A Love that Lets Go

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I’ve spent a lot of time recently in my own head. Today marks the three month mark since my mom’s stroke, and there have been a lot of ups and a lot of downs.

And I’m learning a lot.

And honestly, I’m learning a lot about God’s love for us.

We’ve reached the stage in my mom’s recovery where…there’s a frustration within her about how things aren’t back to normal. And a gripping desperation for autonomy.

And I’m going to be really honest, being in my position, as her grown daughter, having come home to be her “sidekick” as I call it – there’s a really delicate balance of how much help is too much help. I want to assist her so that life runs smoothly, but I don’t want her to feel like a child or that I’m belitting her or discrediting her capabilities or contributions. And I’m finding that in this particular stage, it is exceptionally difficult to do. And so often I feel discouraged, as though I can’t do anything right

It’s a darned if you do, darned if you don’t sort of thing. Offer too much help, and I’m overstepping. Offer too little help, and things, well…breakdown.

But actually during this time, I feel like I’m learning a lot about how God loves us. [And let me interject here that I am in no way comparing myself to God.] But during this phase I am definitely learning a lot about how love can look.

Because honestly, right now, all I want to do is…well…everything for my mom. I want to wait on her hand and foot, and bring her this, and do that, and just give her the world.

But she doesn’t want that.

She wants to do things herself.

And so for me to love her, I have to let her do it…even if she messes up. Even if it takes her an extra hour to get through the steps. Even if she feels defeated or angry or like she’s incapable at any little thing.

I have to just let her fail.

Because that is what she wants. And I know deep down that it is probably good for her. And it is growing her.

How many times in my own life have I felt that I’ve just been on a one way trip to Screw-Up town? Like I’ve fallen on my face enough times to need a serious rhinoplasty and new front teeth? I mean, have you read my blog??…

Perhaps how I’m having to love my mom right now is a tiny reflection of how God loves me during those times? — Letting me struggle because I need to feel autonomous, even if it comes with a detrimental price tag?

This kind of love is not easy. It requires patience and a longing for the betterment of her, mores than a satisfaction of self. It requires me to put her needs and her good ahead of my own. Even dying to self a little bit. And that really makes me contemplate God’s love for me. For us.

All those times when I was struggling and feeling lost or frustrated in my own life, God was standing by, watching me endure it. Not because He is wicked or derives pleasure from others’ pain. He’s not some puppy-kicking monster. He was watching expectantly – patiently – lovingly, knowing the growth that will come from the struggle. Just like I’m having to learn how to do with my mom.

It’s like how a mama bird must feel when her baby jumps out of the nest for the first time. The fall and the failure is part of the learning process.

God will never let me peril. He’ll swoop in if absolutely necessary, but the struggle is what I ultimately need.

Just because we’re enduring a trial doesn’t negate His love. If anything it just shows that He’s letting us grow. Allowing us to use our autonomy to our own potential destruction — or potential flourishing.

But that’s what I’m working on. Letting go.

Letting go of the reins and letting her take them over.


I need to step back and realize that this necessary step is cause for celebration, because she can.

She’s improving. She’s blossoming and regaining all the skills and abilities the stroke had wiped out.

A love that lets go is a love that recognizes the other’s full potential. And that is the most difficult – and simultaneously most beautiful – love of all.

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BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

319 thoughts on “A Love that Lets Go”

  1. You simply never run out of new ways to help those around you. You continue to touch me and I remain in awe of what you have survived, what it has cost you, and how – through it all – you not only didn’t blame God, but you ultimately recognized Him as the only true Source of love, strength, kindness, mercy, and forgiveness. The lessons you lay out so eloquently always reflect awareness of that and never fail to contain wisdom we can all use.

    I pray for your parents always, and especially your Mom during these difficult times.

    Hang in there, JD. You’re an amazing individual.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Tony. Gosh, that’s kind of you to say. I am so grateful for you, you know it? You were the first one to really read my blog, and I can’t tell you how much that meant to me. You were an encourager from day 1, and I am sincerely so grateful to call you a friend. Thank you for your prayers and friendship and just constant support and positivity. I’ll always be, JD 🙂 And YOU are an awesome individual 🙂 big big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  2. I understand both sides. My son couldn’t wait to go on his own so he ran away. God taught me unconditional love. When my mom was put in Hospice at home, I sat down with her and said, I do not want to overstep my bounds so I will only interfer unless you ask me to help or I see they want to do something I know you object to. It helped me pray more for both. To be that intercessor.You will do just fine.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. oh friend, that just breaks my heart. I am so sorry to hear that you went through that. Yeah, there really is comfort in prayer. And I’m so glad you know that too. Thank you for sharing your story with me. sending lots of love xox

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  3. “I want to assist her so that life runs smoothly, but I don’t want her to feel like a child or that I’m belitting her or discrediting her capabilities or contributions.” That must be so frustrating, especially for her.

