21 January, 2015

Home

"Home"... no other word better conveys peace, comfort and refuge, universally. Home can also be a great motivator. My precious mother-in-law has been away from hers since the Monday before Thanksgiving. From the hospital to a rehab center she's been gone from home for just over eight weeks now. Depending on our station in life, home is the place where we're in control, where we call the shots and determine our own schedule for the day. A medical facility is the exact opposite. Mom longs to go home, to her home; not into an assisted living situation. It's been a long eight weeks... for her, for the family and for her little dog, Linus. At ninety-two years she understands what her options are. Last week Mom's physical and occupational therapists composed a check list of tasks she needs to be able to accomplish, safely, in order to gain her release back home. Since then she has attacked the items on that list with the focus, vigor and determination of an athlete in training; much to everyone's shock and surprise! Up until this week what we had observed was a lack of initiative and motivation on her part. It's clear to me now why that was the case... she didn't understand the objectives and felt trapped, day in and day out, in a restricted situation against her will! Who of us would perform well if that were our perception? Now that she has a print-out of what's required she's enlightened and content; plus, and most importantly, she feels in control once again! What a difference this has made.  An exact release date isn't foremost on her mind either; that will reveal itself in time, but the goal: HOME, is on the table and that's the most significant motivator of all.
Life is Good!

8 comments:

NanaNor's said...

Hi there, There is no place like home! Praying your mom is able to return to hers soon; it has to be discouraging to be away from her dog and her home.
Have a day filled with joy!
Hugs, Noreen

Janet O. said...

Had a similar experience with my MIL. Last year at this time she was released to come home after 11 weeks in rehab from a broken leg. Home can be a huge motivation.
Lovely cross-stitch. Did you do it?

Unknown said...

Beautifully said. And so true.

Quiltdivajulie said...

Insightful and wonderfully written - sending hugs and prayers to all of you!

Tanya said...

Such a nice post. I'll try to remember when things get a bit out of control, to write out my goals and the steps needed to achieve them. Praying that your mother-in-law will reach her goals in sort time!

StitchinByTheLake said...

What an insightful post. My prayer is that she will be able to return to her home soon and that she will find there the peace she yearns for. blessings, marlene

Barb said...

I love your stitchery....and that is great about your mom!

45th Parallel Quilter said...

Prayers and good thoughts that she's home soon. My mom lives in independent living and while it is a huge change from what most of her previous life was she enjoys her little place and the privacy and comfort it provides her. As long as we can we'll make sure she's able to stay there. God bless you and your mother-in-law.