Driving Miss Merrym

Today, as I have been getting ready to go on a week vacation I thought back over the previous years since I have been helping Merrym. Leaving Merrym for a week makes me nervous. Now, it is easier than it used to be. Now she has a CNA, who comes 6 days a week to help her shower, she has a personal assistant, who comes 3 times a week to clean her apartment, she has a nurse, who checks in once in a while, and Meals on Wheels comes 5 times a week. Since she lives in an apartment unit designed for physically and mentally challenged people, even her landlady checks in on her. She has a switch in her apartment and a medallion around to call for help when needed.

She also has friends, who call her or visit her regularly. Her children are adults and I trust they will check in on her (in fact I have let different people know to check on her). My sister, Peggy, is on the phone with Merrym daily, actually several times most days. I feel pretty secure going on a trip now, but.......

There was a time when I would try to find someone, who would stay with Merrym when I was going to be gone. When Merrym was first ill I didn't go on vacation, because I was so concerned. When I did go somewhere it was my oldest daughter's home in Idaho and my younger daughter's home in California. Before I could leave, I would have to make sure that Merrym had all the groceries she needed, that she had every one's numbers, and that the kid's knew they had better be good.

A few times I took Merrym and the kids with me to Idaho. There was one time that really stands out in my mind. The kids were with their dad for a long weekend, it may have been Thanksgiving (I can't remember), so Merrym and I decided to visit my daughter. She lived in Filer, Idaho at the time (about 20 minutes from Twin Falls). We had visited for a couple of days and were having a good time. Merrym started feeling like she might have an infection and believe me she knows her body. I took her temperature and it was high. I slept by her that night, checking her continuously. I was getting scared, because her temperature wouldn't go down. I got up early the next morning and we left in a hurry.

I had put blankets in the floorboard of the back seat, making Merrym a bed. My foot was heavy on the gas. We had only got as far as Twin Falls, when flashing lights began blinking behind me. I pulled over. As the police officer walked up the side of the car, I felt the tears welling up in my eyes. As I handed him my license, I broke into sobs, explaining to him about my sister. I said, "I am taking her straight to the hospital in Ogden, Utah, where they have her records." At first I saw the doubt on his face, until he looked in the back and saw a lifeless Merrym lying there. He quickly handed me my license and told me to drive safely. Leaving at the time we did was the right decision. Merrym was very sick. Thank God for his mercy and the mercy of the officer.

Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy.

Psalm 33:18

Love, Mother Hen Glory