The Caregiver's 2020 After COVID 19 Wish List

FYI: A post to remind us all that this too shall pass, God is in control, and faith over fear equals victory.

This ad was placed to break up my run on words

Quarantine life had a few advantages in the beginning, didn't it? We learned a thing or two, about ourselves, our kids, our fears, which news channel we favored, and what our spouses, or ex spouses, actually did for a living. But I'm under the impression that people developed cabin fever a mere two weeks into this "new normal". 

Funny thing is, life for us didn't really change—except that my daughter was no longer working—but I've been pretty much homebound, aka quarantined, with Mom and Dad for three years now. Both suffering a stroke and Dad dealing with dementia. Not to mention he's in a wheelchair most of the time. 

Traveling has been hard and staying home has been the easier choice, though we found our ways to stay healthy. Thank the Lord our house is big enough to where we all have our personal space. Nonetheless, there's something about a government order that just changes things. Although, I must say we got pretty creative with those face masks.

I decided, in order to bring a little joy (which is my Word for 2020) into this household I would  list an After COVID 19 Wish List. This will brighten our days and bring some joy! Here we go ... 

1. A New Television Set: During this pandemic I've converted the smaller part of our garage into a nice recreation room for Mom and Dad. This allows them to be outside while still being inside. Brilliant! However, it needs a TV so Dad can watch The Roadrunner. Meep meep. I'm happy.

2. A Large Birdcage: We have parakeets. Lots of them—like thirty. They're absolutely stunning. Their colors range from bright greens, to soft blues, darker blues, whites, and sunset yellows. It seems, however, that our outdoor aviary is getting smaller and smaller. So we've decided to save up and buy a large cage to separate the boys from the girls, for right now. Also, a few of the females have become eerily territorial. The softy that I am can't handle "survival of the fittest" and, thus, I step in and attempt to stop those feather-raising fights. It might make for good-TV if ever someone snaps a video of us. 

If you would like to adopt a couple, please feel free to shoot me an email:                        DeborahLAlten@TheCaregiversDevotional.com 
I'm desperate.   

3. New Clothes for Mom and Dad: Eeeck, I have got to be more adamant about doing their laundry. It's something Mom can still do ... sort of. She always forgets the settings on the washer and dryer. But I let her do it so she feels a little in control of her life. Haband, by the way, is where they usually shop. They've been with them so long they get free stuff with every order. I'm committed.

Update: Thanks to my wonderful niece, this has been taken care of. So sweet!


4. I'm going to celebrate Mother's Day at The Kickin' Crab. Who doesn't love eating food thrown right onto your table? I'm there. Maybe it's dinner for one this year, but I'll leave that in God's hands. I'm curious.

5. My garden is in disarray. The flash floods came, frosty nights arrived, cloudy days outlived their welcome and it all killed our tomatoes and potatoes, then my garden sprouted really weird looking weeds. We now have ducks in the open fields/streams behind our house, and frogs, but the lavender never showed up like they did last year. 

I cleaned up the raised garden bed in our front yard, the rain took care of the fountains, and I'll be bulk-buying veggies, bulbs, flowers, bushes, and maybe a miniature palm tree or two. Will have to check the sales at K. Van Bourgondien at Dutch Bulbs (say that five times fast), and the expert gardeners on Pinterest and my favorite inspirational farmhouse girls at Rosevine Cottage. I'm anxious.

6. Goodness, I need a haircut. I can cut Dad's hair and Mom's, too, but it's a little bit of a problem to do my own. So yes, I am going to get a haircut, and maybe I'll color it, too. I'm hopeful. 

7. Visit family and friends. Don't you just miss hugging the ones you love? I might cry. I'm a little impatient.

8. If I had a bike I would like to take a ride around the neighborhood or undoubtedly on the beach. I don't like helmets though. This Bike is on my wish list. It's the Susan G. Komen Beach Cruiser. My mom is a breast cancer survivor, and my cousin lost her battle with breast cancer a few years ago. I think this bike would start a wonderful conversation as I cruise with my daughter on the beach. I'm excited.

9. Go swimming with my friend, Julie. Oh my goodness do I miss our exercise routine. I mean, seriously, at one point we were considering the Senior Olympics. I'm kidding!

10. GO TO CHURCH! I'm joyful.

That's my list. I'd love to read yours. How are you doing in this season of quarantine? And remember, "Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." ~Philippians 4:4-7 (NLT)

Canva will pay me 100 percent if you sign up. I don't even know what that means.

A Caregiver's Prayer: Lord may we put our trust and faith in you only. Heal our sick, heal our hearts, heal our land. Give health and strength to our health care workers and all those precious people who are working for our essential needs. Give them joy to make it through this season.