Thursday, January 29, 2015 

Spoke with Nancy. On top of everything else—taking care of Eric, her daughter’s job being at stake because she has taken too many days off from work (dying mother-in-law, Eric, her own illnesses, and her children)—Abby was put down today. She had been suffering from glaucoma and required drops three times a day. Ever since Nancy went to NJ to be with Eric at hospital and rehab, Abby was not herself. She trembled. She hid in the yard. She messed in the house. Nancy figured she might have been abused in her absence. But on her return into the house this morning, Abby broke her leg. Turns out she had bone cancer and had probably been in pain all along. The vet said they could remove her leg and that she might live 3 months longer. But that would clearly have been a poor choice for a blind dog in pain. And it would have been difficult and expensive for Nancy, who is already knee deep in medical and other bills. Taking care of Eric is challenge enough.

I am in awe, however, of her daughter’s changing role. Elis had been working for a guide dog service and then a vet for very little money. She then decided to become a nurse and made it through against all odds. She works in a good hospital now, but might have to take a leave of absence. The gist of this account is that Elis is now equipped to help her mother care for her father, including rehabilitating him. The whole thing worked out. Nancy not only has a helper, but one who is able to partake wholly in the process. Elis taught Nancy how to move her father and change him. What a gift her nursing studies turned out to be, not only for others, but also for her own family.

Nancy cried today. I suspected grief over Abby and just about everything else piled up on top of her. We talked and I told her how she had inspired today’s talk at the nursing home. Nancy said that we need to forget about “Our Daily Bread” and concentrate on each moment instead. This led me to talk about Purpose, that is, why we are here and how we should behave in the process—with grace, of course, and in His Holy Grace. While You-Know-Who stalks the earth, we must do our part to bring others peace and healing and joy.