Comments for The Thoughtful Caregiver

Comment on Hero by Jim Charles

Jim Charles — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 19:14:29 +0000

I have never thought of myself as a hero. It is family that I have been a caregiver for over 5 years now. Still, the challenges seem to grow daily, particularly now that my mother’s dementia is progressing, and the test of my patience grows proportionately. Still it is family! I can share the responsibility, but I can’t give it away. My brother has Down’s Syndrome and often doesn’t understand why I can’t let him do some things that a reasonable person would know. My sister just had major back surgery and I can’t expect her to do the things she used to do around the house. They’re family and their needs give me purpose. Besides, they take care of me too!

Comment on Halo by Richard Anderson

Richard Anderson — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:21:19 +0000

As a former spousal caregiver (”well spouse”) and now a serial SC(WS), I would change your last line:

“They have more important things to do. Like give good care.”

To: “They have more important things to do. Like give good care to themselves and to their loved one.”

This is true of all family caregivers, I believe, and particularly spousal caregivers. In the case of the Graboys, Vicki went ahead with the caregiving, in spite of learning, after they married, of Tom’s illness — that he could have spoken about before. That requires an extra level of caregiver resilience — that comes from knowing that one must look to one’s own needs, in order to be a good caregiver for your partner.

This is the premise of the peer emotional support the Well Spouse Association can give.

Comment on Circle by Simple Meditation

Simple Meditation — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 06:07:07 +0000

Excellent content and style…keep up the good work!

Comment on Circle by Christen

Christen — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 23:16:55 +0000

I love this, Dad. Thanks for posting it here.

Comment on Halo by onegirlfriday

onegirlfriday — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 17:02:26 +0000

I continue to find your blog very comforting.
I have posted this photo on my blog onegirlfriday@blogspot.com

I do not want to do so without checking with you however. If it is not appropriate for me to post your photos I will take it down and link to your blog instead.

Thanks, Anne Webb

Comment on Layers by caregiverspirituality

caregiverspirituality — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 03:59:26 +0000

Thank you for your inspiring words.

Comment on Grieve by Deb

Deb — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 21:20:29 +0000

I so enjoy your writings. I have a bookmark I received some time ago I don’t remember form where, it says- “Grief is not a sign of weakness, Nor a lack of faith. It is the price of love.”
I made copies and send it in sympathy cards.
Deb

Comment on Good-byes by Amrita

Amrita — Wed, 21 May 2008 06:17:24 +0000

This is an awesome post.