Caregiving can feel like going to war. The caregiver’s job is to keep their charges free from pain, fear, frustration, illness, and loss of dignity. The battles are seemingly endless and the enemy a mix of people places and things that keep coming at us, threatening to upset the delicate balance we have for ourselves and those we care for and love.
When we take on this commitment of caregiving we are in it for the long haul. We are hard-wired to fight to the end to ensure that our charges are safe, warm, and comfortable while in our care. We don’t give up and we don’t give in. We are Warriors and we fight to make sure that hopelessness and helplessness never take over.
This can be a thankless job with extraordinary physical and emotional demands. It can be all-consuming and overwhelming. Coupled with all of the responsibilities comes the additional challenge we may face if those we care for are family or loved ones. There can be a history of discord that can add to the emotional impact of caregiving or the deep pain and sadness of witnessing the discomfort and pain of someone we love so much.
This is like navigating a battlefield of land mines. When confronted with my personal caregiving situation I quickly realized it could go two ways. I could be miserable or I could buckle on my seat belt and try to enjoy the journey. I chose to buckle up and remain open to the vast landscape that was flying as I cared for my two parents. It was the trip of a lifetime and changed my world. Old wounds were healed, precious new memories were made and tears of pain and joy were experienced by all.
In the end, I had fought the battle like a trooper as my dad would say, and walked away with a precious gift. The gift of knowing I did everything I could to make the lives of my family members richer and more joyful as life on life’s terms unfolded.
This wondrous and chaotic trip taught me more about myself and those around me than I could have ever imagined. I learned what I was truly capable of achieving and where I needed to change my outlook and life. I adapted, became more flexible, rallied, and constantly started over. I fought my way through fear, anxiety, and sadness.
In the end, the victory was not about keeping things as they are but about appreciating things for how they can unfold. I want to share my experience strength and hope with you, my fellow Caregiving Warriors, so that you too might survive the journey with love, grace, and empowerment. I have created this website to share what I learned along the way so you know you are not alone. Discovery is in the doing but the path is easier to follow if it has been cleared. I hope you find help and hope here.
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