Any Caregivers Here This Afternoon?

[AutumnMist]

I just wanted to make a post about caregivers today. A sentiment that may or may not resonate with those that read it. Thank you for taking care of the those that need the most care, even if we don't seem to appreciate it. We do. Thank you for the smiles when we feel like maybe we aren't worth the humor in such trying times. You are doing things to touch all of us when we cannot reach out ourselves. It's hard being sick, but it's even harder to the person that provides the care to keep it going. Nothing is easy on the other side of the mirror.

Thank you for the late night phone calls and the kind gestures. We never forget it. Even if it takes a week to get back to you. We know who friends are and appreciate that you have taken the time to define it. Your soul is what we see, and our soul is what we know you love. How blessed we are. So today if you are a caregiver..take the time to know that what you have done is something beyond words. We may be people in the late stages of sickness or life. We may be people taking on the struggles of life and you have signed up for our care. But know that everyday is a new blessing and that we do acknowledge the gift that you have given us. To the caregivers............A toast!!!!!!!!

:toast:

P.S. Todd I love you. Thank you for what you have done for me.

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1. Thank you

I take care of my 88-year-old mother around the clock, 24/7 except for short breaks when nurses come. I appreciate your kind thoughts.

[AutumnMist]

2. You Are So Welcome

Thanks for being you. :hug: I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

[greatauntoftriplets]

7. How long have you been her caregiver???

Happily, we employed someone for several hours five days a week and my mother was okay to be on her own for relatively long periods, though I did keep in contact with her.

And good for you. It isn't easy.

[begin_within]

10. Intensely for 3 years

I've lived with her for 25 years, and as she has gradually gotten older she has become more dependent on me. She finally stopped driving 5 years ago. About 3 years ago she had a small stroke and walks with difficulty now. I have not left her alone at all since that day. I am with her day and night. We do have nurses come 4 days a week for 6 hours, so I do get 24 hours of "off-time" per week. But all the rest of the time I am "on duty." It's a gigantic burden on me, but I am sure that later on in my life I won't regret it, I'll be glad I did it. I have 2 older sisters, one of which is retired, the other works at home. So either one could spend time with my Mom, but they don't help out at all.

[wildhorses]

3. hear! hear!

:toast:

[greatauntoftriplets]

4. I took care of my mother until she died 1 1/2 years ago.

Because I work during the day, she had a woman who came in during the day to clean and be there for a while. It's not easy, is it?

Happily, my mother was okay to be left alone for hours at a time. She was mobile (with a walker) and in full control of her faculties.

But, the night she had her heart attack -- two weeks before her 94th birthday -- I was happy to be there for her to get her to the hospital quickly. For what that was worth, since she died six days later. I would hate to think of her having that heart attack all by herself.

Caregivers are wonderful people, whoever they are.

[AutumnMist]

5. "Caregivers are wonderful people, whoever they are."

Thank you...thank you...thank you. :hug:

[Guava Jelly]

6. Hey!

I remember you!!
You are simply an inspiration.
:toast:

[AutumnMist]

8. Your Comment Is an Inspiration To Me

Thanks for that. It made my day. :)

[laylah]

9. Contrary to many I

have met, I truly believe we are our brothers/sisters/mothers/fathers/loved ones keeper. :hug: We who care always make a difference. It may be invisible to our eyes, but we do because we are sincere. That is what matters, IMVHO.

And a :toast: back at 'cha.