Monday, July 23, 2012

50 Caregivers and the Lessons They Have Taught Me

This half of my 100th post is dedicated to 50 incredible caregivers and the things they have taught me.  They are truly amazing people created with dedicated compassion.

1.  Mom:  Give your loved one the desires of their heart.
2.  Carol:  Be willing to sacrifice to be there for your loved one.
3.  Katie: Keep your loved ones memory alive.
4.  Grandpa Gossom:  Remember and cherish the good times.
5.  Laurie:  Let your faith carry you and sustain you.
6.  Shirley: You can love with service.  You can love with sacrifice.  You can also love with laughter.
7.  Tameka:  Keep your emotions in tact, but love with every ounce of your being
8.  Bill:  When it comes to the hard decisions, do what you need to in order to protect your loved one and give them 
     the best life you can.
9.  Marilyn:  Bring out the best in your loved one
10.  Laura:  The road of caregiving is long, but the blessing is endless
11.  Debbie: When you need to be tough, be tough.  When you need to be compassionate, be compassionate, but
        always be positive.
12.  Wendy:  Be sure to take some special time out for the siblings of the child with special needs.
13.  Kim:  Help fulfill the dreams of your loved one and show them a great time.
14.  Carolanne:  Love with everything you have, but be willing to let your loved one have independence and trust 
       that God will take care of them.
15.  Uncle RC:  People have handicaps, but don't be the one that disables them.
16.  Ken:  Serve in whatever way you need to with humility and grace.
17.  Anne:  Keep searching until you find a way that reaches your loved one.
18.  Ken:  Let God use your circumstances to draw you closer to Him.
19.  Sarah:  Don't count the cost, just love.
20.  David and Beth:  Work together as a team and pull your spouse up when you need to.
21.  "A friend:"  Share the ups and the downs and laugh together when you discover that secret tattoo!
22.  Dad's nurse: "Don't avoid any emotion.  Walk right through the middle of it.  This will be the easier way"
23.  Christi:  Introduce your loved one to mentors that will empower them, not pity them.
24.  Heidi:  Keep looking for more and different ways to share the gospel with your loved one.
25.  David:  Take the time to look into their eyes.
26.  Amy:  Love them the way Christ loves you.
27.  Melanie:  When your best friend has suffered great loss, be there for them, encourage them and hold their heart for
        awhile.
28.  Gayle:  "Don't take things personally" and "Whatever you give, God will give you back so much more."
29.  Michelle:  "Don't feel guilty when you take some time for yourself.  You need to do it."
30.  Paul:  Keep life as normal as possible.
31.  Me:  Be honest with yourself.  When you need some time, take some.  When you are reenergized serve with all 
       you've got.
32.  Ethna:  Be your loved one's best friend and tell people their story.
33.  Barbara:  Be willing to do what you need to support your loved one.
34.  Jana:  Go the distance for your loved one.
35.  Julie:  Find your loved one's interests, talents, and gifts and then find a way for them to share them.
36.  Stacie:  Be ready to serve in ministry and help others as a result of your experience.
37.  Amy:  Be strong and do what you need to do.
38.  Ann:  Enjoy every moment while you can.
39.  Joe:  Be willing to let others serve and bless you as you walk the journey of caregiving.
40.  Me:  Always say, "I love you."  Do whatever is meaningful for your loved one.  Say good-bye when it is time.
41.  Don:  Honor your vows:  "To have and to hold, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health,
        till death do us part."
42.  Stephanie:  You always have something you can do for your loved one....PRAY!
43.  Vonda:  Do the extras to make your loved one feel special.
44.  Marti:  She travels four hours to give a massage to her friend with cancer....what a gift!
45.  Rebecca:  She used every opportunity to share about the goodness of God.
46.  Lisa:  She shared that you WILL make it through the hard stuff.
47.  Daniel:  He put his health on the life to save his brother.
48.  Anonymous:  Sometimes the whole family needs to love on the caregivers to keep them strong.
49.  Steffani:  She remembers the little things that mean a lot.  That makes them huge!
50.  Tim:  Celebrate remissions with a GREAT BIG PARTY!  



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