And now for the car ride...

My mother did not sound good on the phone yesterday when I talked to her. And the email that I received after our conversation was even more disturbing. There is nothing that the medical establishment can do for the fluid retention she is experiencing or for the anemia. She can’t wear shoes, she’s exhausted and she’s very uncomfortable. Yesterday morning she could hardly do any housework because she was so weary – could barely get her few breakfast dishes done. Hospice told her that the body’s health will go downhill as her appetite and fluid intake decrease – and she admitted to me that her appetite has started to wane.

It’s time for me to go.

And when I spoke to her this morning and said I would be coming in a week, she agreed that it was time. So that cements it.

I need prayer for good weather and travel mercies along the route (the majority of which will be Interstate 80 from Wyoming to central Pennsylvania). I had originally thought to do it in 3 days, however I don’t think I’m up to driving 10-12 hours straight each day (it’s a 30 hour drive). I think I will stretch it to 4 days instead, leaving Tuesday and arriving Friday.

I need prayer, too, for the family that I am leaving at home. When the time comes, Tim will fly out for the funeral and then drive home with me. In the meantime, I’ll be missing him and our youngest terribly. (And Hank, too, who will not understand why I am leaving him for so long.)

And, finally, I need prayer for the situation that I will find when I get there. Family relationships can be tricky, and the stress of serious illness can make them even trickier. My hope is to walk softly through the coming weeks and to be helpful without intruding.

- Catherine