    I give you a whole big box of Kudos for all of the love and care you’ve given her. Especially during those times when it isn’t easy. 🙂 🙂 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much 🙂 Yeah, not the easiest season, but I’m honestly so grateful for this time together, and I cherish this season, even with all the difficulties. God is good, even in the storm. Thank you for the encouragement. Hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Not letting go is not Love, What a course in Love you’re getting and at precisely the right time-I love using Papa as an example of how I should Love, He knows my heart and loves me anyway ❤

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  6. You are exactly right! Its VERY hard to let them fail, but overall it is so much better for them. And by them I mean everyone! Let them know you are there if they need you. But standing aside and letting them try, encouraging and maybe giving advice helps them so much more than just doing it for them.

    Wise beyond your years lady

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    1. You’re right, Tony. It is the best thing for them. That’s true – moral support goes a long way. Because no matter the outcome they will have learned and grown. Thanks so much for saying that. you’re too kind to me! 🙂 haha big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Thank you for sharing your walk of faith and caring for your Mom! When my Mom was alive and I cared for her, the most challenging …the “darned if you do and darned if you don’t situations. Many times, I left her house praying to God that I made the right decision. God would gently remind me that me being there in itself is the best and kindest decision I could make. Right or wrong, being there made it right. You are an inspiration to so many online and I know such a blessing for your Mom !

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh Rick, thank you so much. You’re always so generous with your encouragement. Thank you. That’s such great perspective. Being there really is the best decision. I need to remember that the next time i get in my head about it all. sending big big hugs xox

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  11. The best theology I’ve read all week! Very grown-up and mature (please please take that as a compliment). You’re feeling it, seeing it and telling everyone! You are a joy to behold Caralyn.

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  12. Caralyn, you are an awesome daughter, and friend. After reading, and following, what you have been through, in the change from your younger years, to the woman you now are, I see how Jesus Christ has molded you into a disciple and imitator of Himself. Not that you have arrived yet, as I know you are first to say. Holy Spirit is working in you, guiding you to walk through the door He has opened for you, so the Servant’s Heart of Jesus can be seen. Jesus served many, including washing the feet of His Apostles. We know you have served your Mom in many ways, being an example of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you for your example. Thank you for your honesty, in that it is not always easy, but it is worth doing.
    God Bless you Caralyn. Luv. 🌷🌷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh gosh George, thank you with all my heart. I do believe that Jesus has been carrying my family and I through this time. God is good. And I’m only doing what any daughter would do 🙂 thank you for your generous encouragement. I am so grateful to have you as a friend! Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Lovely blog today. It is difficult to love enough to let go. But you are correct, your mom needs you to let her do what she can. But I understand you wanting to do for her. Bless both of you! Just know that you never have to be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. Trust.

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    1. Thanks so much friend. You’re right, letting go is a hard but necessary step. And wow what a powerful statement. He knows everything including His future plans. There’s such comfort in that 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  15. Just take a listen to this song before reading the rest. For some reason, your words reminded me of this song. I’m able to find God speaking to me through the music I listen to most of the time, and so this song hit me after reading your words.

    Don’t know your mom, so I don’t know how right I’ll be here, but the way you talk about her, it seems like you really do hold her in the same high regard that you do for your father. And like you, I’m sure your mother will use her recovery from the stroke to glorify God, in the same way you use your recovery from anorexia to glorify Him. It sounds like your mother is a tough one, since it sounds like she is really fighting to get back to 100%. And all that matters is that when she asks for help, that you’re there to provide it. She and you are both leaning heavily on God to bring her back, and once she reaches that point, she may be even better than ever before, and God will teach even more through her because of this. So just offer your help as needed, and watch what God is teaching her, because while the stroke can cause you both pain, God can bring the ultimate good out of that pain.

