A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN

“Uncle” wasn’t doing very well on the Rehabilitation Unit.  He was in a private room with nobody to talk to for most of his day.  His therapy was confined to half an hour in the morning, and the rest of the day he spent lying in bed or sitting in a wheelchair.  He was not strong enough to go home, yet.  His daughter was afraid that she would not be able to care for him in his home.  “Uncle’s” time in hospital rehabilitation was coming to an end, and if he couldn’t go home, he would have to go to a Long Term Care facility for further rehabilitation.     

He was still not strong enough to go home, so he went to a Rehabilitation facility.  He was housed with Alzheimer’s patients and began to develop an “institutional” mentality, afraid to speak up for himself when his needs were not being met and retreating into his own mind.  One of his primary concerns was his embarrassment of having his personal needs being taken care of by female aides.    

Our family continued to visit daily, providing gentle advocacy when needed, and developing a relationship with the nurses and aides on the floor.  Mike and Ginny traded turns at getting walloped in checkers and chatting about their school days.  We kept his family informed as the situation began to deteriorate.    

“Uncle’s” corps family was very supportive, visiting and providing mental stimulation.  In Meetings, “Uncle’s” needs were prayed for continuously, along with the needs of others.  The doctor said he could go to Meeting on Sunday if he could get there and back. “Uncle” loved going to meeting, but shared that he hated going back to “prison” afterwards.   “Uncle” was in limbo.   

His daughter, who lived with him at home, knew she could not handle the responsibility of his full time physical care.  Even though a rehabilitation specialist could come to “Uncle’s” home and an aide could come before each visit, it would not be enough support.  She was heartbroken, “Uncle” felt betrayed, and the family felt helpless.    

It occurred to me, while washing dishes (that in itself is unusual…ask my dear long-suffering husband!) that there was a gentleman in our corps family who needed housing desperately.  He faithfully attended meetings, had been welcomed into our homes and provided service cheerfully and with dignity.  He had fallen on hard times and was bouncing from friend’s couch to friend’s couch.   I knew that he had developed a good relationship with another family in our corps, and made a few discreet inquiries about his character.  I spoke with our corps officers about the possibilities of matching his need for housing and stability with “Uncle’s” need for a full-time non-skilled aide, preferably male.     

Thanks to the Lord who knows our needs before we speak them, this has worked out beautifully.  “Uncle” has a companion who keeps him mentally stimulated, can discreetly attend to his personal needs and encourage him to do his strengthening exercises.  “Uncle’s” daughter is free to be a daughter.  The gentleman from the corps has a safe place to continue his growth and recovery for as long as he needs it. God is SO good….    

“Uncle” has now resumed some of his mentoring and voice instruction.  He has returned to Corps Council and Songsters.  He has recently been invited to come and lead vocal warm-ups for our Jr. Songster Brigade.  He and the gentleman from the corps are ready bright and early every Sunday, weather permitting, for Meeting.

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