Respite
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them! Psalm 127:3-5
Respite: \ˈres-pət also ri-ˈspīt 1. An interval of rest or relief.
Bill and I got away this weekend for a bit of R&R. It had been about three years since we went anywhere together, and when son, Andy, offered to head up the Annie-care charge with Olivia, Jack & Dave's help, we jumped. Now granted, the training on Annie-care lasted one week, and the instructions were 3 pages long--single-spaced--but we went, everything went well, Annie was smiling when we got back, the house was still standing, and best of all, Andy said he'd do it again! Thank you, Jesus!
Respite care is a Big Deal. Any of you who are caregivers or who have been caregivers know this. You don't just call rent-a-babysitter and line someone up for an overnight with a med list, g-tube feeds, and a non-ambulatory 42 lb. kid. So Bill and I have tag-teamed our breaks away--he goes, I go. He goes, I go. Sometimes alone, sometimes with kids...but rarely together. So this weekend was a very nice present. Our older children are a huge blessing to us--they lighten the load of caring for Annie.
Jean
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,