Category Archives: Friends & Family

Get rid of the guilt

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Yes, this was the hardest thing for me to do with Gene because I wanted to be with him all the time, but I knew I had to take care of myself.  Even if I wanted to take a five minute break and just go walk around the block, I didn’t do it at first because it may appear that I was NOT doing my job or I didn’t love him.

As the journey continued, I knew, I had to get over this feeling.  He might need a reprieve from me too!  Thank goodness my parents lived close by so I could call them to come over and have Dad stay with him while Mom and I would go shopping or even go to the grocery store.  One time when Gene’s son came to visit, I allowed myself to go see a movie just to get out of the house.

There were times I would call some of my girl friends to have lunch with me.  This was fun because I got to feel “normal” again and feel human.  Once again if the inevitable happen, I had no control over this…and would feel this was the way it was supposed to happen.

Give yourself a break and rid your thoughts of the guilt.

Choose your attitude

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Choosing your Attitude is one of the most critical aspects of being on this incredible journey. Look for the things you can control and forget the rest. You cannot control the weather nor the diagnosis but you can control your thoughts.

Be grateful for your friends and family members realizing they are going to help you during this difficult time. Remember it is a position of honor to be asked for help This is going to be a team effort so why try to do it all. As Peggy Collins, author and professional speaker, says, “by doing it all, it will do you in.“ You cannot be the best advocate and caregiver for your loved one if you are exhausted and tired all the time.

One of the things I did was review the talents of my friends and made assignments accordingly. I had a friend who loved to cook, so I asked them to bring a casserole over for a particular evening. One of my friends took it upon herself to buy me stamps and thank you notes. So it truly is a team effort and it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help; it is a sign of strength.