#06 Saturday Mornings at Ché Shashue
A caregiver's joy dream
Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV
«And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.»
It is 8:55 AM as I make this journal entry. I’ve had my heart’s prayer of gratitude, but I write this while still in bed. Today is a much-needed lazy and slow morning—a change from the usual routine.
Mom is being dressed for church by her nurse. My sister reminded me why I might appreciate these Saturday mornings differently from the rest of the week. There’s a nuance in my gratitude about my mornings. I told her that the Saturday mornings when Mom is at church with her people are the most relaxing hours of the week for me.
I completely trust her with those folks. I feel like I can ignore my phone for a bit. My sister retorted, “Yeah, and there are more nurses and doctors in her church on Saturday morning than you might find in a hospital on any given weekday.” I thought to myself, "Hmm, how true—a fact I hadn’t considered before but knew to be so. Most of my mom’s friends are nurses of different specialties, and they are married to doctors of different specialties."
When Mom is with her church folks on Saturdays, I don’t have to keep an eye on our home cams. I can distance myself from the phone for a bit and venture further away from the house than I normally do. It’s a small taste of what my life used to be like before I became a caregiver in Florida.
On Saturday mornings when Mom gets picked up for church, it’s a bit of a two-for-one for her. She gets to attend church in her language with her people, and on Sunday, she gets to do it again with me in my language with my people. She loves it, as do I.
All these words to express my gratitude for Mom’s church people and to our Father Most High for situating these types of weekend schedules as often as He does. I can’t think of a better way to start the weekend for both Mom and me (and Wiggles of course).
As the Bible reminds us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). These moments of respite and community are a testament to God’s provision and care.
Moreover, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). The support and love from Mom’s church community are a tangible expression of this principle, allowing me moments of rest and rejuvenation.
So, I start this day with a heart full of thanks, trusting in God’s faithfulness and the blessings of community.
If you’ve made it this far, I thank you for your time and attention, the two most valuable assets we have in this life, so it means more to me than I can express in mere words. 💙🤗 may your days be filled with blessings and peace.
To my current supporters, thank you for your early encouragement. Let’s keep creating together! Cheers to many more inspiring cups of fulfilling creations.
That is all and once again thank you for reading.
Shashue Monrauch
This picture of you, living out your life focused on your mother's well being, and not on your own, is so refreshing and comforting to me. And yes, God does give us much unlooked for support when we live this way.