TUESDAY THOUGHTS : CAREGIVING

Yesterday, I sang at the funeral service of a gentleman who lived to be 101 years of age. 

Today, I woke up to the news that two different friends are mourning the passing of their elderly parents, for whom they have been longtime caregivers.

I have tremendous respect for family caregivers, and am praying for those who are grieving. Even at advanced ages, and with all of the changes that illness can bring, I believe there’s still a bit of a child in a family caregiver, who clings to memories of their once vibrant, active, and able loved one. The gratitude for having been taken care of, informs and motivates the kind of care that’s given. 

As difficult as caregiving can be, I’ve yet to meet anyone who declared that they wouldn’t do it all over again.

You can’t honestly say that you know how someone else feels, but if you, too, have been a caregiver, you DO have an idea; an inkling; a point of reference. 

Strangely, there’s still work on the other side of caregiving. It’s a different kind, that involves administration, introspection, reminiscing, readjustment, and an odd sense of relief. 

It’s personal.