I have probably mentioned that I post on a Weight Watchers group for "caregivers and grievers." My friend Wendy is having a rough week and to cap it off her sister died last night. So this picture is for Wendy, who comes regular to see my pictures, as to all my friends in the group. Caregiving is a hard job and often thankless. Often there is someone willing to tell you how you are doing it wrong. And friends and family often dessert you not knowing how to deal. So if you know someone who is caregiving, call them and just say "Hi, I was thinking of you."
My good thoughts for Wendy, sorry for her loss. Being a caregiver is not easy, and especially when it's a long process, and yes, it's so nice to receive some nice messages or calls to feel the support and thoughts of others. This is a great capture, and I love those sunbursts.
Sorry to hear about your friend's loss. It's going to be hard on her but it's good to know she has a support system in you. My sympathies to her family and what a lovely way to tell her you're there for her and the other members of the group.
This is such a beautiful capture Joan and wonderful sentiment.! Bless you for thinking of her and sharing it. I was a care giver for my Mom for about year before she passed away. It is a difficult job and though I know I did my best, I still think I should have done more. You are so thoughtful and kind!
A lovely sentiment for your friend... so sorry about the loss, for her, of her sister. Caregiving is almost more difficult than raising kids, as I know from experience. Thank you for acknowledging this enormous task with your photograph.
@eyesmile I keep finding more things we have in common. I took care of my mother (and my sister moved here to help me) and then I took care of my husband. I had to put him in a nursing home because leaving him alone was too scary and I had to keep working. So I too have regrets but that is normal.
As you well know Joan, it's an attitude of mind, a life belief, a core value - only someone who is a caregiver would have the concern and the compassion to post such a tribute. My condolences to Wendy for her loss and especially at a time when just addressing daily living is difficult. I'm pleased she has you looking out for her.
I love your shot Joan but the sentiment is what really gets me. My mum will be 95 in a few weeks and my sister , who still lives near my home village, is the one who cares, visits, takes her to the doctor etc. she gets very low at times and the two of us who live in England try to keep her spirits up. My mum herself cared for dad's sister who was totally crippled with rheumatoid arthritis. When mum needed an operation for a prolapsed womb my aunt went into a home until mum could care for her again. Some of my cousins were vitriolic in their attitude to mum - yet as my sister said to one of them no one else volunteered to take my aunt while mum recovered from surgery! Your commentary is so true.
Touching, kind words, Joan; Wendy has a true and dear friend in you. My sympathy goes to her. I have been a caregiver and now, am thinking of taking in my Dad; it's such a huge decision.
Your photo is beautiful, with the woods in the background and the falling snow.
@ceilidh Oh you are describing what we encounter a lot in our group. We try never to judge. Need to complain we will listen, need to cry we will hold the towel, want advise we have it, don't want advise we will hold our tongues. The most important thing we tell people is to take care of yourself first. If you go down what then. Easy to give that advise not so easy to take it. Been there and until I was ready to collapse I didn't take care of me. Hope you reach out to your sister this weekend. Tell her I am thinking of her.
@sharleen If you do heed the advise I just gave. Be selfish and take care of yourself first. You have to be well to be a caregiver. Also email me and I will listen and no judgment I promise.
I was a caregiver for my husband for 8 years, it isn't easy and you are isolated from family and friends...take care Wendy, we know what you are going through!
A kind way to support your grieving friend. The gold highlights and snow in the image are wonderful, and add a special touch. Our family cared for my dad at home when he had early-onset dementia, until he needed more of a skilled medical team to care for him in a nursing home. Support is so important, and I'm glad you and your friends can support one another. Also a lovely way to honor your loved ones who have passed.
Your friend is fortunate to have a support group.
My mother was a caregiver for my granmother when my gran was still alive.. So yes, I've seen it close by. Hard thing to do...
Your photo is beautiful, with the woods in the background and the falling snow.
Thank you Joan. I am considering many options. Will email you. :-)