The 50 something woman many times finds herself in the midst of taking care of aging parents while she might still be raising her children and/or helping with and loving on some grandchildren, and possibly even holding down a job, all at the same time. I can't identify with the grandchildren season at all yet, but I certainly can relate to the care of aging, and often, ailing parents.
Today, I visited the mother of one of my dear friends. This mom has Alzheimer's Disease. Did you know that 5.3 million people have been diagnosed with this disease in the United States, alone? But when the patient is your mother or father, this can be a very lonely place to be. Mrs. Land, my friend's mother was diagnosed with A.D. several years ago. At this time, she cannot speak and rarely knows her loved ones when they visit her. She cannot walk alone and is cared for 24/7 by a loving staff. This has been a lonely path for my friend, as she has often felt that she was the only one living in a situation as difficult as this.
Once again, we must remember that no matter our circumstances, we MUST make time for ourselves. Time for a power walk, time with friends, and time to BE STILL. When we allow ourselves time for just us, we will be stronger and better equipped to handle whatever the day might bring. If you know someone in your sphere of influence that is dealing with a similar experience as my friend, reach out and encourage them in some way.
Seize the moments to love your parents while you have them.
And recall the happy times if they have passed on.
Yes, remember the happy times...until you meet again on the other side.
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I can really relate... We moved my in-laws in with us 5 yrs ago. He is 86 and gets around pretty well, she is 77 and an invalid. I have bathed her, dressed her, lifted her... My mother lives in a seniors apt bldg 1 1/2 miles away. She has dimensia caused by mini-strokes. I know almost as much about medicine as the pharmacist. I know the ER staff like family. I have administered IV antibiotics and wiped grown people's butts. If I didn't make a little time for myself, I'd be stressed to the point of crazy! When my grandchildren come to visit, it's a refreshing change.
ReplyDeleteIf your readers know any people in this situation, my advice is call them or stop by and visit. You don't know how much we can crave normal adult conversation that doesn't revolve around bowel movements and medications!