Caregiver Training Blog

"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns." (Anonymous)

I remember so clearly the day I asked my sister if she could stay with our 88 year old mom for just a few hours while I ran some errands and just took some time for a much needed breather.  Don’t get me wrong, I love my sister and we have a great relationship, but her response to me that day, “Well, what do you want me to do with her?” almost put me over the edge!  Not wanting it to become a family crisis, I offered some suggestions and didn’t look back, at least not until I could compose myself. 

“Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear" was a message that became widely recognized after an iconic scene in the movie Jurassic Park.   When the passengers in a high-flying jeep were trying to make their escape from the T-Rex chasing them, these words took on a different meaning and the need for a more dramatic and immediate response.

The best memories of growing up are those of waking before the sun came up, packing the car to the brim with every conceivable item needed and heading to the beach for a few days.  Not only was it the excitement of the anticipated hours splashing in the water, hunting for the best sea shells or sleeping late, but it was also the journey along the way.  Although the beach was only a few hours away, it was a tradition that we stop at a park halfway to our destination and enjoy the scrumptious cold chicken and potato salad mom had made especially for the trip.  Those are the memories that most often got me through some dark and dreary winter days or even times when things got tough at school.  I could always close my eyes and remember the feel of the fresh morning air or hear the squawking seagulls but more importantly revive the sense of freedom, leaving cares and worries behind.