My mom has been in the hospital since before Memorial Day with kidney failure. Along with mobility problems, and operation challenges, this leaves my sister and our families wondering what comes next. As far as how Mom will be cared for once the emergent medical issues and rehab are completed.
I haven't been consciously praying to be honest. As a Christian and a priest, this has been upsetting to me; I try to keep a daily prayer regimen and when things are "easy" it's usually pretty easy. When I look at what's been on my plate the last 2 months I think "Well I certainly can't blame myself!" I think it's a matter of acceptance that this is how things are; people get old and suck and will eventually die. That's all well and good when you're discussing the Buddha's discovery of suffering and samsara. It's a different matter entirely when you're talking about a beloved parent.
I'm feeling this all for the first time even though my father passed several year ago, complete with long hospital stays and living in a nursing home. I was high, in active addiction back then. I never visited him more than once every 2 months or so and no one really expected anything of me. Least of all me. Now I've been seeing my mother at least 4-5 times a week since she's been in hospital. Even though there is absolutely nothing that I can really do. Other than be present and hold her hand.
Other than be in the room with her so that for an hour or 2 she's not alone.
And maybe that's my prayer that I think I haven't been praying. God bring mom, and all of us, peace as we transition to this new way of being.
DAILY MASS READINGS
Genesis 21:5, 8-20a
Psalm 34:7-8, 10-11, 12-13
Matthew 8:28-34
