There are only four kinds of people in the world,
Those who have been caregivers,
Those who are currently caregivers,
Those who will be caregivers,
And those who will need caregivers.
Rosalynn Carter
Most of us have cared for a loved one who was sick. It may
have been for a short period of time while the person recovered from a brief
illness or it may have continued for a long time. Regardless of the duration,
it can be demanding. Many times the patient doesn’t realize the emotional toll
on the caregiver.
Several years ago, Tim had a skiing accident and broke his
neck. Up to that point in my life, most health issues had been resolved with a
prescription or a day or two in bed. I thought this would just take a little
longer. What I didn’t realize was that a traumatic injury may have unseen consequences,
like a spinal fluid leak. That resulted in a trip back to the emergency room and
for him to be readmitted into the hospital.
When I became weary, I was
fortunate to have a pinch hitter, Tim’s younger sister, who had travelled to
Salt Lake City. Tim, on pain medications, kept trying to send her home since, “he
didn’t need her because he was in the hospital.” Luckily she knew that I, the
caregiver, really needed her help. He was oblivious to the stress we were
under.
Now my father has Alzheimer’s and, as the disease goes, it
has gotten progressively worse. A few weeks ago he was admitted to the hospital
and then to long-term care. My mother, brother and sister are tirelessly caring
for him.
Today’s gift was to recognize them for their caring and
compassion. I sent each of them a card thanking them. I will continue to look
for and thank those people who are the caregivers.
In Giving,
Robin
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