    ~Tom

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    1. Wow Tom. Thank. You. This seriously moves in my heart so much. Because the one thing my mom and I keep talking about is that maybe she’ll be “better” than she was before. Thats her goal. It was like you were a fly on the way during our conversations because this was exactly it! Yes! I felt believe that God is going to use her story. She’s already had some interesting opportunities present themselves and who knows what God has in store! Your words are so encouraging. Thank you. I’m going to share this and the song with her when I get home! Big big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Please do share it 🙂 the human body, and spirit, is an amazing thing. If it gets broken down, it gets built back up stronger than before. If you need an extremely strong example of someone being struck down repeatedly, look to the apostle Paul. He remained steadfast in his faith among spiritual and physical persecution, and his faith got stronger. Help your mother train her body and spirit in this trial to become even stronger than she was before the stroke! 🙂

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      2. That’s so true. I love how God gave us so many examples in the bible to look to for hope and inspiration. Thats’s a really interesting way to put it – training her spirit. that’s exactly what it is! training her spirit! wow, that was so awesome to read. I’m going to share THAT with her too!! 🙂 haha hugs xo

        Liked by 1 person

  17. Sometimes I wonder if God watches me with an eternal facepalm. XD I love the message behind this post. When I volunteered for a hospice, I learned a lot about the stress that caregivers face when taking care of their loved ones. It’s a constant balance for sure. You’re amazing for doing what you’re doing. ❤

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    1. Thanks girl. Haha oh my gosh I just laughed out loud thinking about that divine facepalm! Haha and wow what a gift you gave those people in hospice. I can only imagine how emotionally challenging volunteering was in that environment. Big hugs to you friend. Xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Volunteering in a hospice is really something else. I remember a lot of the adult volunteers there saying they felt like it was what they were supposed to do. 🙂 Hope you’re having a nice Thursday.

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      3. Thank you. 🙂 It’s a very powerful experience. I’m sure I’ll do it again someday.

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  18. You continue to inspire us with the intimacy of your thoughts on some pretty tough experiences. Know that God will honor you as you honor your mother. Praying that He continues to give you strength, wisdom, and insight to know when to help and when not to. Blessings all ways.

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  19. I love the way you write and your openness about your mom and how tough it can be to care for her. I took care of my mom for 10 years and she had multiple health issues from a colostomy bag to osteoporosis. The one thing that remained after she began to have health issues was her resilience and desire to contribute. Even though she could not contribute as she once did, it gave her dignity and self-respect to contribute in the ways she could at that point in time. It is so hard and often a no win situation and I shed many tears, pleaded with God for strength, and wondered if I could go on. I am so glad today that i was given the opportunity to love my mom unconditionally in the most vulnerable time of her life, despite the struggles. Keep up the good work and keep up the love. I hope you are caring for yourself too. Thank you again. God bless you.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Wow it got me choked up reading about your experience. What a gift you gave your mom. Yeah I think vulnerable is precisely the word that describes this season. Vulnerable and yet stronger than ever. Thanks for this beautiful encouragement. Your words are healing for my spirit. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  20. 🙂 look at the things we learn, when we least expect it, in the situations we least expect to learn them in. God is molding you into what He wants you to be and you are submitting to that. Seeing Him, around you, in all situations, helping you. This is what His true Love for you is all about. What a blessing 🙂

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  21. My wife’s mother had a stroke about 6 months ago and there are similarities as to what you both experience. It is odd to care for our parents as they cared for us as children, but such is the season for many of us today. I guess the two experiences are showing reviewing and giving God’s unconditional love.

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  22. Dear Beauty,

    As I read this:

    —-
    Because honestly, right now, all I want to do is…well…everything for my mom. I want to wait on her hand and foot, and bring her this, and do that, and just give her the world.

    But she doesn’t want that.

    She wants to do things herself.

    And so for me to love her, I have to let her do it…even if she messes up. Even if it takes her an extra hour to get through the steps. Even if she feels defeated or angry or like she’s incapable at any little thing.

    I have to just let her fail.

    —

    I was struck by two things:

    1) I wondered if your mom were reading this, would she remember you potty training or teaching you to ride a bicycle….??

    2) As I looked at the picture of yourself you posted with this vignette, I was struck by your physical beauty and your spiritual beauty. God has blessed you with so many gifts. You are beautiful, you can write extremely well, you have had parents who have never given up on you. You have been broken and brought this sacrifice to God and by His Grace you have experienced the presence of the risen Lord.

    I think you understand that there was a time when your mother “let go” and by doing so has been rewarded with an awesome, beautiful, wonderful daughter of God. A daughter who has stood by her as she stood by her daughter. This is an amazing example of love begetting love.

    Thank you for sharing your story with us.

