Nancy Guthrie: Parenting our Parents


Just another thing to add to my prayers today:

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15518959/Today-host-Savannah-Guthries-mother-reported-missing-84-year-old-Nancy-seen-Arizona-home.html

Saturday, I attended the funeral of a 94 year old lady.  She had received care assistance, and then total care from her two daughters in the winter of her life.  She suffered dementia and in the final years the  did not recognize any family member nor was she aware of her surroundings.  But every night, she would pray "The Lord's Prayer" in German.  A video was shown of her reciting the prayer as she was nestled down into her pillow.  Should I just wipe my eyes on my sleeve and my snot on the sleeve of the person next to me?  Hmmm

It was my distinct honor and privilege to care for my father from afar during the final decade of his life.  Distance can be a factor, but neglect should never enter the equation. Daddy died knowing he was loved.   

My mother, now resides in a skilled nursing facility.  The family showers her with love and visits. I am seated at her bedside at least twice a week as she enjoys a snack and fruit beverage. I am her advocate and companion for medical visits outside the facility.  Her wardrobe is chosen by me and the same is true should she need a new blanket, socks, facial products, etc.

"Honor Thy Father and thy Mother...."   The wisdom of God shines through.  It says honor; it does not say respect.  Now - we are viewing things through the lens of character and personal choice.

Respect is earned.  Many adults have sad (or distorted) perceptions of childhood.  Or respect has been lost for a parent.  This can be especially true if a family dynamic is buffeted by marital unfaithfulness by either party in covenant with the other.  Disappointments are clocked not only by time but by distance. Love embraces.  Hurts stiff-arm family members.

But honor? It has nothing to do with our emotional construct, mental capacity, nor even our ability to love that parent.  It is the gift we choose to offer from a heart which has gained abundant understanding about the condition of man.  None of us, are really worth that much if we take an honest look in the mirror.  But we can redeem ourselves a bit, in the manner we choose to care for aging parents. 

The nurse, and not the journalist, does a quick head-to-toe assessment of Nancy Guthrie.  She is on a cane but wearing shoes with laces.  Her range of motion might still be sufficient.  The discoloration on the left arm might be a sign that she has atrial fibrillation and is on a blood thinner.  The blouse is an easy on, easy off style without buttons.  Arthritic hands have trouble with buttons and zippers.  The slacks are loose and probably have an elastic waistband.  She is wearing jewelry and a smart watch. There is still feminine pride and sentimentality.  Is the watch still on her wrist?  The cane has a feminine floral design.  In the second image, the fingernails are clean and nicely trimmed.  And in the final image  Nancy is still smiling.  Joy does not decline with aging if we understand it is an asset.   The overall picture?   Nancy - receives necessary support and care. And according to the report out,  she is cognitively intact.

Where is Nancy Guthrie?  And is her daughter on the cusp of heartbreak?   I have always stated that if anyone harmed my mother they would have to deal with me.  And that dealing, might violate Christian faith but it would not violate human conscience.

Take a moment.  Say a prayer.  And then turn your thoughts toward your parents if they are still within the bundle of the living.

* Added to post so that Nancy Guthrie is seen in more of a three-dimensional form: Spirit... Soul... Body.   There is a slide show on the right lower corner of the page:

https://www.nancyguthrie.com/about-nancy-1


Time stamp 1300 hours:

Writing about this on my other site too. Checking the news frequently for updates.

https://thelastenglishprince.wordpress.com/2026/02/02/continued-prayers-for-savannah-guthrie-and-family/


Tammy


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