Caregiver
Understanding
Frustration then satisfaction. Shame then pride. Fulfillment then resentment. Joy then anger. Ashamed then delighted. Guilt then guiltless. Repeat. Repeat again. These are just some of the emotions a caregiver can feel. At times over a span of a week, at other times in the span on a day, on occasion, it feels as though all have been felt within an hour! An emotional roller coaster that can leave you feeling bewildered or overwhelmed at times.
It's been said that one mother can raise five children, but five children cannot take care of one mother. More often that not, only one of those five children would be willing to step into the role of caregiver. Raising children, (unless you are dealing with special needs) is progressive. The role of a caregiver typically involved someone that is regressive. That can be tough, trying your best to care for someone you love, while witnessing first hand their deterioration. My journey in becoming a caregiver began with my mother-in-law. It was a uniquely different role from anything else I have experienced in my life thus far. It became a journey of self discovery at times. The wisdom and understanding I gained towards the end of my eight year journey as a caregiver, I wished I had starting out. Life rarely works that way.
It is estimated there are 65 million caregivers, mostly women, who provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend. Despite these numbers, I often felt alone in processing the varied emotions that I was feelings. At times, I felt ashamed of what I was feeling, as if I was an uncivilized member of society. Once I learned many others felt similarly, I felt a responsibility to write about my own emotional journey as a caregiver to assist others. My approach in life is to use humor whenever I can. As I began to receive feedback from caregivers who have read my book, I heard two common threads: my book has many laugh out loud accounts, and the emotions relayed were quickly identified with. I am inspired to extend a helping hand to as many people in this life altering situation as possible.
