I became a caregiver overnight. A trip to the ER quickly turned into a stage-4 cancer prognosis. My search for employment came to a rapid halt. There isn’t a manual to explain how to handle your loved ones’ pain and anger over losing their self sufficiency. There isn’t a “one size fits all” solution to the fatigue and guilt that sets in when you “just want to get away for a while.”
It’s a thankless, endless, and unconditional display of love and hard work. However, I’ve learned that on days when you will battle to get them to their medicine or one more spoonful of applesauce, you too will become exhausted. Some days, you’ll snore before your head hits the pillow. You will start a “will pay later” box for your bills. But here are my tips to keeping your sanity.
Believe it or not, you are the glue holding your loved one together. Your mental, physical and emotional stability are vitally important and directly connected to the welfare of your loved one. So, this is my letter to you, on days when you’re feeling overwhelmed.