It’s been a hard day…a day of worry and anxiety. My dear daughter, Elizabeth, pregnant with our first grandson has been diagnosed with toxemia. She’s more than 3 1/2 hours away. My grandmother, who requires constant care and supervision, is staying with us for the next three weeks, so my ability to travel is greatly limited.
Today has been a tough day for Grandma, as well. She is struggling constantly with the loss of her mobility. Feelings of helplessness occasionally overwhelm her. Some days are better than others. Today, observing my distress over the health of my own child so very far away, Grandma became very sad, feeling that her presence was burdensome. I tried very hard to convince her that we never consider her a burden, but she still struggles.
And then the sweetest thing happened. Little Emily, age 5, kissed her great-grandmother goodnight. She tiptoed over to the mantle, to the rosary-draped statue of our Lady and found her own, very small rosary. She walked over to her great-grandmother and said: “I’m going to pray for you, Grandma…because I love you…”
She went up the stairs, to the prie dieu in our classroom, and knelt in prayer.
I feel a bit better myself, now. I’m reminded once again, that the answer to my anxiety and true comfort will only be found while on my knees…thank you, sweet Emily!
“…a little child shall lead them…”
Isaiah 11:1-10
**please keep Elizabeth in your prayers…tomorrow we should have more information regarding her condition…thankfully, HELLP has now been ruled out. Her blood pressure remains dangerously high…
June 17, 2008 at 7:05 am
I thought toxemia developed because of pregnant women cleaning litter boxes. Is she a severe or mild case? How much longer until she is due?
We will certainly pray for her and for grandma!
June 17, 2008 at 7:23 am
Oh dear, you are all certainly in my prayers. Please keep us posted!
Hail Mary, FULL of Grace….
June 17, 2008 at 7:56 am
Sometimes, while we feel helpless with only prayer and no action, prayer is the best action. I will remember her today.
June 17, 2008 at 8:00 am
Just a quick cyber (((HUG))) and a note to say that my SIL had toxemia with her two oldest children and although they had to be induced a little early both babies and mama were fine!!! Prayers for your daughter!
June 17, 2008 at 8:15 am
That’s beautiful. I will keep your daughter and grandma in my prayers.
June 17, 2008 at 10:31 am
I will pray, Kimberly.
June 17, 2008 at 10:41 am
Thank you so much, dear friends, for the words of encouragement and the promise of prayer. I’ll keep you posted on her progress.
June 17, 2008 at 12:10 pm
I’ll be praying for your daughter and her baby. I had toxemia with my first and fourth pregnancies, and both girls (one is 14, the other almost 3) turned out beautifully. :o)
June 17, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Kimberly,
I understand what you are going through and am praying for you all. I too have taken care of an aging parent who struggled deeply with their illness and lack of mobility. It is very hard and my prayers are with you all.
June 17, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Kimberly, we are praying for your entire family.
June 17, 2008 at 9:43 pm
Oh Kimberly! We will be praying for you all, especially your daughter and grandson. God Bless!
June 18, 2008 at 10:32 am
Many, many prayers for them and your entire family!