What is one thing everyone needs more of? Ok, money. Yes, most of us could use more money, myself included. But there are other things. Character building things. The one I am talking about is patience. We could all use a little more patience to help us keep cool whether it’s driving and you want to yell at the guy who cut you off or the store clerk who won’t accept your return because you don’t have your receipt.

What’s that got to do with my new life? Let me tell you. I came to live with my sister because I needed a change and she needed help. She like most of us has to work. I came to take care of our mom. Mom is 93 and has Alzheimer’s.  Some of you may know what it is like to care for an Alzheimer’s patient but if you don’t I will give you a small taste of it.

Normally, when someone asks a question and you answer that is good enough. Not with Alzheimer’s. You can be asked the same question 10 times in a row all within a 5-minute time span. Talk about needing patience! And that’s just for starters. Anything, yes, anything can be forgotten. Besides not knowing who you are or making you someone else, there is the ever-present desire to go home even though at home. So you always come up with excuses or distractions to get their mind going in another way.

I did say anything can be forgotten. And it can be. Little things we take for granted like getting dressed, being able to use the toilet and so on. Compound that over time and it teaches you patience. Lots and lots of patience. Or it drives you crazy. Or both. Yes, you have to get out and live for yourself once in a while too. And so it continues for years.

God desires each of us to have patience. If you want to learn the patience of Job, go volunteer and help some Alzheimer’s patients. Volunteer to watch someone while giving the caregiver a rest. Just a couple hours and you will find the experience enlightening.

I am learning patience here with mom. God is working in me and changing me for the better. And hopefully wiser too.

Have a blessed day!