Two Elephants in a Bathtub Taking Care of Mom
Thoughtful, inspiring message, well written, about a mother and daughter who face the challenges brought on by terminal illness. It isn't about loss. It's about love.
ST AUGUSTINE, FL, January 23, 2013
Two Elephants in a BathtubTaking Care of Mom
"Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail."
{1 Corinthians 13:7}
A Real Story
The doctors said Mom couldn't be alone. In June, I resigned from my teaching position, packed some belongings, and headed south---with three kids, two cats, and a dog to St Augustine, Florida, to take care of mom.
Mom had been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease {COPD}, a respiratory disease, and every breath exhausted her. I thought Mom and I could fight this illness together. I pictured happy days where we would picnic as a family at the beach, tour the town for garage sales, eat at wharf-side restaurants, and spend long nights watching classic television.
Instead, Mom's illness took hold of our whole family. We began twenty-four hour care. Mom needed us and we were vigilant. Our life became emergency-room waits, hospital visits, pharmacy runs, and long nights of asking for God's help.
Two Elephants in a Bathtub is a chronological account of those days. Mom's courage enveloped our family. I pass this story along with pride. Everyone will one day journey as I have—the man built the bridge after he had traversed the river---not because he would need to cross the same river, again. No, he crossed it and would not return. He built the bridge to make it easier for those who would later need to cross. I write for those who have yet to face the loss of a beloved. I write for the family who is battling against time and terminal illness. Also, I write for the survivors, because it is so hard being alone. This isn't a story about a step down. It is a story about a step up.
Two Elephants in a Bathtub Taking Care of Mom
Written by: Penny Wagner
Available at: http://www.authorhouse.com http://www.amazon.com http://www.barnesandnoble.com
Contact Phone Number: 904-471-2055
Email: pljw4102@gmail.com
The sunshine is a glorious birth; But yet I know, where'er I go, that there has passed away a glory from the earth. William Wordsworth {1770-1850}
I have just completed this book, "Two Elephants in a Bathtub Taking care of Mom." The purpose of writing this story is to present a message about a very sensitive subject; the end of life. I hope you understand and enjoy this reading.