I think becoming a caregiver for my mother was the biggest lesson in Love I’ll ever have. There was never a doubt in my mind or heart that I loved my mother, yet when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s my love for her was chellenged.
Challenged in the sense that what I had known to be “loving” wasn’t what was required of me. I HAD to step up and be her advocate; her physician at times monitoring her when new medications were introduced; her confidant; a listening ear each and every time she would repeat the same story; her parent and enforce the rules and guidelines I knew would keep her safe and healthy; her nurse and yes caregiver. Notice daughter isn’t in my list…possibly because through learning what love truly is “daughter” for me at least as finally incorporated all of them.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV)
Love is patient, love is kind.
It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,
It is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.
Love never fails.
Caregiving.....Screaming is allowed! 