Tag Archives: Caregiving

SADNESS WENT AWAY

I described to Connie how I visualized myself dealing with my current life. I used the metaphor of running a marathon. I had abundant energy and as I encountered horrific roadblocks in my path, I continued running. I was also running through long, dark tunnels. But my focus was on the beautiful sunlight streaming through and awaiting me at the end of those tunnels. As I ran, music played for me. I had an angel on my shoulder. Despite the challenges I continued to face, I loved my journey. It was easy for me to stay positive with all the encouragement I continued to receive surrounding my writing and music, I told Connie. As I left her guesthouse, I beamed and marveled at my blessed existence. Continue reading

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WHEREVER YOU ARE, MY LOVE WON’T BE FAR

My father’s life revolved around his nurses. When he felt his nurse was attentive, he had a good day. When I came to visit him, he would sometimes say to me, “I had such a great nurse whom I wish you could meet!” He told me most mornings were quite difficult because he had a nurse who was all business. He described himself as a “sack of potatoes.” Omar was a special nurse and my father adored him. He was very caring and kind to my father. For the past few weeks, Omar often got my father ready before I came to take my father to my home for dinner. There was so much humanity for me, meeting this kind man who would change my father’s soiled diaper so he would have that “over with” before coming to my home. He allowed my father so much dignity under such difficult circumstances! Continue reading

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TO SOMEWHERE UNKNOWN

Only two weeks ago, I wrote a story comparing the death of a kitten to watching my elderly father deteriorate and suffer. This past week, a different path appeared for me to take with my father.
To do nothing was simply another path I had been on that was becoming quite difficult due to my father’s suffering. When it comes to making medical decisions, I definitely use intellect and seek advice from professionals. However, in the end it is my intuition that has guided me. Continue reading

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WE GREW UP SO FAST

It was such a lovely morning. I was in the garden area of my mother’s nursing facility. In the cool shade, I sat with Joni, my mother and her caregiver, Miriam. I had brought along my guitar. The warmth and love between all of us bathed me. I was with three, very special women. My mother was the mainstay. I absolutely adored Miriam; her love for my mother made her like my sister. And Joni, was completely connected to me. This wonderful morning was Joni’s idea. I had asked her last week where she wanted to eat to celebrate her birthday. She said it would mean a lot for her to visit with both me and my mother instead of going out to dinner. Continue reading

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