Last Thursday, my mom was rushed to the Emergency Room with severe pneumonia. She is 76 and an incredibly strong woman. She gives of herself every minute – to my Dad (diagnosed with Prostrate Cancer last year), to her six children, to their spouses, and to her 17 grandchildren. She is truly selfless. Not quite a saint, but close. That is exactly how the pneumonia got so bad. She just wasn’t paying attention to her own needs.

So, what does all this have to do with children? Well, it is simple. Like all my siblings and my Dad, we’re spending a lot of time at the hospital, which means I am spending less time with my kids. This is a hard and beautiful lesson for all families – caring for each other sometimes means sacrifice.

This creates guilt no matter how you slice it, but it is a requirement of being a family member, too. And so, I am doing my best to make sure everyone is cared for and everyone feels loved. I am explaining that I am helping Gram because I love her and she is my mom. I am reassuring them that this is for a short time and that I love them so much.

My kids have been absolutely loving during this exhausting moment in our lives:
• They drew pictures for Gram
• They pray for Gram
• They are pitching in more than they ever have before

In addition, my kids are remarkably curious:
• Why is Gram so sick?
• Can I go see Gram at the hospital?
• What is the hospital like?
• What does her doctor do?
• When is she coming home?

I have done my best to answer (in kid language) every question and concern they have presented. I have done my best to praise their giving and loving acts of service. I have done my best to be grateful to my husband for his support in all this.

I am so proud of their loving and curious nature. And my heart swells with love when I realize how wonderful family can be, especially during these trying times. It is my hope that this experience teaches my children more about the bigger purpose of love – to share your time, to sacrifice sometimes, to do more than you thought you could, to remain hopeful, and to draw strength from each other.

I wish you love and family.

-Lisa