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Managing The Stress ~ Making The Decisions ~ Discovering The Meaning |
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Caregiving |
Solutions To Your Caregiving Situations Throughout Your Caregiving Years |
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(Each month, we take a closer look at an aspect of your caregiving experience. In April, we take a closer look at the lighter side of caregiving.) Surviving the experience Sometimes, it is funny! You run into a friend who haven't seen in several years. She asks, "What's new, how have you been?" Only when you describe your current life, which includes heavy doses of bad news, brushes with death, never-ending soiled clothes and laundry, do you realize how little you have to laugh about. Or do you? A colleague, Judy Leitner of the Aging Services Division of Oklahoma's Dept. of Human Services, often tells the story of taking her mother to a doctor's appointment. Working a full-time job as she cared for her mother meant that Judy had to do some quick scrambling to leave work mid-day, drive home, pick up her mom and make it to the doctor. For one particular appointment, Judy was running on time, but her mother was running late--much to Judy's great irritation. When they finally did arrive at the doctor's office--very late for the appointment-Judy was on her last thread of patience. Her mom, though, was in good spirits. Good enough, in fact, to stand up, in the middle of the crowded doctor's waiting room, and sing The Star Spangled Banner. A Capella. Judy hid behind her magazine. Her mother enjoyed kudos and applause from the other patients, family members and office staff. It's now one of Judy's favorite stories to tell about her mom, who has since died. She laughs and so does everyone who hears the story. Humor is a part of your caregiving experience. It must be. There aren't enough tears to cry all your sadness, but there are enough guffaws to go around to help you and your care recipient master another day. Index of Articles The Straight Talk about Funnies "Life does not cease to be funny when someone dies, anymore than is ceases to be serious when someone laughs."--George Bernard Shaw
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