The Catawampus Day | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: The Catawampus Day | Previous Challenge Entry
By Bonnie Kronberger
06/11/18
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The slumped figure in the recliner appeared to be imprisoned in the large chair. The once strong body was now flabby and wrinkled. Glasses rested crookedly on his runny nose. His shirt was crumpled and twisted on his frail body. Stains of soup from lunch were drizzled down his shirt. He napped with tilted head, slack mouth, as raspy snores kept time with the rise and fall of his chest. Not a pretty picture.

How did he change so quickly? A few days ago we took a day trip to an old mining town. He watched the changing terrain as we drove higher into the mountains, seeing familiar places as his mind recalled similar sights from days of old. We ate lunch in a cafe decorated with tools and utensils from the mining day’s, then walked the wooden sidewalks of Main Street. A thoroughly delightful day.

Every day is a gift from God. Some days the gift seems wrapped in silver paper with a golden bow. Everything is beautifully balanced, peace comes easily. Other days the gift comes with a scratched lens, and no matter how one tilts the head to bring things into focus, everything seems off-center.

Alzheimer’s has taken his independence, but medications have helped him live contentedly. His physical limitations are few, although his steps are slow.

As he dozes in the chair, I recognize this day as challenging. Strangely, he has been unable to stand without assistance. He scoots forward in his chair, hands on the armrest to lift off, but his weak body and mind do not allow him to rise. I stand with feet straddled, body leaning back as I grip the strap I’ve placed around his chest and pull him forward. He stands, twisted and slanted, falling backward if I let up on my grip. He eventually shifts his feet and finds a precarious balance. His steps have become shuffles.

By evening he can no longer help push himself forward from his chair and with my unsuccessful efforts he ended up half on, half off. He laid sprawled out in the chair, calmly examining and adjusting the strap around his chest, never saying a word, until help arrived. We eventually got him comfortably situated in bed.

What tomorrow will bring is unknown. Perhaps his strength will return and he can walk a straight line. More likely, he will twist and strain, trying to sit up in bed without success. Thankfully, he soon forgets what he is attempting and lays back down, no longer remembering his problem.

This is our life, this is our future. The path ahead appears crooked, lopsided. But that is okay. God has given us balance in our spirit. Both of us are leaning on the Lord and His promises hold us secure.

So if the day is catawampus or smooth sailing, we are being renewed day by day in the things that really matter.

“Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16,17 (NIV)

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