Pandemic life had been proceeding in a rather immutable way for nearly a year when BUMP! It changed in an instant. I got a call from Mom’s nursing home that Mom had fallen and was complaining about her hip and shoulder. After consultation with her doctor, X-rays were ordered. In the meantime, Mom was faced with pain and could not use her dominant hand. She also could no longer use her walker safely and stride out to the common areas when she’d had enough isolation in a half-room.
After the X-ray, word came back – acute fracture of the clavicle. One of her young friends commented, “That’s a proper Tour de France injury right there. Good for her, if I may say that.” I ran out and bought a sling for her right arm. If she could tolerate it, it would help to knit the bones in her clavicle together properly. With the sling, I included a note – “Get well soon! I’m sorry you fell, Momma! Please keep your arm really still so that it will HEAL!!!” Lots of hearts and exclamation marks, which always help in these cases.
One of the nursing supervisors told me they read the card to Mom and she permitted them to apply the sling, which fit PERFECTLY! And then she took it off, and wouldn’t wear it anymore.
In the evening I got a call from the nursing home administrator. It would be helpful for Mom to have assistance at dinner time, the most difficult meal. Would I be able to come in five nights per week for a couple of hours?
Would I ever! Here’s how my sisters in Christ responded to this news:
“You’ve been wanting to see your Mom for almost a YEAR, and God has opened a door for you. Bummer about the fall, but now you can see your Mom!!! Isn’t God amazing!!!!”
That “bummer about the fall” is not dismissive at all. It’s a bit of short-hand for heart-felt concern and compassion, and the beginning of fervent prayers for Mom’s pain, loss and confusion. They know I’ve been longing to see Mom over these many long months. And the timing is good. Mom is fully vaccinated and as immune as she’s going to be.
So, now I have permission to visit Mom. Upon nervous contemplation of the visit to come, the obvious important question arises – what to wear???? I haven’t had to make a serious wardrobe decision in over a year. Before COVID-19, I had been in the nursing home with Mom and with Dad, at all hours, in whatever. This feels different.
Mom is not guaranteed to know me. Mom has a roommate. Staff haven’t seen me for a year, and some are brand new. Despite the Zoom calls with Mom, mostly daily, my face on the screen is still hard to take seriously. If I suddenly appear in her room, will it be uncomfortable? And will the clothes I wear make a difference?
Our Bible study passage today chanced on the subject of wardrobe.
“Wake up, wake up, O Zion! Clothe yourself with strength. Put on your beautiful clothes . .” (Isaiah 52:1 NIRV) Israel had been exiled in Babylon for 70 long years, but now it’s time to come home, says the prophet of the Lord. Get dressed for a grand new era.
What are beautiful clothes for me? I don’t associate that phrase with my closet, for sure. Perhaps something a bit out-of-this-world will fit the bill.
As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience, bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against any one; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
Beyond all these things put on love,
which is the perfect bond of unity.
(Colossians 3:14)
This sounds like the perfect wardrobe for entering an old situation, made new, where I’m barely known anymore – a potentially beloved stranger. Suit up in love, kindness, patience and plenty of forgiveness, because I may make mistakes and also be mistaken by others.
I did select also my nicer casual navy corduroys and a blue and white plaid flannel shirt that Mom’s seen many times this winter on the Zoom call. But, in the end, it was covered up with full PPE – a gown from neck to ankles, mask and plastic face shield. Full astronaut, with love. The beautiful thing is she accepted me.
Whatever is Good 