Caregiver's Cup: Half Full

No matter what you think or feel about caregiving, there is one undeniable truth about it: Taking care of a loved one who is terminally ill can be physically and emotionally draining. It can be lonely, overwhelming and frustrating. At times it even seems like a no-win situation. You give up your life for the care of another, and at times it can feel like that's not enough.

Despite all this, you carry on. You wake up every day to face new challenges. You find the energy and the will to keep going. Why? Because you care. Caretaking someone who is dependent upon you is the ultimate act of love. This selfless, caring act is usually not a task you seek out and yet you find ways to do all that you can to get things done well.

When in grief, it is almost impossible to imagine caregiving as a positive experience. After all you are losing your loved one. Not being able to stop someone’s pain or discomfort and not being able to turn back the hands of time to the days before the disease appeared can leave you feeling defeated, even cynical or resentful. The cup your life has become is half-empty, right?

It’s at times like this you need to rethink what it means to be a caregiver and why you chose to take care of someone you love. When you reflect on your choices you will discover there is much to be grateful for. There are reasons to believe your cup is half full. Here are two of them:

Being There When It Counts

One of the biggest fears that people have about death is a fear of dying alone. Because of you, your loved one will never face that. Whether or not he or she is aware of all that is going on around them, they will understand on some level that you were with them when they needed you most. You can find comfort in knowing that you eased someone's pain on the inside, where and when it counts. The ultimate love that is shown by a caregiver is in the decision you make to be there for someone until they are gone.

What You Do Matters

You have an impact on others. You're not going to get an award for what you do. You might not even get recognition. But the truth is that you are making a difference in someone's life every day. That's what life is all about. That's why we do what we do.

The decision to choose love over self, to choose quality over quantity of life, to chose to let go rather than opting for heroics if that is what your loved one wants, to send them the message that you are here and your loved one is not alone is a supreme act of love and generosity. Through the journey of being a caregiver you find you are part of something bigger than yourself.