I am sitting, once again, in the hospital room next to my sleeping father. I am trying to get some work caught up. I can’t remember the last time I was at my office. What an ordeal this has been for our family. As a therapist, I know exactly what to expect, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, when one becomes a caregiver for a parent. Even that could not prepare me for the last several weeks. I will admit that I am somewhat of a daddy’s girl, so watching my father become helpless has completely shattered everything I thought I knew. I have found inner strength that I never knew existed and learned to be grateful for the all the daily gifts; a great cup of coffee, comfortable shoes, phenomenal nurses, an incredibly understanding boss, my unbelievably supportive friends, the strength of my family, the undeniably unconditional love of a dog!
Unfortunately, I have also learned a few hard lessons. Just because someone says they are a friend, doesn’t mean they will come through for you. I need sleep, more than I ever realized. I have limits, emotionally and physically.
2 comments:
I'm so sorry about your father. I went through a period when I was in college where I had to be a caregiver to my mother, and I can appreciate what you're going through. Times like these ultimately reveal one's true friends. If you need somebody to talk to, I'm here.
Thank you! I appreciate that.
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