It's a fact. I empathize way too easily. If someone's suffering, I suffer along with them. One of our boys, and oftentimes middle daughter are just the same way. We take on other folks pain. It's exhausting. And while I'm not quite sure what purpose it serves (I take that back...it does actively put feet to your prayers, that's for sure), it is what it is. We just have to make sure to not embrace it to the extent of making it our own. And even now, we're having to use restraint in praying for/worrying about an elderly neighbor who sometimes seems more like a grandparent to some of our children than even my mom does. He's in his nineties, has had several falls lately, and is in the hospital with brain hemorrhaging. He's holding his own, but it's a waiting game with the treatment. He's refused surgery to relieve the pressure and has had to be taken off of blood-thinners (he has a history of strokes) in order to do the next thing, whatever that might be. As I said, it is what it is.
And found out last night that
Lesley Austin's mom had passed away. Lesley has been carrying for her mom during her trial of Alzheimer's for the past two years in their home. I know it hasn't been easy, not that I've ever experienced caring for a parent to that extent, but can imagine the exhaustion and sacrifice that results. I will say, though, that Lesley has exhibited such grace and calm throughout the past two years, both in her manner toward her mom and in the way she's had to put her own needs aside to care for her. Truly admirable.
Anyway, this isn't about me, but about folks who either
have been or
are truly suffering. Please remember them.
