To the Caregivers

In the course of any given week, I encounter many caregivers – those who make life easier, even possible, for others.  Some, like my Aunt Bonnie and friend Kay, are, I believe, called by God to serve others in such a way.  Their care is a grace-filled thing to behold.

Others, myself included, not so much.  Sometimes we rise to the occasion; sometimes we’re filled with resentment.  Our care is a necessary but sometimes painful thing to watch as desire clashes with necessity.

Whichever category (and sometimes one looks much like the other), the giving of care by one to another is fraught and full, often both at once.

So to the caregivers among us, I say thank you.  Thank you for the love and the practical service you offer up, whether for pay or from the goodness of your heart, both or neither.  Thank you for taking on the burden.  Thank you for caring.  Thank you for being there.  Thank you for keeping those we love safe and provided for.  Thank you.

To the caring and the cared for, I offer a reminder: self care is not bad or betraying.  Self care is an absolute necessity.

Take time away.

Breathe.

Don’t take the challenging words personally.

Keep a sense of humor.

Accept help yourself.

Remember to eat.

Remember to pray.

Remember to play.

Remember to look for grace.

And be blessed.