Transfers and Transitions

 Transfers are a huge part of many caregivers' days. When I was caring for my aunt, she used a walker, but I tried to stay close to make sure she didn't fall or have any trouble. My son is total care, which means that I have to move him from chair to bed to recliner to the car and back. All day long. When I first brought him home, I had zero experience at caregiving. (Didn't we all at some point!?) I would get so nervous about transfers. Usually, I'd get nauseous just thinking about the next transfer. Well, I'm over that. Lol. Now, I transfer him numerous times a day without even thinking about it much at all. 

The transitioning part of a transfer where our loved one is not in the chair, but not in the bed yet either - is the most vulnerable place to be. It's the most dangerous part of the process. Even if a lift is used to transfer someone, there is that moment when they are hanging out over nothing in between two locations.

As we transitioned into caregiving, we worked out way through some very vulnerable spots. We were not quite where we used to be (our whole world likely changed in a moment!), but we were not yet where we were going to be either. We were vulnerable emotionally, physically, and pretty much in every area of our lives. But we have worked through each transition to get to the point we are at today.

Transitions can make us uncomfortable, but if we recognize them, they are easier to navigate. Let me give you a real-life example. Last week, I purchased a new-to-us vehicle. My goal is to get my son to the place where he can get in and out of a regular vehicle. I still have our handicap van, but so far, we've only used the new vehicle for therapy and errands. This morning, I decided to use the van to take him to the 34 Project. I felt like I was giving up (but getting him in and out of a vehicle is challenging for both of us). Then I reminded myself that I don't have to change it all up quickly. We are transitioning from one type of vehicle to another - and that takes time. And that's okay. I must be patient with myself and with his progress.

I think God is patient with us as we move through so many life-transitions as they relate to caregiving. (And the ones that are not related to caregiving, too!) He gives us time to change, adapt, and figure it all out. He even gives us space to grow. I love that about God.

So if you are in a transition in any area of your life - remind yourself that God's got grace, space, and patience for it!

Today, I will remind myself to be patient with ME! I'll meditate on His sustaining grace that is going to carry me through any transition I may need to work through today. He remains with me for transitions of the soul, in my thinking, or in the natural. I'll think about how He's carried me this far - and He's not giving up or going back now. I'll be thoughtful of how He's always been with me and He's got nothing "better" to do than to see me through today. I will trust Him for one more day. Will you join me?

Check out one of my best-selling books - 31 Days in Psalm 31. It's a devotional taken from Psalm 31 (obviously!) - a time when David was hiding in a cave from Saul - even though he'd been anointed the next king. The social isolation of caregiving can certainly make it feel like we live in a cave but God is there with us. And that's what this 31-day devotional is all about, exploring and discovering God in the caves of life. You can get the eBook from my shop at Buy Me A Coffee. Or the print and kindle versions are available in my Amazon Shop.

COMING SOON!!

I'm happy to announce I have a new devotional coming out in November! It's called "Command Your Morning." It takes a look at scriptures that allow us to get a good grip on His peace and direction for the day. Keep an eye out - more announcements coming soon!