We all need an advocate

by Tina Y. Gerber – McCurley

We all carry so much in this busy world, and there are so many changes expected for seniors in 2026. Are you ready? I often wonder what we are chasing. It’s easy to be swayed by what we see on social media. I hope you understand what you often see is not reality!

Struggles are a common experience in this life, whether you are 35 or 85, so the experiences of older people can be very relatable. Consequently, it may be mutually beneficial to check on your elderly neighbour. We are grateful my neighbours Lee and Karen, have been snowplowing our driveway, as my husband is no longer able.

Just before Christmas, I went to urgent care with a sinus infection. My husband and I choose to avoid Bible Study Classes and Church during this time of year, however, we do watch christian services on TV. The goal was to keep him out of the hospital for the first time in years. I almost lost him in December 2024.

On Christmas Day, my daughter called me an ambulance. I was confused, disorientated, and not feeling well, along with a cough. I couldn’t take care of myself, let alone my husband, and it had been several days. They sent me home a few hours later. The next day, my daughter called me an ambulance once again. The attendant, refused to take me, stating the hospitals were overwhelmed. He simply saw an older lady, with a cough, who was confused (this is not my normal behaviour.) 

If my daughter, Emily, had not insisted, I would have expired! It turns out I had pneumonia, a kidney infection, a sinus infection, was dehydrated, high BS and both my ear drums had ruptured. I still have hearing difficulties which the doctor assured me will return. I was ready to go home to glory, if God was calling me. Over the same period of time my husband ended up falling and laid of the floor for almost four hours, begging God he didn’t die there! He could not reach his phone. My daughter has since purchased us a lifeline emergency response. In addition, he also had pneumonia, a UTI, dehydration, high blood sugar, and low blood pressure. He already has CHF, COPD, Asthma, ileostomy, and a hernia along with mobility issues. I am his caregiver, and this was bad. I had not been sick in almost 35 years, except the odd cold. This was a challenge for me, as I am a terrible sick person! Once again, my family called him an ambulance, within a day of my needing one; odd. So we were texting each other using our phones whenever possible.

We have been down this road many times. We depended on God, and all the miracles with which he has previously blessed us. 

We so appreciated Pastor Jim, Pastor Scott, and our Port Perry Baptist Church Family, who continued to pray for us. I was also blessed to be cared for by my daughters, SIL and my sister. 

 Jeremiah 29:11 is one of our favourite scriptures. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Amen