We went to visit my dear MIL at the rehab facility today after church. She was sitting in a chair and anticipating her lunch while we were there. Her appetite is fair and her spirits are good, for those two things we are thankful. I left there feeling discouraged, however; she doesn't seem to be the least bit interested in improving her situation even one tiny bit. She has little to no desire to participate in physical therapy, she is indifferent when it comes to socialization with the other residents and shows complete disregard for the planned activities. She is content to do exactly what we found her doing today: sitting and watching television, in her room all by herself. She complained that her lips were dry, we directed her attention the lip balm on her chair-side table, not even one foot away from her. "I'm too lazy to reach over for that" was her reply. I didn't make a move to get it for her, she did pick it up and use it shortly after that. She claims to want to go home within the week, that is the frustrating part for me, her actions don't demonstrate that desire. My husband is equally discouraged but told me that he admits to suffering from "
pike syndrome" when it comes to encouraging her. For years he has tried to gently coach, boost, strengthen, inspire and energize her, but she refuses; it is downright disheartening. And so, we left her, alone in her room watching television. She seemed happy enough with that. I have prayed that she
can go back home again, what she has told us that she truly wants to do. I'm just not so sure about that anymore. I am fine tuning my prayers on her behalf now, asking God to impart peace and wisdom for this situation, so that she truly understands what is necessary for her own best interest. I'm praying for my husband too, that pike starved itself to death(!); my prayer is that God will enlighten him with understanding and direction along a new path.
Life is Good!
On this, the thirteenth day of November, I am thankful for
the loving role models God has provided within my family.
