Caught in a Storm

A stiff wind blows and the waves are rough. Our little boat is tossed to and fro by the storm. We are drenched by the the spray and uncertain which direction we are headed. Though we know He is in the boat, it appears as though He is asleep. When we cry out there is no answer and we must trust that, as long as He is with us in the the boat, He will get us safely to the shore. It is the journey between here and there that causes us to fear.

Life sometimes takes an unexpected turn and spins out of our control. It goes in a direction we never imagined and couldn't prepare for. All we can do is hold on tight and pray that when the ride is over we are all still buckled into our seats. Where will it end? Is there really a light at the end of the tunnel or is it another train barreling down from the opposite direction? What are the casualties going to be?

All I really ever wanted was a chance to sift slowly through our childhood home with my sisters, to have the time and space to make the difficult and yet so important decisions that come with an aging, dependent parent and her property. It is our job to do. It can not be passed on or handed off to anyone else. We need to do it ourselves without any outside pressure, without the questions of others, and without trying to work around others living in the home. That is really all I ever asked. Grandchildren can not make those decisions and it is not their responsibility to clean out drawers, cabinets, cupboard, or attics. Do I really need to give a better reason? Is is not enough to simply say it would be best if you found another place? Do I really have to pay for that decision with a broken or crippled relationships? Do I really have to explain that decision?

I can not run away, I can not hide, and I can not pretend all is well. I can only trust that when the master of the ship decides the time is right, He will calm the storm. Soon the little house will be empty and, with hearts heavier than anticipated, we will resume the task of closing another chapter in our lives. I pray the story has a happy ending.