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Wednesday, July 3, 2013

3 - I know I'm not alone

Today is day 3 (and my 3rd post) in the 30 day blog challenge I joined.  For anyone "just tuning in" this post may leave you wondering what the heck I am rambling about.  I promise it won't take too long to go back and review my first 2 posts so you can catch up with my story.  For anybody thinking there is nothing here that could affect you, I hope you're wrong.  I hope you are wrong because, not because I wish bad things for you, but because that would mean that you are truly alone in life.  You see, although my story revolves around senior care giving and health care, I believe there are lessons within my story that could be applied to ANYBODY that might EVER know someone (or be someone) who is incapacitated, no matter their age.

At least I know I'm not alone

Before I continue our journey of my mother's health and the issues I have witnessed surrounding senior health care, I want to make it clear that I am not a martyr.  It takes a village to raise a senior!

I am very fortunate to have family close by that I can call on for help.

They have listened to me rant and rave; give them orders; and generally put up with me being my usual control freak self - yes, I know it and admit it!  Even so, each of them have ridden this crazy ride with mom and with me and been there when needed and offered support in any way they could.  I know not every one who is in a care giver role is that lucky and my heart goes out to anybody who has no outside support.  I don't know if I would be able to provide mom with the care that she needs and deserves; the ability to live in her own home; and as much independence as possible if it weren't for the help of a whole bunch of people that have shown so much love and given so much of themselves to allow me to fill this much needed role in my mothers life.

It truly is a family sacrifice that reaches beyond a spouse that is financially and emotionally supportive; a brother that is called on to move things, fix things, install things and load things; sisters that are willing to give their time to offer respite care, help with house work and pretty much anything else you ask them for; Aunts that are there at the drop of a hat.  It reaches your children.  It reaches your friends. It touches nearly every aspect of your life.  Some might consider it a burden, for me it's been a blessing!

I have had the incredible opportunity to learn so much about my mother by being with her nearly 24 hours a day for over a year now.  She is an amazing woman with incredible strength and a contagious faith in The Lord.

I believe that maybe somehow that is the purpose in all that we've been through - To make sure I know that as long as I walk with Him I will NEVER be alone!

Ok, I've rambled long enough today. 
Have a great day!
Oh, and go visit or at least call your parents!

12 comments:

Shay said...

Wow! I cannot imagine taking care of my mom and being in such close proximity for the amount of time!

I am so proud of you! You are so strong!

healthcare hostages said...

Thank you! I don't know about the being strong part, I certainly have my days that I just don't know what to do next! But, It has certainly been an experience that I wouldn't trade for anything. I just really hope that my story will help someone else out there know that they are not alone!

Angie Schaffer said...

You are a wonderful daughter to step up to the plate and take care of your mom when she needs you most. And you're right, it is a blessing when you are able to take care of your parents when they brought you into this world and raised you. Your caring attitude is a testament to the good job your mother did raising you. Bless you.

Kathy Hadley said...

There is nothing done that is not stored in Source energy and returned 10 or even 100 fold to you.

In your care for your mother, something great is happening.

Bless You.

:-)

Kathy

kathyhadleylifecoach.com

healthcare hostages said...

Well, thank you Angie! You are very kind! :)

healthcare hostages said...

Thanks Kathy! I do truly feel blessed to be able to do it!

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

Sister, you do an incredible job with mom every single day. I thank God that you are able to do what you've done and pray that you don't go completely nuts in the process! :) God has a perfect plan and you're living it. You are in exactly the spot you are suppose to be in. You are one of the most kind, selfless, beautiful, amazing people I know or will ever come across. A martyr you are definitely not! Martyrs talk the talk without walking the walk. You walk the walk every single day. Thank you for everything you have done and are doing! Not just for what you've done for our mama, but for everything you've done for me. I love you so very much!!

healthcare hostages said...
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healthcare hostages said...

Awww, thank you sister! You brought tears to my eyes!

Anonymous said...

Sister, you have done a wonderful job of being our warrior for our mother and her health! You have been a great advocate for us and for her. I don't always feel that I do enough due to my own restrictions but know that I do watch, care, and love you for all you do for our mother. I don't think she would be alive today if we hadn't chosen to make the tough choices and battles to keep her going as much as possible. I know it's not over yet and yet it will be over before you know it. That part is up to God and his plans and I do believe that we are doing what God expects of all of us. Love you very much.

healthcare hostages said...

Thank you so much sister! Just knowing you are there is a huge help! It truly is amazing the progress she has made. Yay for the power of prayer!

Love you too!