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    1. Oh my gosh, thank you. I am so humbled and touched by your words. I definitely do not take the fact that I have loving parents for granted. I am so grateful for that because I know that not everyone is so lucky. And thank you for your kindness. You’re right, I have to let go just like my mother did 🙂 big hugs xox

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  23. Do you remember when your mom and dad let you go to your own decisions? How did that independence feel to you? Did it strengthen the relationship or destroy it? You do not have to answer those questions to me just was curious if you thought about it.

    Wonderful post BBB.
    Denny

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  26. I call it unconditional love, not the grasping overpowering love where you do take over. Caring for a parent is tough as it means renegotiating the relationship. My Mum is frail from age and getting her to ‘allow’ me to do anything was tough as her need to be the ‘prefect’ mother was huge. Now she peels the veggies in her seat while I do the cooking, it’s all about compromise and allowing them stay involved without taking over, a fine balance. Good luck with it all, your strong faith will support.

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    1. Oh my gosh I’m getting such a beautiful picture of you and your mum in the kitchen. that is so touching. You’re right – it’s a fine balance, and I appreciate you sharing your great insight. It sounds like you’re a real blessing to your mother 🙂 thanks for your encouragement. big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

      1. But she still has to cook her own meat, as a veggo most of my life I have absolutely no idea how to do that, lol. But she does enjoy my creative way with veggies.
        You will get there xoxo

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  27. Glad to know you can see God’s hand working through this time! It’s one thing to see it now and praise him for his love and faithfulness, but another if someone was ungrateful through the tough times. You seem to be on the right path! Continue to trust in him! Thanks for the uplifting post!

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    1. Thanks Jonathan. Yeah, I can definitely feel God carrying us through this time. I am so grateful for His help and grace! Thanks for that encouragement. 🙂 I appreciate you stopping by! hope you have a great weekend! big hugs xo

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  28. I find it comes in bits and pieces, but the reality is as we (the children) become adults and become more independent, our parents are on the other side of the spectrum. In tiny increments, our parents are sliding towards what we have worked so hard for independence.

    The last six months my Mom has been dealing with a lot of pain due to mercury poisoning, though it’s not an aging issue but because of the pain, it was hard that I literally could not do anything for her.

    I had a spiritual director who made the comment that the aging process is all about letting go, surrendering to the process. It often comes back to me when I feel overwhelmed with the reality that my Mom is getting older (she’s 70 and proud of it!).

    I try to step back and remind her to do what she can still do and stay true to herself and surrender to what she can’t. In this way, I am able to still, love and support her in her ability to remain independent in the other areas of her life. I encourage her to stay positive in what she can still do, and everything else hopefully will fall away. Stay strong in your prayer time because He will give you what you don’t think can do. Praying for you!

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    1. Mercury poisoning!! oh my gosh! I am so sorry to hear that, Tamara! I will definitely keep her and you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Gosh, thank sounds so challenging. Yeah, being a source of positivity is so important. That’s what I’m trying to do too…whether it’s a silly dance or just being goofy, I’m really trying to lighten the mood. haha. Thanks again for your prayers. hang in there. hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you friend. I’m sorry that you can so personally relate. hang in there. the process and journey of love has its peaks and valleys but always a foundation of goodness. Thanks for stopping by 🙂 big hugs xox

      Liked by 1 person

  31. You always write posts, that touch the depths of my wandering soul. You and your mother will be in my prayers, dear friend.

    My heartfelt love & vibes of happiness for you..

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  33. God give your mother good health 🙂 And this is another beautifully inspiring story of how your mother overcame her weaknesses caused by that stroke. God did help her overcome this struggle and it makes us all grateful for how He’s watching over us 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much. You’re so right – God is bringing her through this and is definitely carrying our family through this challenging season. I am so grateful for His powerful arms and His mercy and grace. God is so good! glad you stopped by! big hugs xo

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  35. “Just because we’re enduring a trial doesn’t negate His love. If anything it just shows that He’s letting us grow.” Well said Carolyn! Sounds very similar to a quote I heard once. That ‘I have learned to love the wave that slams me into the rock of ages.’ Through all pain, God remains 🙂

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  36. Your thought process is amazing. I have never even realized this most amazing way of thinking. I am deeply touched. Thank you so much for initiating this shift in my mind. Lots of blessings to you and your family. Your Faith in the Almighty will definitely help you pass this phase quickly. I am sure very soon you will be sharing news of your mom’s good health 😊😊

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  37. What you describe is a lot like being the parent of a child. It was always more work for me to let them do it themselves, but they had to learn, and so I had to let them learn. We all need to learn. Though, I also tended to rescue my kids, at times, because I didn’t want them to have to suffer, but they needed to learn through suffering, and I needed to let them learn. We all need to learn through suffering.

