The summer ended quite eventfully for our family, though not so much in a good way as all of that. The day we finished our school shopping, we got a phone call from Chad's mom telling us that his dad had had a stroke. We had no idea what to expect, and we left the store and went straight to Claresholm. We purchased sleepwear and the necessary supplies needed to stay a couple of nights there. That was a Thursday night. Grandpa had been taken to Calgary but Grandma was still in Claresholm waiting to hear some news.
Early Friday morning we headed to Calgary with Grandma to see Grandpa. We learned that he had had 3 strokes. He was paralyzed on the left side and was having a lot of trouble speaking. We stayed the day in the hospital with him learning more about what he had experienced. We returned to Claresholm that evening and then went back to Calgary Saturday morning after picking up some appropriate Sunday wear for the next day. This time Grandma stayed in Calgary so she could be close to Grandpa. We got back to Claresholm late that evening. Sunday we attended church there and then we were honored with an invitation for dinner at Ron and Lois's place. We enjoy visiting with them but were able to get away in time to be in Taber by 8:00. We popped in on Chad's brother for a quick visit and to give him an update on his dad and then continued on home.
It is amazing how quickly life can change. The stroke was so unexpected and SO life changing. Chad and I were learning lots about what Grandpa had gone through and was still going through as he struggled to relearn some of his motor skills like talking and swallowing. We wanted to help him so badly, yet sadly, there was very little we could do other than just being there to support and encourage him. Despite all the challenges so suddenly before the Rice family, we were extremely grateful to have Grandpa Rice still with us. There is much to learn... at it will take a long time to learn it all.
So that was how we ushered in the back to school week! The kids began school on Wednesday and on Thursday Chad and I went back to Calgary to visit Grandpa and assist Grandma as much as we were able. This time we stayed with Uncle Ray and Aunt Laura who were so gracious and kind to open their home to us. We stopped in Claresholm on the way up and picked up a few things that Grandpa needed and we also grabbed Grandma's temple bag so the three of us could go to the Calgary temple together the next day. While we were away, Naomi took charge of the kids and the responsibility of feeding and transporting them as needed. What a blessing it was for us to know that our children were well cared for and that Naomi was not just competent, but trustworthy as well. We were able to focus on Grandma and Grandpa and their needs without undue worry over our children. I cannot express how big a blessing that was for us!
Friday morning we took Grandma and went to the temple. We had an absolutely beautiful day with her. Truly the temple is a place to go for strength and solace when challenges and trials are placed before us. It was a beautiful and spiritual day, and it was so nice to sit next to my mother-in-law and feel such an overwhelming love for her there in the temple. I love the temple. It bolsters my strength when I am lacking and fills me with hope and light and courage to move forward EVEN when hard things happen. What a blessing.
After visiting with Grandpa Rice again on Saturday, Chad and I returned home. What a joy it was to find all in order there, with peace and love reigning. I am so very, very grateful for my children. They and their father are my greatest blessings.
Having now experienced a parent suffering a potentially life threatening illness, our eyes have been opened more than ever to the need for families to be strong. We did everything within our power to make this challenge easier for them to bear. We made ourselves available to Chad's parents completely and fully so that they could simply focus on getting well and learning the new skills that they would need to be able to begin the long road to recovery. We took care of as much stuff in Claresholm as we could while they were away. We had the opportunity to serve them in a variety of ways and we were able to involve our children in doing so. In September we took Beth and Charity to Claresholm where they and their dad dug the potatoes and carrots and then put them into the root cellar for winter storage. We had no idea if Grandma and Grandpa would be home to eat them or not, but we took care of the garden so that they did not have to have little things that were undone at home taking up precious energy that was needed to realize recovery.
Any sacrifices we made during those months were far made up for in the blessings we received! We built a stronger relationship with Uncle Ray and Aunt Laura, getting to know them better. We even had scripture time together with them on the evenings we stayed in their home. That was a great blessing. Another was that while we were in and out of their home, they pulled out the old Neitz family photos and we were able to get copies made of all those photos! A genealogical bonus - something we had never dreamed of having in our possession! Our relationship with Chad's parents strengthened and became closer than it ever has been. One of the greatest blessings though, was the way this challenge pulled Chad and his brothers closer. Chad has been in contact with all of his siblings, and we have renewed our relationships with several of his siblings. Another great blessing.
Grandpa Rice didn't come back home until the middle of December. He relies very heavily on the help and assistance of his dear wife who quit work so that she could completely care for his needs and help him as he needed it. They are on a long road together of learning and challenge, but I know that the Lord will bless and strengthen them in their love for one another as well as in their relationships with their children. I love how Grandpa laughs so much more. I don't think I've ever heard so much belly laughing! It is a genuine delight to hear him find humor in life still even in the face of life's change and challenges.
Through all this I am reminded that we must never forget how important our families are. We NEED each member so very, very much. We don't always see eye to eye, but when it comes down to the crunch, there isn't anything I wouldn't do to help and assist any of my family members in times of need to the extent that I am able to do so. I am so very grateful for the good parents that Chad has been blessed with. I too have been blessed with good and honorable parents, a blessing I am grateful for each and every time I consider my gospel heritage - which is pretty much daily. May we be a blessing to our parents as they have been to us. What a joy family is.
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