Page 55 - The Big C

pain and emotional load, Mom demonstrated wit and humor
with her family, therapists, and caregivers. Mom sang with
Papa at times, though she labored with the words. Mom
joined her Savior in October 2018, blessed with 91 well-
lived years.
Papa became blind with a cataract at 87 years old. This is
really sad for a voracious reader. His 24/7 care started in
2018 after a mild stroke; he had Parkinson’s disease and
prostate concerns. Papa got well in 2019. Papa and I would
have long chats on life, management principles, and abstract
concepts. He loved the details of my 2019 Pilgrimage trip to
Israel. But in 2021, his words became few. He could no
longer count backwards or in Spanish in his morning
exercises. Papa healed from severe pneumonia in 2021 but
occasionally needed oxygen support. Papa joined his Lord
in January 2023, blessed with 95 full years.
Caregiving Daughter. As a caregiving daughter, I felt my
parents’ pain. I always prayed for their comfort. I read up on
their maladies, constantly consulted our Cardio-Internist
family doctor and other doctors, and explored naturopathic
approaches. I tasted what they would eat and mimicked how
they moved for my better understanding. I made time for
their care.

God provided well for us by making professional caregivers,
therapists, expert medical teams, tests, medicines,
supplements, and nutritious food available. At hospitals and
drugstores, my heart goes to those who are in pain due to
their bills. At the supermarket, I get frustrated not finding
healthier options.
Caregiving can be physically, mentally, emotionally, and
spiritually exhausting. God enabled me to be on top of the
situation, harmonize the different factors, and have timely
information for appropriate action. He gave me rest after I

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