When I was but a wee child, I thought married couples did things like host dinner parties, play board games, buy houses, work in their yards and own dogs and cats. And luckily, we've done, and still do, those things. But what I never counted on was that my husband would get such a ruthless disease at such a young age. I thought only old couples had to deal with terminal illnesses. I was wrong.
If you asked me to describe myself, why you would ask me that I don't know, I would say I am a cat loving, tee shirt wearing silly 42 year old woman. I am also a Family Caregiver.
Being a Caregiver is not easy. And honestly, I could be much better at it. I received no formal training, and I don't get paid. But I am proud to be one. I only wish I could do more.
There are times I get very tired. Moments when I feel helpless and hopeless. But really, for the most part, I'm doing better than most people in my position. I've read posts and blogs from other Pulmonary Fibrosis Caregivers and some of them seem, well, lost. They don't have family or friends who can help, and some are just clueless. Look I'm not saying I'm perfect, but I do alright. Plus Lee and I have a terrific support system. Our friends and family have been nothing short of wonderful since Lee got sick. Maybe that's the key, you need a strong support system.
Right now, our lives are in limbo. We aren't sure if we're coming or going. We can't plan anything until Pittsburgh makes a decision. I can't search for a new job until we find out whether we're moving or staying here. We keep telling ourselves only a few more weeks and we'll have an answer, THE answer. Let's hope it's a good one.
Rosalyn Carter (President Jimmy Carter's wife) once said: “There are only four kinds of people in the world – those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers."
No comments:
Post a Comment