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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

ASSuME - What kind of person are you?

http://www.Homesbythecase.blogspot.com For anyone "just tuning in" this post may leave you wondering what the heck I am rambling about, I hope you take the time to go back and review my earlier posts so you can catch up with our story. For anyone who has been along for the whole wild ride - Thank you!


What kind of person am I?

I have to admit, when I signed up for the 30 day Ultimate Blog Challenge, I assumed that meant 30 posts.  Yeah, yeah, I know......I should not assUme!   After a really long day I came home, ready to relax.  When I opened my computer and saw that there were actually 31 days in this 30 day challenge, I nearly lost my mind, or at least what was left of it.


With nothing prepared and not feeling like reliving anything negative tonight, I made a quick decision that I wasn't going to do it.  I ranted to myself a little and cursed the month of July for having 31 days. How RUDE!

Then I thought, what kind of person would quit on the 31st day of a 31 day challenge?
What kind of person am I?

I am not a quitter, that's for sure!  

I have now dealt with this dreaded 31st day.  Although I am not feeling much like going on a journey tonight, I finally did have some thoughts I would like to share............

What kind of person are you?


Have you ever been a caregiver?  Of course, you have!  Think about it.
If you have ever had a child; a sick friend; or even a cold, you have been a caregiver!
Are you currently a caregiver?
  If you are, I don't need to offer you an example.
YOU KNOW!
Don't think you will ever be a caregiver?
Wow, really?!  Not even a gold fish?




At some point in all our lives, we will need a caregiver.  This was never as clear to me as it was the day I broke my ankle in two places and dislocated my talus.  Being a caregiver might not always be a "bed of roses" , but needing a caregiver is equivalent to falling in a cactus patch!
No matter what kind of person you are, be kind; be compassionate, be prepared, and be humbled!


9 comments:

Unknown said...

I know what you mean. Whether it's a friend, a child, a pet or a parent, we all become caregivers at one time or another. Some of our patients are easier than others, and yes, we are possibly, the worst patient of all! (whyever do they call them patients? I can assure you that being sick or injured is very hard on one's patience!)

Your Self-Worth Coach said...

Good for you to hang in there for the 31st post. Congratulations! and thanks for sharing your perspective. Caregiving can be challenging and stressful. But we do learn about ourselves in the process. And compassion starts at home by learning to be compassionate with ourselves first!

healthcare hostages said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Your Self-Worth Coach said...

Congratulations on your 31st post! Thanks for your perspective. Caregiving is challenging and so is receiving care! We first need to learn to be compassionate with ourselves before we can truly demonstrate compassion for others. Caring for others teaches us a lot about ourselves - some of which we may not want to look at yet we still must be kind to ourselves because we know that is where it starts!

healthcare hostages said...

Very true! Patience is definitely required on either side of that fence!

Thank you for your comment. I love your wit!

healthcare hostages said...

Thank you so much! I really wasn't sure I could even do it when I started. I have a lot to say, but wan't sure I could actually write it! Strangely, it has been good therapy for me.

Yes, caregiving is challenging and stressful, but can also be very rewarding once you learn to take the good with the bad! And, yes, I have learned a LOT about my self the past couple of years!

Thank you for taking the time to share your comments!

healthcare hostages said...

Thanks! and, Your welcome!

As a caregiver, being kind to ones self is easier some days than others. I do try though!

Thank you for your comments!

JM said...

Challenge accepted and mastered! You did a great job, my dear, not only on the caregiving, but the blogging. I do hope that you will continue the blogs, for your own peace and outlet - as well as to help inform others of the insidious dangers we all face from indifferent and/or incompetent medical personnel and facilities.

Caregiving is always a difficult thing, and it does not come naturally to everyone. The astronomical stress level, the physical, mental and emotional toll it takes, can all have a catastrophic effect on individuals and families. You have truly been a blessing to your mother, and to all of those who know you.

healthcare hostages said...

Thank you very much. I try hard, on both fronts! I haven't yet decided which is more challenging, the caregiving or the blogging! Blogging has been very therapeutic for me personally and I certainly enjoy writing. When I write, I feel the emotions I experienced when facing those insidious dangers like I am "in the moment". Since I have been blogging I have done an incredible amount of research. That research has led me to realize that there are so many people out there with similar situations and experiences......it's scary! I do plan to continue blogging and delve farther in to our journey. However, my current time constraints will, most likely, limit my posts to once or twice a week (unless I get on a roll & can't stop!). Either way, with the challenge of posting EVERY day behind me, I will post when time and energy permit.

Caregiving is always difficult. I agree, it does not come naturally for everyone to be a "hands on" caregiver. There are so many levels and layers of caregiving, there are plenty of "assignments" to go around. Even an adult child, living across the country, can be a contributing member of a family care TEAM. I hope by sharing I can help others to understand the mindset of the primary caregiver as well as the effects on the care receiver and other family members, as well as shine a light on some of the injustices I have witnessed in senior healthcare.

Thank you so much for continuing to follow my blog as well as the kind words of encouragement you continually offer! It's amazing how a little encouragement can propel so much!