New Found Patience and My Daddy

Sunday I shared about Mastery of the Teachings of Jesus. I talked about the fruit of the Spirit which are attributes and traits to master. Among the ones I wanted to work on this week was patience. Someone told me long ago, be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.
This week I embarked on a very challenging journey with my 84 year old father who is battling demetia and Alzhiemers. For years I longed to go on one of our road trips. My dad over the years have traveled extensively all over the US. His medical challenge has prevented us from travelling in almost 10 years. Everytime I would visit my Dad he always seemed to touch on our most noted road trip from Chicago to LA on the famed Route 66. Well, I knew a three day trip was totally out of the question, but what about to the place where he grew up and see family in the South? Well, this Monday we embarked on a wonderful journey that has been a blessing as I am able to look over and see my Dad riding with me passing the landmarks he told me about so many years ago. It has truly been an awesome experience as I realize that this may just be our last road trip because of his health challenges.
It has been a while since I saw my Dad with a glisten in his eye, excited about his day and the progressing journey. Can you imagine the Hell of dementia then on top of that the same old routine in his Assistant Living Facility each day. As each mile marker flew by even in the rain I saw myself in my father. Once I was the excited child reading the road signs and asking questions when will we get to Louisville and eat. Now my aging Father was playing my role and I was the patient one saying, "soon."
We stopped in Louiville we had dinner at a Shoney's Restraunt. Funny thing I knew the manager there who I had met many years prior. My Dad and I ate and then I had the task of figuring out all of the medications and administering them. Four pills back to back with one I knew would wipe him totally out. Then I had to take him into a public men's room. My Father is a proud man, he took one look at the just cleaned men's room and it did not fit his standard. I was left trying to convince him that on the road, this was as good as it gets. All of this was teaching me patience.
We stopped in Nashville and spent the night at one of my dearest freinds home. He family was so gracious. They gave up their master bed room for my Dad. Of course he was agitated because of a strange environment and even combatative with me. My friend gently told me to get rest as she read scriptures and talked with him half the night till he fell asleep. She did this so I could get some rest.
The next morning when I rose breakfast smells filled the house. Rev. Therese had slept all of three hours and got up to make a full breakfast and bolt out the door for work. I am blessed with wonderful friends.
That morning my father had an accident. He relieved himself. There was no caretaker or anyone to delegate the inevitable task of changing and cleaning hom up. Intially I felt perplexed. Why? How did my Dad get here mentally and phsically. Where was my sisters and me carrying the weight for the past few years. I then remember the lesson I shared on patience. I prayed "Lord, bless my Father and help me." This was the single most act of love I have ever demonstrated in changing my Father's soiled pull up and cleaning him. I know this sounds strange, but I thank God for that opportunity.
When we made it to the South his nieces rolled out the red carpet. I have not seen my Father come to life as he did. Strangely enough he even recognized one of his grand nieces. The trip was filled with man challenges, but it was all worth it.
I realize that patience starts with the other person. I could have used the excuse I am busy with church in Chicago area and one developing with 1600 in LA. I have small children with one in Florida to see. I could lament about all of my woes personally. But to put all of those things aside is a realization, it is not about you.
Patience begins when I realize it is not about me.

Living with Faith and Power and Creating a Phenomenal Life!

Bishop Keith Russell Lee
Hoffman Estates, I'll and Los Angeles, CA

PS Keep my Roadie (Daddy) in your prayers.