    Those were good parallels you made, too, with how God loves us, and is patient with us. I, too, am learning a lot about how to know what is helpful and what is not, and realizing that, although I like to help, that sometimes people need to do things for themselves, and being helpful, in my thinking, is really not helpful at all.

    Even at 67 years old I am still learning. 🙂 And, I am still growing. And, I still have a ways to go. But, we are learning and growing and not stagnating, so this is good. This is productive. And, we learn from one another. I learn from you. You encourage my heart. So, thank you for being honest. And, thank you for sharing your heart with us. Sue

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    1. Thank you so much for this reflection. Yes, suffering is a powerful teacher. Though we may wish to learn through other means, sometimes it is the best way to truly internalize a lesson. Thank you again for your kind words. You encourage MY heart. Hugs and love xox

      Liked by 1 person

  38. My mom suffered a stroke last year and I so get what you mean. I wanted to help my mom grocery shop ( she had minimal deficits, which mainly affected one arm) and she would not have it. The stroke has damaged her retinas so she is unable to drive on her own now which frustrates her. I have offered to drive her places, but she doesn’t want her daughter driving her around. So I just had to give up, sit back and allow her to come around. It’s hard to see our loved ones hurting. She doesn’t want my help, so I have to accept that, but still. I am her daughter and I want to help her more. Hugs to you both!

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    1. Oh April, I’m so sorry that you can so personally relate. I will definitely keep you and your mom and your family in my prayers. Oh yes, I ca definitely relate with the driving! Hang in there. You’re giving your mom an incredible gift by being by her side and just showing her that you love her 🙂 big hugs to you xox

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  40. You are right, and there’s no fear of anyone mistaking your desire to learn God’s perspective as a desire to take God’s place; we are made in His image and as we learn, we learn to see through His eyes and listen through His ears. It’s such an incredible journey, and it feels to me as though you’re at a milestone right now. I don’t think your Mom is the only one who is growing right now. Thank you for sharing the wisdom that you’ve gained from experience, and never stop seeing the beautiful things that are hidden amongst pain and darkness.

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    1. That is such a beautiful thought – seeing through His eyes and listening through His ears. Wow, that just gave me so much hope. Thank you so much. You’re right, i do believe that God is teaching me a lot of things right now. Thanks for the beautiful encouragement. big hugs xo

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  41. Dear Carolyn. Grace to you by the Lord. Our flesh May at times be weak. Your spirit is willing. Be not discouraged. Be encouraged. Your works for the Lord will at times be tested. But it only creates character. Ask the Lord for more patience more Love, more kindness. Go forth in love my friend.Remember, Wwjd? God’s blessings upon you. Pray for me and my trip home next week for Easter.

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  42. I remember my grandmother and my mother. My grandma is already bedridden, and she’s 85 years old. My mother and her siblings share the duties of taking care of her. And it was noticeable how they argue most of the time over the distribution of duties and there are even times where my grandma overhear them arguing (in which I believe is not good for her health).
    That’s why my mother would often tell us that she doesn’t want the same thing to happen to her because she doesn’t want us siblings to argue over who’s gonna take care of her. She doesn’t want to reach the point wherein she’s bedridden and incapable of doing a lot of things.
    I believe there are much more anxieties on the part of the sick than those we are aware of, and that is more detrimental to them, that our hardships as children in taking care of them would not compare to their struggles.
    It’s nice that there are still children like you who care for their parents, because most children would just leave their parents behind in the care of caregivers and forget about them all over. I believe that the success of the parents is in the way their children look up to them and love them for everything they have done. I hope that with God’s help, your mom would finally recover and be self-capable. And I also hope that you continue to endure the hardships and may God guide you always.

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    1. thank you so much for this thoughtful note of encouragement I’m sorry that you can relate so personally. I will definitely keep you and your mom and grandmother in my prayers. That’s tough. I can definitely sympathize with your grandmother. Gosh that’s tough. I was on bed rest for a year due to my Ulcerative Colitis back in 2012, but my goodness, I can’t imagine having that be always on the horizon. It sounds like you are a blessing to her. I think you’re right – there’s a lot more anxiety and heartache in the sick than we realize. Thanks for your kind words. I do trust that God is going to bring her to a full recovery. She’s getting better every day. We are encouraged. Keeping you and yours in my prayers. big hugs xo

