‘Twas The Night Before. . .

‘Twas the night before. . .

• Noticing behavior changes
• Your life began changing
• A diagnosis
• Your loved one’s life changed
• Losing independence
• Making a difficult decision
• Becoming a Caregiver
• Becoming Power of Attorney
• You felt alone
• You became the parent to your mom or dad
• A loved one passed away
• Your world fell apart
• Wondering why this happened to him? Her? Me?

This describes what I thought, felt and had to contend with. Little did I know all the ups and downs I would experience as a Caregiver. Life became a roller coaster of emotions.

Where do I go? Who do I turn to? No one will understand. My situation is different. Sound familiar?

Life throws a curveball and we wonder how we’re going to deal with it. For me, it was my faith that got me through it all.

“As you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength to sustain you, expect to see miracles—and you will.”

“Miracles are not always visible to the naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly.” (excerpted from Jesus Calling, Sarah Young

No words could have been truer. I didn’t realize this at first; as the years went by my eyes were opened wide to the fact that faith was paramount with being a caregiver. No one ever said life was going to be easy and problem free.

You might say, “Well I didn’t ask for this to happen and here I am; no experience as a caregiver. Now what?”

May I just say, we don’t ask for a lot of situations that take place in our lifetime. However, it’s important to stay grounded and strong; surround yourself with like-minded people who can not only support you emotionally, but physically as well. If you need respite for a day and someone offers, accept the offer.  Don’t feel guilty because you need a day to yourself. If you don’t take care of yourself you will end up becoming bitter and resentful toward the one(s) you love.

The list above is daunting especially if you’ve just begun the roll as a caregiver. For some caregivers the journeys are long; other people may experience just a few years. Whatever length of time you spend as a caregiver, seek out the right kind of help for your particular situation. I can’t stress that enough.

Last, and certainly not least, believe me when I say there will be so many blessings along they way. You were chosen as Caregiver for a reason. You are special!