Wednesday, February 13, 2013

A PARENT'S LOVE

In the counseling world we work in we often talk to people about how their view of their Heavenly Father is affected by their view of their Earthly Father or Mother.  Their view of God is not always accurate to who God is according to His Word and His involvement in our lives.  Our parents, George and Patricia Nay, have given us an incredible view of God's love: faithful, unconditional, sacrificing, enduring, and with a strength that comes from both justice and mercy.  
It is the kind of love in I Corinthians 13 
that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things 
and ..............never ends!  

 We get to experience this love and I hope you see it too in this story!  


 Mom rubbed lotion on Kristi's leg's daily and was always finding a way 
to bring more cheer to this whole process.  Below, she bought an angel and decided we needed to bedazzle her walker.  We added a couple of other items made by Kacey and one given by Melissa that says, "The Lord is my Strength and my Song."  The nurses said she is starting a new trend on this floor!!     They have also said that they love coming in Kristi's room.  That there is "life" and a focus on the future in this room that is sooooo refreshing!!  
The JOY of the Lord is our strength!!  
Kristi even has written on her cup "I have the Joy, Joy, Joy, Down in my heart. 

 Dad has made sure he was always available for physical therapy
and anytime she needed his strength to help her move and walk.  He holds onto the belt she wears under her arms to steady her and hold her up when she is weak.  Worley and I have spent the last couple of days being trained by the Nurses and Dr.'s, but primarily by "The Parents".  There is nothing like a parent's love, devotion and watch care!! Mom and Dad stayed 8 nights with Kristi before leaving her overnight by herself.   One funny story that occurred was when one of the nurses asked Kristi if she was an only child.  When Kristi answered no, she asked, "Then are  you an only daughter?"  Kristi laughed and said, "No, I'm one of 5"!!  Her nurse, a classy African American woman laughed heartily and said, "Mama and Daddy really love you.  Especially Daddy! He acts like you are an only child.  Mama's usually dote on their children and are constantly here to take care of them, but Daddy's usually check in to make sure all is well and then leave for a while."  Truthfully, they both rarely left Kristi's side over the past 12 days, and it was really hard for them to say goodbye last night.  Pray for them, as those of us who have already left,  know it is so hard to mentally switch gears from this cancer world to the rest of our world.   Pray for them! 

I love cheering "Go, Kristi, Go" on these daily walks!  She is very determined.  Even when in immense pain.  We were supposed to move to the rehab floor today where they are really going to begin to make her work, but there is still not a bed available.  This hospital is at such full capacity that even people in the ER are sleeping in the halls right now.  We are content since this room is bigger and we have it all decorated, and Kristi isn't sure she is ready to work that hard! : ) 
 Worley might have made Dad and Mom a little nervous leaving her in our care when he said, "It is taking everything in me Kristi to not want to "Pop a Wheelie"!!  He also might have made her a little nervous when he told Kristi as Dad and Mom were saying goodbye, "It's all downhill from here, because you now have the "B" team!!   I did make her nervous as I had to begin to get trained yesterday to give her a shot in her stomach!  I have now passed with flying colors the past two days on all this education, so I should be getting my nursing certificate anytime soon!!  ha ha 

Kristi gets her exercise by walking to the elevator in the evening and then riding up to the 24th floor to a beautiful observatory waiting room.  We can look over the night lights of Houston, and since we were the only ones in the room, they talked me into playing the piano and we even sang a little! 

At the end of the day, we are all glad for the wheelchair....Mom was happy to put her feet up! 

Thank you Dad and Mom for imitating God and walking in love towards each of us!  Danina, Amy, Kristina, Joshua and Katy

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children.  And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Eph 5:1,2)



5 comments:

  1. I LOVE seeing pictures of you all! It is such a happy sight to see. Love you, Kristi! You are amazing.

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  2. What a wonderful and faithful family!!! Thank you for those words of praise for your Mom and Dad! they are truly amazing parents! Hey! maybe that's where Kristi gets it from.! You will be great nurses helpers and therapy assistants! Prayers and Hugs! Much love to you all.

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  3. Love your beautiful family so dearly! What a perfect example of Christ's love for us on this Valentine's Day:)

    Kristi, you are a ROCK SUPA STAR!!!!

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  4. Beautifully written! The Nay family is certainly very special and truly extraordinary. What an example to all of us. Thank you for the precious insights into your day.
    Kristi -- keep going! You are awesome!

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  5. So well said, Nina! Your Dad and Mom are examples of how to do it right. I am thankful that our families were so close growing up. You all are in a lot of the memories I treasure most.

    And, Kristi Dawn - you look GREAT walking with your Dad. I am looking forward to spending a few days with you when you are back home.

    Hugs to all of you!

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