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Hugs to you as well, and to your mother! I believe the very reason why she’s getting better everyday because she has a daughter who cares for her, someone who choose to take care of her personally rather than hire someone to do all the job. As your parent, I think she feels blessed that she have a daughter like you! Children that obey their parents are promised to have a long life (Ephesians 6:1-3). It’s the first commandment with promise from God.
        And someday, when you have children, I believe (and guarantee) that your children will give back to you the love you have given your parents. God bless you and your family

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  43. You know, the reality of Father that Christianity has so… lost… since the early church, is that His one desire is for relationship with us. He predestined us for his love, he created us to join the dance of Father, Son and Spirit, and from eternity he destined Jesus, not to deal with our would-be legal problems, not to change Father’s attitude about us, but to…make the adoption complete in himself, reconciling us to God.
    I know, long preamble, and I’m biting my fingers not to make it longer because that’s a subject I could go for a LONG while on ;D
    But he destined us for his love, and I guess what sparked this thought train was when you said you weren’t comparing yourself to God–but here’s the thing, He compares you to himself in Jesus; that was kinda the whole point, to bring you into himself and bring himself into you and let’s not forget that all love is sourced in him anyway so that love that you’re experiencing? Yeah. God-like. And the fact that you’re pulling THAT out of your every day experience, that’s friggen awesome by the way – he’s unveiling himself more, and not that he hasn’t always been present but the deeper we come to know him the more we see the face of our Beloved smiling back (:
    Anyway, I’ll leave ya with that. Thanks, as always, for sharing your (and His) life with us – He is radiant in you my friend (:

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    1. Hey Carson, thanks so much for this. What a powerful thought. He really does want a relationship with us. I mean, look how He sent His son – it was so He could be with us forever. And wow, I am just blown away by your words. I could seriously just read your words all day! They are so empowering and comforting and positive and encouraging. THANK YOU! Hope you have a great friday! big hugs xox

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      1. –and that was his #1 purpose and goal when he created us so lemme tell you, he’s serious about relationship.
        You’re welcome [= I hope you’ve had an encouraged weekend!

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    2. Well said, Carson. And thank-you Caralyn for sharing your journey with us – it is such a powerful representation of the healing wisdom of the Holy Spirit. And your transparency – well I hope that you recognize one day how you have made Christ accessible to others suffering as you did. It’s not just those that read this blog: your courageous blog makes the shape of that burden clear to the Most High, and allows Him to address it at its spiritual root. The connection between that work and your service to others should also be a source of comfort and hope: there is not just recovery, but a special kind of strength at the end of that road!

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      5. Thanks so much Brian. That’s so true- it is the Holy Spirit. I’m just the recipient of undeserved grace! Gosh thanks for your affirming words. I am very grateful. Hugs and love xox

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  44. My dear friend

    Whatever God gives us – is surely a tool to bring us forward. You yourself had to learn to be a “teacher” to your mom to understand to be a pupil, to be a humble servant to your mom and to God while your mom takes the roll of managing herself, to learn and handle things even from the scratch. It is a wonderful experience and a great gift of God Who lets you learn by opposites (teacher and pupil) to understand and act in the right way – with a humble attitude – as service to man is service to God – as it awakes compassion and love of one’s own heart. This was a parable of God… a living symbolic language understood by your heart.

    Be warmly hugged in thankfulness
    Didi

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    1. Thanks so much Didi. You’re so right about that – these are tools He is using to bring us forward. And I believe He will. I trust that He will bring us through this challenge and fully restore my mother. This season really is a blessing from God. I am learning a lot. Appreciate those warm hugs 🙂 sending one right back atcha! xox

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  47. what a beautiful young woman you are. A devoted child to your parent. I have a 5 year old, and sometimes he will stroke my hair and say “daddy, I am taking care of you, coz we are family” One day I will tell him about you… your story is a story of family, through ups and downs .. 🙂

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  48. This is my first day in your blog… I am glad we have many things in common not just the writing skills but ability to use our experience to help lives around us and beyond our reach.
    It’s very early morning here in Nigeria.
    God bless you richly.

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  49. You’re a good daughter for her, so taking many other aspects in consideration than just put this here or give that to her. And trying to find a balance in, to help her feel better in more ways, also about herself. Exactly what a good person does. Wishing you both much better times and well!

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  50. Reblogged this on Church Set Free and commented:
    Part of me is jealous of Caralyn. Because she nails with such simplicity and tenderness what I struggle to describe. Unconditional love. And God. A real living relationship with something beyond my words.

    Have a read and see what you think. And comments are open here. Because love is everwhere.

    Thank you.

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