Last week, Bette, one of our regular visitors, wrote about a compliment she received. A friend expressed how proud she was of Bette. And, then the friend said: It’s care-taking because it takes from you.
Which made me think: What does it take to be a family caregiver?
Does it take patience? Discipline? A strong stomach? A great sense of humor? A somewhat calloused heart?
What do you think: What does it take to be a family caregiver?
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It takes patience which I struggle with every day. It takes a willingness to persevere when one would like to give up. It takes an exorbiant amount of emotional energy. It requires strength from above. It involves a certain grief process because of the loss of what was in the past. At this same time it requires looking for what is still good in one’s life and trying to be thankful for that. Finally, it requires trying to take things day by day and not giving into fear while at the same time realizing that one must think about and to some degree plan for the future.
So true!! Very well said
It takes a huge heart and constantly reminding myself to be proud of the fact I have one…
It takes compassion that many are not willing to have and to realize that we may one day be a caree and we reep what we sow
It takes unselfishness out of me and I see the rewards of giving to another even on days when it does not always feel like it
It takes faith because there are days i question but know the end result is im doing the right thing
It takes knowing tomorrow is not more important than today…
it takes a lot of laughing…that is for sure….if I did not have my sense of humor, forging nature and kind heart I would be lost!!!!!
and most importantly..it takes my keyboard…it takes knowing there is a place to go where everyone understands…..
I agree with all of the above. For me, although my mom & I had had a difficult relationship, there was & is a lot of love there, & I have done my caregiving out of love, But it’s so easy to get carried away with trying to make their lives perfect, trying to make up for what isn’t, & that takes a toll on us. The very worst thing for caregivers from what I can see, is the guilt at not doing enough. The most dedicated caregivers tend to have the most guilt, ironic isn’t it? Guilt is a womaan’s issue in general.
.-= Ellen Besso´s last blog ..Favorite Quotes from Ellen =-.