Home Captive

What’s it like to be a partially disabled, 83-year-old man and be treated like an unwanted guest in your own house?

My daughter and son-in-law moved in with me in Modesto, California, three years ago to help take care of me. Everything was fine until some months ago when a gradual change in our relationship developed.

At first it was silence; then they began maligning and berating me from time to time, telling me not to mention things I wanted. Then they began cursing me if I didn’t agree with their plans or said the “wrong thing.”

My son-in-law was diagnosed with bi-polar disease. I never knew when he might “explode” and curse me because I didn’t move fast enough or do what he wanted.

One afternoon after being treated unfairly, I suggested I might move out into a senior citizen retirement center. Both of them tore into me, cursing, ranting, and raving. If I left, they would not get my retirement income, which they were using without my consent after I trusted them and gave them the right to write checks to pay the bills and buy food and necessities.

I came to the place where I was frightened for my safety. I began praying for Jesus to let me die so I could be in Heaven or to remove me from the house. I didn’t know where to turn as I had little contact with anyone.

Fortunately, my granddaughter came to visit and I hinted about my situation in a very quiet, diplomatic way so my daughter or son-in-law wouldn’t hear.

After praying to my Father, help arrived! One afternoon I got a phone call from an agent in the County Adult Protection Agency. She said she would be at my home in a few minutes. My daughter and son-in-law were not at home. Joann, the agent, came in and talked to me, explaining she had some idea of my problems. If I wanted, I could leave. I immediately said, “Yes!”

It is amazing how God’s Holy Spirit works when one turns to God in sincerity, faith, and hope. My granddaughter had gotten in touch with my pastor who in turn got in touch with the County Adult Protection Agency.

Two days later, Joann returned. She parked her county car down the street so my daughter and son-in-law couldn’t see the marked car. I told them I would like to visit some shut-ins and would call them to pick me up later. After some thought, they finally agreed it was all right. I left with my prescriptions, wallet and a few items.

Joann asked me if I wanted to live in the senior citizens village or would I like to move in with my grandson in northern California, whom she had already contacted. I chose to move in with him, his wife, and two children. He was the son of my daughter but they were not speaking to each other as she had hurt him over the years.

Joann contacted my grandson again and he came down in a rental truck to pick up some of my things. His older son also came in an auto which made it easier for me to ride the long distance to their home. When I got into the auto, I was free, full of hope, and found peace. I’ve never looked back. I began praising God for His wonderful kindness.

When my grandson went to pick up my belongings, his mother and father began ranting and swearing, realizing that I had slipped out. My grandson got them to quiet down and was able to collect my hospital bed, some books, clothes, and other items. However, they refused to give up important papers such as my army discharge, last will and testament, deeds, etc. Thankfully, these can all be replaced.

As a born-again Christian, the Holy Spirit told me I was not yet free until I forgave my captors and really meant it. At first this seemed impossible, but I thought of Jesus and how He forgave his enemies (“They don’t know what they are doing”), so how could I not forgive my children?

As soon as I began praying to have forgiveness for them, my mind and heart felt a heavy load lift from me… and peace followed. I now realize how important my trial was. It taught me to believe in our God and Jesus to the place where I have now turned myself and every problem completely over to my Savior and Lord. I am awed and amazed at how great and awesome my Father and His Son are. Everything is possible through them.

Each day, many times, I praise God in Jesus’ Name for the love and peace He has given to me.