Around the Clock
He’s in the fight of his life…for his life. The cancer has sent in it’s sidekicks to create a series of problems and as fast as the doctors can come up with a plan to knock-out these trouble makers, another crisis arises. My friend has a team of specialists who are so good, every morning on rounds, they have yet another idea on how to attack the problem. I’m in awe of these doctors.
What they can’t remedy is the toll this is taking on my friends’ wife. She is just, plain, exhausted. I see the dark circles under her eyes. I see her eyelids drooping and the yawns interrupting her sentences. The doctors share this case in shifts, there is no end of the shift for this caregiver. She keeps a watchful eye on her guy around the clock.
So many of us have been where she is now. Would we have done it any differently? No.
It’s what the caregiver brings to the table. We bring our support. We bring our love. We bring ourselves.
We are in this fight too. Sleep will come later.
September 6, 2011 @ 4:56 pm
Having been a caregiver, not once, but twice, I stand in awe still. I know what I have done, I know what it takes and I stand in honor of all the other “angels” out there standing together to fight! I am even more in awe of the fighter, the loved one fighting for their life. It is because of them that the strenght we find comes through and I can’t think of a better way to explain the word love.
I am thankful, Laurie, you are where you need to be…close to your friends and here with us still….You… my dear lady, are an Angel!
September 4, 2011 @ 7:01 pm
The human spirit is a wonderful thing to behold! It defies all logic, sometimes common sense and often the very best choices and options but it remains when everyone else has left and no other viable options are offered. To watch caregivers at work is to see the very best of the human condition. No matter the odds, caregivers believe in beating the odds. No matter the medical opinions, caregivers will not quit nor ever give up until their loved one says “It is OK”. I stand in awe and most of all in appreciation for all caregivers. Angels do walk this earth, yes I do believe. The next time you see a caregiver, give them a hug. You just may be hugging an angel. Even if you don’t believe in angels, hug them anyway. It’ll certainly make them feel good and let them know just how special they are.
Prayers for your friend Laurie and his caregiver.
September 3, 2011 @ 1:15 pm
As I have said before, without y’all as caregivers, there would be no survivors.
As always and forever I stand in awe of the caregivers.
September 2, 2011 @ 5:36 pm
Would I go back and do that job again? You bet!! Would I want to see a strong, vibrant man reduced to a man that depended on that kind of care? My selfish side says yes but my unselfish side never wants anyone I love that much to suffer. Once again the choices cancer gives one are rotten. My prayers go out to your friend and his family..and to you Laurie.