Caregiver...simple sacrifice

 

Defined as a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.

Good morning everyone. 

It has been quite a while since my last post. I’m working on a post a week. That way I can share, and if it grows to more than great. 

As you know with the recent loss of Emerson our season in our family has changed. Today I want to shed some light on those of us that have been caregivers. 

Now if you read the definition, part of it describes a person taking care of a child. So that means most of us parents are caregivers. I mean that makes complete sense. However for those of us who have had an ill child, Mac or maybe a parent can be given the label of caregiver squared. 

When I went out on maternity leave, a week prior to Emerson entering into our lives I was expecting that by the end of the summer I would return back to work. I would have my 12 weeks maternity leave and then get right back on the saddle and get ready to my doctors hat back on. 

Little did I know that God had other plans for us. By the time Mac hit 5 months we had traveled to Houston and been at Oschner main campus with several specialist too many times to count. 

So even when I had attempted to return to work, for 2 days, God said no there is something more important.

Emerson was diagnosed on November 7,2019 and I resigned formally by December. I did not want to be asked when I would return, it was indefinite. I was at complete peace with it. 

"“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Your heart must not be troubled or fearful."

-‭John‬ ‭14:27‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Now as we all have experienced this year has been a whirlwind. And when the pandemic due to COVID occurred I was told to sign up for unemployment. My husband was in between a recently new job and about to start training to become a firefighter. We were utilizing savings and close family was helping to support us.

I applied in hopes of getting some much needed support for our family. I filed a claim every week until almost end of summer, and only received 1 payment, which included the additional $ due to the stimulus deal. 

Well today guess what I had to experience? An appeal! Yes you heard right. Basically the government wants their money back. 

"Then Jesus told them, “Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they were amazed at Him."

Mark‬ ‭12:17‬ ‭HCSB‬‬

Now this is the verse that popped clearly into my thoughts. I mean I have worked since I was about 13. Never had I asked for a handout, always provided for by my parents or by myself and husband. Now for the first time I make a decision to step back from work so that I can make sure my child is well taken care of. Who better than Mac’s own mom! Now you want your money back. You know what have it! I know that by God’s Grace my family has been provided for ten fold. So many of you graciously gifted us with financial means to sustain us. For that a million ‘Thank Yous’ could never suffice. 

I share this because there are many of you who have made the sacrifice to stop working, without questioning, to love your child and tend to their every need. So yes I was frustrated, but I know the blessings I have been given as well. So if they want it back, take it. 

Father God thank you for you sustaining me. I am so grateful for you allowing me to be Emerson’s mom. Lord I pray for the mothers who have lost their little ones, no matter how young. I pray for those who are continuing to fight for the little ones, their sleepless nights, tears shed. May their hope continue be in you, I pray for this in Jesus name Amen