Caregiving is an art, and like all arts has its own laws.
Some may try to create rules, licensing or regulations.
Some may try to define it with labels and formulas.
Some may try to embrace while others may look but never see.
Each and every person giving, needing, or accepting care brings infinitely unique variables to each situation.
A parent caring for a child paints with more shades of dreams. An ‘adult child’ caring for a parent paints with more hues of memories. A long term spouse caregiver paints a canvas where the years spent caring dwarf the years spent sharing.
Dark brushes haunt, reaching for color takes heart not hands.
Medicine is a science, caring is an art.
Caregivingly Yours, Patrick Leer
web site: caregivinglyyours.com
wise thoughts written, Patrick. It should almost be considered a mission statement for care giving the way you described it. Because you are right, each care giving situation is unique in itself. Until you summed it up like that, I hadn't really thought of it that way, breaking it up between parent/child, child/parent, spouse/spouse as the caregiver/one needing care. Very wise words indeed, Patrick, and since we are sort of, but not really, actually hubby, involved in some of the care giving with his elderly parents, I can so truly relate that I am sure it is the memories that he and brother are thinking about as they deal with their parents and their aging struggles.
ReplyDeletevery well written!
betty
A beautiful description of the roles of caregivers. I feel that my canvas is just being primed I can't wait to see the colors that will unfold as I continue this journey.
ReplyDeleteWise and beautiful caring thoughts!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very touching sentiment and one that is proven to be true by this Charlotte assisted living service that I employ to care for my mother. I am so glad that people treat it as an art and not as a science.
ReplyDelete