The day’s starting out pretty nice with the clouds out of
the southeast with the sun peeking brightly from behind. They cast a golden
halo across the edge of the clouds that now gives way to the brighter sun. With
the curtains pulled back and the windows up, I’m once again dress like I work
for the DOT with a orange t-shirt and an old Chambray shirt over it. Earlier while
my wife was taking a shower, she called me in to help her wash her hair. You
see, her disabilities often causes her to forget things. Silly little things you
and I can easily recall, but she often can’t.
So after I helped her with the shampoo and conditioner, I
left her to finish her shower. I bring this up not so much to talk about
dealing with a loved one’s disabilities. As much as being aware of the patience
and grace we must have as caregivers. Listen I’ll be the first to tell you I
get frustrated and even mad at both my wife and son. But also I do my damnest
to keep my cool, especially when the two of them are arguing. As a caregiver I
do my best to remember that each of us has our limitations.
But thankfully as my other children have grown older and become
parents themselves. They see how difficult the burden of being a caregiver can
be. My point with all this is to say, I understand. I understand the burden you
carry as a caregiver. the frustration and the exhaustion you feel when your
needs are placed on the back burner.
Listen, I don’t have any easy answers. I live in a conservative
state that acts like it’s got the moral high ground. Where they assume that there’s
always going to be someone there to take care of those who can’t. But often
there isn’t, and the sad truth is, they really don’t care. So all I can say to those
of you stuck in the backwater places of this nation is…hold on. Because frankly
you are it, so while the rest of the country loudly calls you a “Winner and a
Moocher” at the same time. Hold on to the love and respect of those of us who
are trying right there with you.
#Caregiving #MentalDisabilities
#Stress #ThoughtsandPrayers #IUnderstand
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