Caring for Others Can Be a Gift for YOU
for or being cared for. There could be an opportunity for more intimate conversations on relevant life issues pertinent to the situation. The sharing of stories, dreams, fears, trust, and wishes, along with the changing aspects of hope, can build a priceless relationship that would not happen any other way. Many of us are not experienced enough to know there can be tremendous downfalls when caring for someone else. We see our friends, neighbours or others who, in some shape or form, have had to change their lives as they knew them in order to assist a family member struggling with age-related conditions or who is younger and has an illness that impairs their own ability to care for themselves. I know caring and being cared for are not all roses and fairy tale endings, but stop for a moment and see the bigger picture, the possible gift! Is it time, love and something deeper?
by Barbara Gillett Saunders, Grief Counsellor Thanatologist Friends, other family members and people I do not know personally have to take care of others who are ill and or dying. What losses are connected with these scenarios? What strengths come from being supportive of others? What gifts can be found in the process -- if you choose to look for them? Losses and caring for someone else are topics many do not realize are important until it is “YOU” doing the caretaking or “YOU” who is being cared for. Consider for a moment losses such as; your freedom, ability, privacy, opinions, free will, being heard, mobility, choice, control, joy, happiness as you knew it, finances, health and more. Now, which person does each loss scenario refer to; is it the caretaker or the person being cared for? Perhaps, it is both. Hmmm, this is food for thought. The likelihood of this being “YOU” in one way or another is quite strong given the age demographics of the baby boomers and the sandwich generation --- some are individual parents with children at home and at the same time, actively caring for elderly parents. When contemplating the strengths that come from being supportive of others, what do you think of: perhaps, a strong moral character, a respect for family or friends, a duty to take care of another, an obligation honoured, or love? For some, it may be none of the above. Take a moment and ponder the possible gifts received when caring Hometown St. Thomas Geoffrey Rae Managing Editor / Sales Geoff@villagerpublications.com 519-495-7177 All articles written by Geoff Rae unless otherwise noted. Copy Editor – Peter Bloch-Hansen Publisher – Barb Botten barb@villagerpublications.com Graphic Artist – Cathy Woo d Photos, community events and article suggestions welcome. Please email hometown@villagerpublications.com. We look forward to hearing from you . Copyright @ 2015 Villager Publications. All rights reserved. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the Publisher. Information presented has been compiled from sources believed to be accurate at the time of printing however the Publisher assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions.
Give today.
SCAN ME
Page 52 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2024
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