Sacraficing ones self for another

[rushingwind62]

I know many here are probably stuck in a grieving process because of taking care of a suffering loved one. Some have or are grieving for days and weeks, while others struggle daily through the emotional roller coaster ride of watching a loved one suffer for years. I for one know what the later is like.

I watched my dad suffer and die a little everyday for over 6 years. He had many health problems that could not be corrected. One of which was his kidneys failed and he had to be put on dialysis and there was no hope for a transplant. So he was given a death sentence but no certain time frame. When he got to a point where he could not take care of himself or get around I made a vow to him to lay my life down to take care of him and prayed I could be there holding his hand when the time came for him to go be with the Lord.

It was the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and the most selfless thing I have ever done. I quit my job and moved in with him and began serving all his needs. And though it was hard it was the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The reward didn't come until the promise was complete though.The work was hard, and the stress was even greater. To be quite honest it broke me, because I was stuck in the grieving process before dad ever passed away. Many a night I cried myself to sleep and prayed for God to release me from my vow to Him and my dad. But He would just tell me to carry on. So I did.

When dads time finally came we all knew it and brought him home with hospice to pass away and that is when I got my reward. GOD granted me my prayer and allowed me to be there holding dad's hand and looking in his eyes when he went to be with the Lord. Don't get me wrong it was still hard to go through but it was a relief becaause we knew dad wasn't suffering anymore.

I shared this because I just want to encourage those of you going through the samething to make whatever sacrafices you need to make to take care of a dying loved one. As hard as it is in the end you will closure and peace of mind knowing you did all you could to ease their pain and help carry their burden. It will also give you an oppertunity to get to know that loved one in a way you would have never gotten to know them.

I have no regrets and if I had it all to do over again, I would in a heartbeat. Because I got to watch the angels come to take my dad to his new home.

I hope this encourages some of you to keep on and not give up...God Bless YOU.....Rob

 

[9T6]

Thank you, Rob, for such a powerful testimony of the rewards of persevering with doing God's will in spite of personal suffering and trial along the way.

Two bible passages came to mind:

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' "The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'" Matt 25:37-40

and

"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." Luke 10:36,37

There is surely an echo of what you are saying in the words of John:

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13

Thanks for sharing this.

 

[Anti Existance]

I admire you...

 

[CountryLady]

Hello Rob, thank you so much for sharing your story. What you say is so true. I took care of my late husband at home while raising our children. The rewards are so great. Your story touched my heart and it will help many others. Thank you.

 

[rushingwind62]

That is what we are here for, to share our testimonies and encourage others. Knowing my testimony is touching hearts is all the blessing I need.....I weep and grieve for all you that have gone through something like this or are going through it now....and my prayers are with you....KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE GOAL, and KEEP ON MAKING THAT SACRAFICE....Rob

 

[HumbleBee]

Mathhew 25:34-40 Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’

 

[Christdefinesme]

rushingwind,

I really appreciated your testimony. It was very fulfilling to read.
My brother was the one of the two of us to make the sacrifice that you made.
I was pregnant with my #4 child at the time, and we lived 8 hrs away from
my mom, she was suffering from liver disease. Months of suffering, and my
brother, even though he doesn't know Christ, made SUCH a Christian
sacrifice. It was as if the Lord Himself (I really believe it was the Lord) put
a calling and purpose into my brother. I was so blessed and honored to see
such character in my brother. I also felt SO guilty most of the time for not
sensing the same type of "calling" to sacrifice like that. I actually kept
sensing from the Lord that it was NOT the thing for me to do (pick up my
family and move us all to take care of mom for a few months). Though I
really beleive that the Lord wanted my brother to do it, I still feel sad that
he had to experience such a difficult time. I was in and out of the picture
many many times for mom's more major bouts (several scary stressful
weeks during 9 long months), and helped where I could, so my brother
could have a break, I know he went through something indescribeable.
Yet I know that he would not change a thing. He will tell anyone that he
had some great times with my mom during her suffering, and that it was
worth the sacrifices he made. It is ugly to watch your loved one suffer in
these ways. I have a great respect for those who choose to be right there,
suffering along with their loved ones, making the necessary sacrifices to
bless their suffering loved ones with the dignity and priveledge of being
in their own homes, surrounded by the familiar, and by family.
Thank you again for sharing. It shows a great strength of character that
you chose to make the sacrifice you did. I pray that much fruit grows from
that time in your life.
Bless you.

 

[rushingwind62]

He will tell anyone that he
had some great times with my mom during her suffering, and that it was
worth the sacrifices he made. It is ugly to watch your loved one suffer in
these ways.

Christdefinesme,
I know exactly what he means and yse it is ugly to watch them suffer but there is a great peace and sense of accomplish that comes when all is done. Never in my life have I felt so fulfilled with a purpose.

I also felt SO guilty most of the time for not
sensing the same type of "calling" to sacrifice like that. I actually kept
sensing from the Lord that it was NOT the thing for me to do (pick up my
family and move us all to take care of mom for a few months).

And don't feel guilty, like you said you felt like this was your brothers calling. And it sounds like you did everything you could to help him and your mom. My sister felt the same way and I have other relatives that are angry with me because I was there when dad passed and they weren't. I don't let it get to me though, because the blessing of being there when he went is the greatest blessing (next to Christ) I have ever received and I'll let no one take that blessing from me......God Bless YOU!!! Rob

 

[rushingwind62]

bump