Caregivers and Stress

[socialjustice_fsu]

Originally Posted by Greyson

dee and sj, thank you for posting so honestly about your experience as caretakers. I had an assignment this past semester to write a piece about my experience of losing my mother and now caretaking for my elderly father. I discovered some things about myself that were both uplifting and other things about myself that gave me pause. No matter what there is going to be "feelings" involved you cannot get around that.

sj, you already know this but I will say it, the tears are there because of circumstances going on now and from past hurts and disappointment. The miracle for many of us is that we can still find some sort of reason, faith, grace to continue on and in time even with some joy still in us.

Both of you are strong, and intelligent women. You have earned the respect and love of many. Although we have never met "face-to-face" I have had the experience of benefitting from your presence and words here in this online community. My thoughts are respect are with you both.

Dear Greyson, I am so grateful for your post. It helped me keep going today. I am learning a great deal about myself and sometimes it does give me pause. As I have cared for my patient's in hospice over many years this is so very different. I am on the other side now. While I am so physically and emotionally weary I have certainly been enlightened. I find the tears (sometimes) to be some sort of cleansing ritual - for lack of a better description. When I moved home to mom's I walked into a less than ideal situation. I suppose I was in denial for months. But that is the past. I can only move forward. I do find some solace through prayer and meditation.
You have no idea what your thoughts have meant to me. You are wise, insightful and will be one of the best hospice chaplains to walk this earth. Go forward with your passion...not many of us ever find it.
Peace, my friend, peace.