Do you know a caregiver?

Is someone you know caring for a sick parent, spouse, child, or friend? They need to know you care. They may not be able to take time to go out with you, they may not have time to call you like they used to, like they want to; yet, they need you. What can you do? Send them a card, a letter, email. A communication that they can receive when they have an extra moment, which might be when you are sound asleep. Please do not forget them. If you can arrange with friends, family, or maybe church volunteers, set up a time that they can be relieved of the responsibilites for at least a few hours. They need to have some time for them. They need be pampered once in a while. Encourage them, be there if they need something. Take a meal and drop it off do not expect to stay. But definately stay if they insist, only they know their schedule, their needs.

If you are the one who is doing the caregiving. Try to find a way to be in a support group for caregivers. I cared for my parents for over five years. My mother was first at age 58 she began signs of Alzheimers. My father began to show signs two plus years later. They both lived with my husband and I for five years. Being a part of a caregiver support group softened our frustrations. Let people help you. Find some way to pamper yourself. I made sure I went to a Bible study once a week. I had a pedicure done regularly. I looked for blessings every day. Now ten years later, both of my parents are deceased and I can truthfully say I was so very blessed to have that time with my parents. I gave back to them after many years of their giving to me. It was not easy, I would cry in the shower so that I could scream and no one saw me. I never wanted to be angry with my parents, it was not their fault. I was hurt and sometimes felt angry that my parents were ill at such a young age. With my faith I was able to be patient, kind, and affectionate to them even when my Mom would pinch and hit me. A rub on her back with "I love you sweetie" always calmed her and she would smile and be at peace. God gave us all that we needed to care for my parents. I pray right now for each of you who are caregiving and are reaching out to a caregiver. May there be joy and an abundance of peace.