Open Forum for Caregivers

My younger sister, Martha, is a caregiver in many ways. First, she works at a large hospital and cares for hundreds of people each day who come to her desk seeking information, help, and support. Second, she looks after our 95-year old mother. Third, she cares for her friends, one of whom is ill. And finally, she looks after her dog Casey. When I think of world class caregivers, I often think first of Martha.
What does it mean to you to be a caregiver? How does caregiving describe and define your life? To share any comment you would like about being a caregiver, click on Comment, below, and post your thoughts. (Note, you do not need to fill out the box that asks for URL.)…

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Categories: Meditations

4 responses to “Open Forum for Caregivers”

Karen York

October 12, 2007 at 9:21 am

Being a caregiver is honoring another by being present to who they are and what they need. A paradigm shift came for me years ago when I realized I am a caregiver even though no one in my life is physically ill. Caregiving is the essence of love – acceptance of similarities and differences.

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liz Wessel

October 12, 2007 at 9:58 am

I believe to be a caregiver is to to be open and generous with my heart so Love’s joy may manifest. It also means to show up in difficult times. Even when I may feel inadequate, do not have any answers, and doubt that I have anything of value to offer, to stretch beyond self for the benefit of other. As caregiver I offer my presence so that one might not feel so alone and if possible to ease suffering with a little kindness.
Caregiving is to live in awareness of the divine nature of life. Caregiving is recognize the sacred heart within and in others, and in all creation. Caregiving is to nurture divine Love so that it may manifest in relationship with all of life.

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liz Wessel

October 12, 2007 at 4:00 pm

Additional reflections…As a caregiver and a friend to some I am a living diary. When I am open to receive the private story of a person in need it becomes etched on the pages of my heart. In mutual trust is an intimate expression of sharing occurs.
It seems to me that I have been pouring out my heart in this Journal for the past year or so. I find that after I’ve posted a comment and moved on with my day I sometimes experience an expansive sensation in my heart. It is though the universe is responding back to me with Love. I am most grateful for these special blessings.

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Diana Gallaher

October 12, 2007 at 4:07 pm

I think it means striving to love the person in front of me at any particular time – at home, work, the fast food joint, on the sidewalk, etc. I think it means knowing every person has ultimate worth and is deserving of love and respect. I think it means cultivating gratitude in all circumstances. I think it means being present to the suffering of others, but also being gentle with myself and others when we fail to be what another person needs – up to a point. Sometimes we need to resist and protest loud and clear when we fail at meeting the needs of others. I think it means compassion coupled with justice.

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