A CAREGIVER’S HOLIDAYS
By definition of the word, a Caregivers doesn’t’ usually have the option of celebrating Holidays.
A Holiday is a day marked by general suspension of work in commemoration of an event. The problem with Miriam-Webster’s definition of the word is the phrase “suspension of work.” Under what circumstances is the Caregiver allowed to be suspended from work?
Let’s look at the “Holidays” from a Caregiver’s point of view.
New Year’s Day is the very first day to ignore the New Year’s resolution to “Take better care of Oneself.” Waking up on the first day of the calendar year doesn’t mean that my Mother won’t have the same Caregiving needs as she did the day before. Needs which seemingly supersede my own.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day became a Federal Holiday in 1983 and was adopted by all States by the year 2000. As such this is a relatively new Holiday; therefore, if the Caregiver is unable to celebrate those Holidays which have been in existence for a lifetime, what are the chances of celebrating the newly recognized commemorative events or the additional special days created by Hallmark?
President’s Day offers a sad reminder for the Caregiver of the many in-efficiencies in the Government programs designed for Senior Citizens. George Washington and Abe Lincoln would be disappointed with the current state of elderly affairs in this Country.
Memorial Day offers the opportunity to honor not only lost loved ones but also to mourn the lost days before Caregiving.
Independence Day is simply the 4th of July. Caregiver’s Independence—Seriously?
If the Caregiver celebrates Labor Day by “taking the day off from any labor,” who then would fulfill the daily duties of the Caregiver?
Veteran’s Day reminds the Caregiver of the daily battle which never ends and of the fact that Caregiving is “Active Duty”
Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks for Blessings which are hard to see clearly through tears. And if the Caregiver (for some odd reason) is hosting dinner, it adds a more elaborate meal to prepare in addition to the 3-meals a day.
Christmas season is a time to note that “Santa Baby” hasn’t looked at my list in a few years (since I’ve been a Caregiver). And I have been a very good girl!
Let’s not forget Mother’s Day. I’ve noted it last because for me as my Mother’s Caregiver—Mother’s Day is each and every day!
The British definition of “Holiday,” is vacation; while synonyms for “Holiday” include Break, Leave, and Recess.
There typically are no Breaks, Leaves, or even Recess for the Caregiver.
And I try not to cringe when people ask, “What are your plans for the Holiday?”
They don’t know…
In the life of a Caregiver, a Holiday is just another day.
NOTE:
On October 31, 2022, President Biden declared November as CAREGIVER’S MONTH. Does anyone else see the irony in the fact that this Proclamation was made on Halloween.
MADDONA – “HOLIDAY”
3 MEALS A DAY – CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE PODCAST
“SANTA BABY” – Eartha Kitt
“A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE”
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