Tags
author, books, Dementia, Family, inspiration, Life, relationships
The pandemic taught us that we’re all caregivers, for ourselves and each other. However, I was thrust into the role several years ago, when my mother-in-law’s descent into dementia accelerated.
Today as we celebrate her 95th birthday, it seems like a good time to reflect on the lessons this retired school teacher has imparted to our family. I learned that care giving is an act which nurtures our best traits while healing our worst. She has taught me that communication involves more listening than speaking.
At its best, care giving is not a fight. It’s a practice…that never ends. It is not political and it transcends skin color, nationality, wealth, gender, and age. Care giving should not destroy, since discarding the flawed would mean discarding all of us. Finally, caring for someone often means doing less, but being more.
I realize that many of the kindest gestures we’ll ever make, and the most important things we’ll ever do, won’t come easy and will never be seen publicly.
Let’s do them anyway.
Award-winning author Renee Garrison has completed her second novel, “Anchored Together,” which will be released in the fall.
Beautifully written and so very true. Thanks for sharing.
there should be a place, a platform, somewhere that everyone could/should check in daily read something like your piece and reflect for 30 seconds and then start the craziness of each day. that’s my request for this morning. i have no doubt that such brief read and reflection on words like yours could change the world. side note:in my logistics office realm i’m often asked for favors to help out someone with transportation issues as i manage company vehicles. Most folks appreciate the last minute fix i facilitate and some spoiled folks just expect it. Last week I had a typical request from one of the younger bucks who was in a pinch with family car, so I set him up. He asked how/where i wanted truck returned when he was done with it over weekend. He did just what I asked and left a Dunkins gift card with the keys on my desk yesterday. Not necessary but a cool thought, I am not a Dunkins guy but i will pass card along. There is always hope.b
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Thank you. We all need to fell supported and uplifted every day. (Some days more than others…)