A CAREGIVER’S FRIENDS
FRIENDS OF A CAREGIVER
As a Caregiver, having good friends is critical. I have good friends—really good friends.
They pick me up when I’m feeling down. They make me laugh and smile when they can tell that I’m frowning. They send me inspiring texts, virtual hugs and pictures of the moments of their lives that I’m missing while being here as my Mother’s Caregiver.
When I complain about my daily duties and my Mom’s attitude, they take my side. They support me in my efforts to do my best in caring for her. And when needed they keep their true feelings to themselves as they are well aware that telling me that I should “just leave,” would not be helpful.
History is complete with a Soundtrack of music describing the depths and limitless bounds of friendship.
“Thank you for being a Friend. Travelled round the world and back again. My heart is full, you’re a Pal and a Confidant.”
My Friends take the time to talk to me whenever I call. They know that I have very limited times to speak freely on the phone and they often arrange things in their worlds to give me the time that I need to talk.
They indulge me when I don’t really want to chat, and it falls upon them to carry the entire conversation. My good Friends know that sometimes I just need to know that there is someone who cares about “me” on the other end of the phone.
“When you’re down and troubled and you need a helping hand. And nothing, no nothing is going right…You’ve got a Friend.”
My Friends knew that I was a Caregiver before I said it aloud to myself and admitted it to my conscience. And they read the Blog faithfully even though they’ve heard some of the stories in real time.
My Friends hold in the laughter when I rave and rant about Depends, Flushable wipes and my Mother’s TV. They keep their amusement to themselves until such a moment when I am willing to laugh at myself with them. And they never make me feel guilty for exposing my Caregiver’s Conscience.
“I get by with a little help from my Friends. I get high with a little help from my friends. If you need anybody…”
I have a few Friends here because this is where I spent those all-important “formative years,” and attended High School. However, I hardly ever get to see them. When I do see them, they never complain about my Caregiver’s curfew.
From James Taylor to The Beatles with TV theme songs in between my Friends embody the words written in those songs. Of course, I know the words to the “Golden Girls” theme song about friends. At least once a week, the “Golden Girls,” play loudly on my Mother’s TV, All Night Long!
My Friends and I share the important moments in our lives. We celebrate together, we laugh together and when the situation calls for it, we cry together. My Caregiver circumstances often require a good cry; so, I cry, and they provide comfort by listening.
My Friends allow me to daydream about upcoming get-together’s barely mentioning that the Restaurant, Boutique or Farmers Market is no longer because since I’ve been a Caregiver, life has gone on and much has changed.
Whenever I think about describing my friends, the words to familiar songs come immediately to mind. It is so cool that the song writers seem to know how special my friends truly are.
A curious thing worth mentioning, is that although my Friends have never met each other, they all know each other well.
If I had to choose one song that best describes how I feel about my Friends it would be, “We Are Family!”
If you have a Friend who is a Caregiver, just know how important you are.
Good Friends are crucial in the life of a Caregiver.
“THAT’S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR”
Dionne Warwick, Elton John, Stevie Wonder and Frends
CAREGIVER’S SURVIVAL KIT – A Caregiver’s Conscience (caregiversconscience.com)
The Cast of “Friends”
Exactly!