33 – Lost but Found

In life when you’re not on top of your game, someone is available and ready to step in to take care of the responsibilities you can’t complete because of a stroke or other health related illnesses. This happened to Albert after his debilitating stroke.

Albert, the oldest of three sons, has always been given the responsibilities and privileges of the oldest son. One of his responsibilites was to take care of his mom as she got older. Before his mom passed away, his name was on all of her important documents; the bank accounts, life insurance, house deed, etc. They discussed critical issues and how he would handle those issues when they occurred.   With Al’s stroke happening in January, and mom’s passing in March, everything changed. Albert was supposed to be in charge of his mom’s estate when she passed, but since his disability, he was not able to complete his duties as planned. 

Albert was an admirable leader in the family especially when critical situations arose.  He talked to his brothers about the family concerns and situations, allowed his brothers to discuss the concerns and situations with each other, and then allowed them to make the final decision. Albert had veto power over the final decision but seldom used it. It was a system that I was told worked out well for all three of them. With the stroke and Albert’s disability, his brother stepped in to take on the responsibilities for the family.

This change was difficult for me because as Albert’s wife, I stood beside him through hard times and good times, through the thick and the thin. We were a team and now the team was disabled.  I felt lost and thought that the influence that I had in the family was no longer needed, and I felt it physically and emotionally.  With this realization, I knew that I had to deal with this change in my heart because it was a situation that was not in my control.  I talked to my sons, cried a little for my loss, and then I prayed. My sons understood my plight and were very supportive, and God lifted me up spiritually.

Through prayer and studying God’s word, I learned that God has the power to move his people out of and into different stations in life. He does this because he’s God, he loves his children and He wants to save our souls. I also realized that I can have a positive and godly influence on others by the way I live my life, and how I speak and respond to them.

Over time, I’ve come to realize that Albert is still the eldest son and everyone loves him. I’ve seen his family and friends treat him with respect and love.  He is respected because he treated his family with respect and love over the years.  Family members continue to reach out to him with their concerns and celebrations even though he can’t respond as he once did.  

With time, meditation, prayer, and trust in God, I’ve been able to come to terms the new team that we’ve found together.