Yes, the first commandment, with promise, is to Honor our parents, as written in Ephesians 6:2-3. It seems that God told us to honor our parents because He wants us to honor Him, as well. Love our neighbor as we love God. If we love and honor God, we can love and honor who He commands us to.
I think that is why I have always loved seniors. Our heart is to serve and assist those in our community who could become more vulnerable during their later years. Most of us really love our parents and want to be there for them because the older they get, there aren’t too many out there they can trust. One day, reality sets in and your parent doesn’t understand you or is confused. You share it with your siblings and some think it’s not a big deal. We think it is. Then we eventually need to start making decisions that we’ve never had to do before.
Then the guilt sets in. We want to help but it is weird to see them have to leave their home. It’s painful to see them lose their mental ability and need assistance with normally simple chores. You may have to work and can’t stay at home to care for your mom or dad, or both. All kinds of legal, financial, family decisions that you may need to make with your siblings, trying to do what is best for your parents. Been there…..still there, personally but we know God is working things out, one step at a time.
Finding that new home, for whatever our parents’ needs are, is doable. My mom was able to be cared for by my sister in her home for a year and a half. My dad is currently in an assisted living home, but his dementia is getting worse. These last 3 years have been quite difficult for us, mostly seeing the changes, but we are getting through it, by God’s grace. This is why we love what we do for other families and we look forward to being there for yours if and when that time comes.
Eric and Eileen Brigantino – info@crownsenioradvisors.com, 931-304-1984
