Steps to Heaven

My in-laws are in their 80's. All their life, they had helped many others: friends, family and neighbors. They have very little in possessions, but they share all they are. They've never needed anyone's help... until now.

It's hard to tell one you love, respect and admire that they don't remember things right. It's frightening to see them loose their strength, their stamina, their ability to drive, their sight...

Like they had done with their parents, my husband and I want to step into the roll of caretakers for them.

But they "don't want to be a burden."

This is a delicate dance we need to take, together, often with little guidance. When the role of parent and child switch, it's hard on both.

In a way, not being blessed with children of our own is a blessing - we have some freedom to help where we wouldn't with a child (that sandwich generation). But my in-laws need to accept the help, for it would do neither of us good to force it on them.

Yesterday, a beautiful gem came to mind. This weekend, we will try to present it this way: All their life, they have helped others, ensuring their place in Heaven. Now, it is time for others to do the same. By allowing others to help, they open an opportunity for good works.

They are, in turn, helping others --- on the steps to Heaven.

~ESA