Thanks Linda. I feel those hugs and appreciate your thoughts and prayers.

Love...Peg

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Blessed Be,
OneLight

Peg,

I will add your brother-in-law, Jim and sister Erlene to my prayers. Sending
some love for you too.

You know what I do here each day. My mother is not a burden. Despite her not knowing who I am in relation to her and not being able to do anything except feed herself she is not a burden and I will miss her terribly when she leaves. She cannot do much, but she does thank me every day for "being so kind and helping" her. Some of her sayings when she talks to the room are very funny. Even with her little ability to communicate I can tell that although she appreciates me caring for her needs, she would rather be able to do these things for herself. So, I have some idea of how a person feels that they could be a burden to someone else. We have to live out our life here until it is time for us to go on. I think that my mother does feel that she is a burden but she is never-the-less glad to have me helping her while she is here. I am blessed to have her with me and to have the opportunity to care for her.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts,
A D

__________________
Just Joyfully Participating

~You cannot be happy unless you are serving the truth of your being, however that service looks.~
- Gangaji

Hello Peg,

Very sorry to hear of your sister and brother-in-law's health issues, healing light, energy and love for you and your family, and every blessing.

Love,
Di

Peg - to add a tad to your thoughts and the discussion that followed...
I have a perfect example of why we should ask when we need help instead of feeling like we are intruding...

I asked Mom to come up and stay a few days just in case I didn't feel like cooking etc. That one request perked her up and made her feel needed. She's thrilled to be coming up to 'take care' of us.

Patswife - I agree the dynamic of families has changed tremendously. We keep trying to get the Moms to move in but they are independent women and want to remain so as long as possible - plus they don't want to be a burden. (which we don't think they are but we'll never convince them)

AD - the love and care you have given your Mom through the years is so admirable. I know it hasn't been easy on so many levels but I think you are a wonderful example for many of us.

__________________
Brit Elders
CEO - ShirleyMacLaine.com

Sending loving healing energies to surround both Jim and Erlene and intending for their highest good.

So good that they have loving giving children who are willing to help them in this time. I don't think anybody likes to be dependent on another. I think it has to do with a sense of pride. When we were once able to take care of ourselves and others, now we have to depend on someone else. It goes back to being more comfortable with giving than receiving. And that has to do with "control" - being in control of oneself. In any case, it is an opportunity to become humble for sure. I think it is just another of life's lesson's that we are so presented throughout our lives to let us know that no man is an island and that we are all connected.

And like my Dad said on his deathbed, "Sugar, we are here to help each other."

Big hug to you my dear friend, I truly know how difficult it is to witness those you love, suffer. We will all get thru this, too.

Love you dearly, Deb

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Life Is Opportunity
Imagination - the Beginning of Creation
Life is Good
Belief Becomes

Sorry to hear about Jim and Erlene, your family. I know this is a hard time for you. I really appreciated what you had to say about people thinking they are burdens. I am grateful for this whole thread. I have many elders still living in my family and these dynamics apply to me. (I have often been a burden to my family and to Gerry!) I am not clear enough right now to write any more, but just know that I am sending you and yours light and love and healing energy. Love you, girl. C.

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HAND, Cher O.

My father says almost the whole world is asleep.
Everyone you know, everyone you see, everyone you talk to.
He says that only a few people are awake and
they live in a state of constant total amazement.
...Joe vs. The Volcano

Thanks AD, how beautiful it is to witness your recognition of the gift you and your mom are to each other. I truly believe that even though consciously she may be unsure of who you are, in the deepest level of her heart and soul, she knows exactly who you are. And it is this Universal connection that is playing out right now in your daily lives, a view of the rhythms and cycles of life that are more precious than the finest jewel. Blessings to you both.

Love...Peg

__________________
Blessed Be,
OneLight

Thank you, Di, for including us in your thoughts and prayers. I know you are experiencing challenges of your own, and that makes your thoughtfulness even more cherished to me.

Love to you....Peg

__________________
Blessed Be,
OneLight

Hi Brit, I know exactly what you mean. I love this example you shared. It is so important that we all feel ‘needed’, that our ‘being here’ has purpose, and most especially to those in our immediate world. I remember when my mom was living with me, I felt guilty in the beginning because when I came home from work she would have dinner ready on the table, the house cleaned, the laundry done, etc. At her age, I didn’t want her to have to work doing things for me, I just wanted her to enjoy her life. Then it dawned on me that doing for me was her enjoyment! It gave her life meaning and kept her mind alert. And so I relaxed into it, and allowed myself to receive the gift she was blessing me with.

Love ya....Peg

__________________
Blessed Be,
OneLight

Hey my friend, as always I thank you for your wise thoughts. It ties in with what Brit was saying. And also, we have this sense of pride and independence, and when circumstances arise that hinder those qualities in us, I think you are correct that our lesson may be to learn to receive. In the bigger picture, there is such a flow to that, like the continuous ebb and flow of the gentle waves upon the shore!

Hugs....Peg

__________________
Blessed Be,
OneLight