Monday, July 20, 2020

Dear God,

The sound of a loved one's voice is enough to settle our unsettledness.  It can lift our spirits, take away our burdens and give us hope.  It can restore our soul.

Today I talked with my 92-year-old Aunt Jodie.  Oh, how I love her.  She now resides in a nursing home of her choice.  She is isolated by the corona virus.  She mostly sits in her recliner, reads, naps, eats, does her shoulder exercises from her wheelchair and walks a few minutes with aides each day.  Although it doesn't sound like much of a life, she still laughs, loves and shares with nurses and all who tend to her needs.  She talks with family nearly every day and seems content although Covid has claimed about 15 residents who are now in quarantine.

When I hear her voice, I go back in time.  I remember her when I was a little girl.  I loved and still do her chicken and noodles.  I remember her at Grandma's house, her home and when she came to visit my family.  We always had a good time sharing our lives together.  I have known her my 73 years and can't imagine a day without her in my being.  I travel down memory lane when we talk.  I am so blessed by her loving gestures, sweet smile, great compassion, giving ways and kind heart.  Today, I felt lighter just talking with her.

You bring us together,
O God.
You make us family.
You grow love there.
You provide joy
and we grow
with it.
Thank you
for Aunt Jodie.

Love, Andrea