coffee chat. A gentle hug and short visit while sipping that yummy brew was a great pick-me-up for this weary patient!
  2. Notice what was left undone at home. Spotting a box of pre-ordered lily bulbs left on our porch by the postman. Martha asked my hubby for a general idea where to plant them. (Let’s face it, flower gardens are not his thing!) Not only did she make a bed and plant each one, she carefully drew a diagram showing where each color was placed.
  3. Consider the surroundings; can you spruce them up a bit?  Nancy realized I would want to relax outside more while I recuperated at home. She scraped and painted banisters and steps, swept and cleaned both porches. God granted us many beautiful autumn days to enjoy healing fresh air and sunshine.
  4. Think of needs and desires before you visit. Texas friend June (pictured above), knew we were slowly making our hillsides into a park for others to enjoy. She came for a week armed with foods and with a basket of flower bulbs to plant. I have no idea what they are or where she planted all of them. Come summer we will be in for some beautiful surprises as they bloom.
  5. Bring foods in non-returnable containers when possible.  Often during my six-week stay, Doug and Betsy and other neighbors and friends brought Russell home-cooked meals. (The kitchen is not his domain either!) My first weeks at home, we also had some great foods brought in. It was nice to be able to enjoy the food and not worry about returning dishes. (Note: this is also a good plan when providing food to families after a funeral.)
  6. Consider the gift of youth and children singing. A Mennonite neighbor brought food and lingered at the door a few minutes, apparently waiting for someone. Following her was her daughter and eight of her friends to serenade us with beautiful music. What a blessed half hour!

Because you care for others, I know you realize this truth: the best gifts are from the heart; a kind smile; a gentle hug; a sincere prayer. I believe as we stay open to His leading, He will give us direction in how to best share His Love with others along the way.

Hugs,

If you’ve enjoyed my book, My Mother My Child, please go to Amazon and leave a comment. Haven’t read it yet? Well …

Easy Holiday Main Dish–Squash Pie

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easy holiday main dish squash pieAn easy main dish squash pie for Thanksgiving dinner is definitely breaking from tradition and can be difficult for a family.

When my husband heard our friend was making squash pie for Thanksgiving dinner, he was obviously not excited! In fact, he asked what he would be eating. Of course, we had other food, but it turns out that the beautiful, juicy, yummy pie was the big hit of the day!

Our friend had driven eight hours to spend the week with us and help as I continue to gain strength and mobility. June does not eat meat but she can sure pack some good tastes into common veggie and fruit dishes. Add good grains and cheeses and, wow, we did feast! (And, yes, the poor hungry man did get plenty of meat and taters!)

June came prepared to encourage and help in ways I would not have envisioned. My next article will include some of those hints for you. Right now, let’s bake that pie!

Ingredients for Summer Squash Pie

1 unbaked pastry shell (9″)

2 1/2 cups sliced zucchini (1/4″ slices)

1 tsp canola oil (or vegetable oil)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon thyme

1/4 tsp EACH garlic powder, paprika, pepper

2 large tomatoes sliced

1 cup (4 oz.) shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese

3/4 cup mayonnaise

  1. Line unpricked pastry shell with a double thickness of heavy duty foil. Bake in pre-heated oven at 450 degrees for 5 minutes. Remove foil; brush lightly with egg. Bake 5 minutes longer. Remove to a wire rack to cool. Reduce oven to 350.
  2. In a large non-stick skillet, saute zucchini and yellow squash in oil for 10 minutes or until they are very tender. Sprinkle with seasonings; spoon into pastry shell. Top with sliced tomatoes. Combine the cheese and mayonnaise, spread over the top.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes or until golden brown. Refrigerate leftovers.

NOTE: Reduced fat or fat free mayonnaise is NOT recommended for this recipe. June used a gluten-free crust and it was delicious.

Let me hear from you if you try this or if you have a squash pie recipe to share. I am sold on new ways to enjoy eating healthier.

Hugs,

If you’ve enjoyed my book, My Mother My Child, please go to Amazon and leave a comment. Haven’t read it yet? Well …

 

 

 

4 Lessons From Caregiver Turned Caree

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4 lessons from a caregiver turned careeA very personal story from a new perspective.

Over-the-counter medicines were of no avail. September 28 I headed for the local clinic to get help with my congestion. I had no intention of being gone more than an hour or so.

Before I knew it, I was in an ambulance on the way to the hospital. Forty (40) days later I returned with oxygen, home health, and a calendar filled with medical appointments. One collapsed lung, pneumonia and other related issues. From eight days in ICU, hospital stay, and four weeks in rehab, I gained a new perspective on what it means to be the one receiving the care.

Exciting end of journey at the close of this article. I pray the following list will give you a new perspective as you care for those you love—and for yourself!

#1 Priorities can change without warning. I walked away from two desks and a table piled high with what I was sure were very important projects for me to finish. My computer and the five e-mail addresses that I checked daily (a few times each day) would go untouched for forty days! My husband, who depended on me to fix meals, keep house, and run the office would suddenly be the one in charge of everything!

Surprisingly, life went on without me. While I lay in that hospital bed praying to get well, my husband managed to maintain the home and business while visiting me each day.

#2 You may have to learn to depend on others. I am independent to a fault. It is difficult to ask for help or accept it when offered. My four weeks in rehab began with me in a wheelchair; someone else deciding where I would go and when. My private life gave way to the bidding of nurses, CNAs, and therapists. I never wanted to change in front of someone and now strangers were giving me a shower.

Although this was difficult for me to accept, I knew it was for my good. I am so thankful for those who cared for me, and accepted me warts and all!

#3 Visitors are not always a good thing. My doctors and my husband agreed that I should not have visitors for several weeks. I needed time to adjust and hospital staff needed freedom to do their jobs. After I began feeling better, I was ready for some short visits from friends and family. Even then, I tired easily and was ready to rest when they left.

I continue to be amazed at how quickly my life changed. I was busy, very busy, daylight to dark and beyond. Now, it was taxing to get through a few hours without rest.

#4 Cards are always a good thing. I received cards everyday; and was thankful for them. The hours spent alone in that tiny room brightened as I read and re-read the sentiments on each one. I prayed for those who took the time to send them. I praised God for His love shown through them.

I have sent cards often; now I realize their value and will be more careful to continue. Again, I praise God for how He shows His love in such simple ways.

And now, as promised, the end of the journey; or is this the beginning?

God allowed me to have ample time to rest and recoup. He protected me in so many ways; my lack of oxygen over several months could have caused so much internal damage. He provided me great care and therapy—continuing still—and has given me renewed strength and determination to care for myself.

I am still on oxygen for a bit; not all the time. My blood pressure and other meds was cut in half, and the breathing treatments will be temporary as I continue to mend. I’m still very, very tired but so thankful to be improving each day.

Sunday I will go to church with my husband for the first time since September, snow or no snow! I will worship my Lord and Savior with new gusto. I am indeed thankful this holiday season!

Hugs and blessings,

Shopping for gifts? Don’t forget a copy of My Mother My Child with discussion guide; great reading and valuable tool for those you love.