Learning to be a Caregivee

Dear Friends,

A book on caregiving about which I was so excited has been juxtaposed against the plight of being a restrained, dependent caregivEE!  How’s that for irony!  Here’s what I’m learning about my life as I remain immobile for the next 6 weeks in a steel rod brace and a broken knee cap.  Can you say, “ouch and ugh and darn!”

–We are not in control as much as we think.

–We can run hard and fast toward what seem like worthy goals, but discover that maybe we were on the wrong path. Something had to get our attention.

–We can easily mistake our driving ego for efficient marketing.

–We can become blind to trusting life’s process and allowing it to move at its own realiable pace.

–Despite all the planning, arranging, and meticulous detail, life can change in a split second.

–How we handle the surprises and detours can often bring the best view along the journey if we open the shutters.

–Friends tend to surface when they are really needed, even though they’ve been there all along.

–Small tasks are ultimately the ones which keep us the happiest, e.g. flexing a knee.  Count how many times you do that today.

–Saying thank you can mean the world to someone who’s trying to help.

–Tone of voice can break a heart.

–Heathcare workers need a dose of empathy.  Have you seen the movie “Doctor” with Willam Hurt?  Old but great movie!

Patience is not and never has been my strong suit so I presume it’s my time to get that one in my repertoire.

Many thanks for all the kind gestures, thoughts, prayers, cards, food, errands, visits. Today  is better than yesterday and tomorrow will be better than today.

Linda