Thank You. 
It’s only 2 words but two very powerful words when uttered sincerely.
A sincere, “Thank you,” from a Caregiver are two words that mean so much more.
When the Caregiver says, “Thank You,” at the end of a conversation with a Friend, the Caregiver is saying:
Thank you for Listening.
Thank you for Caring.
Thank you for being empathetic, sympathetic, compassionate of my Caregiving Situation.
It’s not easy and sometimes I just need someone to listen, so, “Thank you!”
When the Caregiver says, “Thank You,” to a Health Care Professional who has nodded, winked, or smiled during the visit, the Caregiver is saying:
Thank you for understanding that I need help explaining these things to my Mom.
Thank you for backing up what I was saying to my Mother before we arrived.
Thank you for being the one who is caring for my Mom at this moment.
When the Caregiver says, “Thank You,” to the Gentlemen who run to provide assistance with the Walker, the Caregiver is saying:
Thank you for helping me with this because I can’t handle it alone.
Thank you because I was afraid that my Mom would fall and I wouldn’t be able to help her.
When the Caregiver responds, “Thank You,” when a neighbor says, “You’re such a good daughter,” the Caregiver is saying:
My Mom rarely says, “Thank You,” and so I am very appreciative that you’ve recognize my struggle.
When the Caregiver says, “Thank You,” to the Stranger who offers a hug, the Caregiver is saying:
Thank you, I sometimes feel lost and all alone. I really needed a hug.
When the Caregiver says, “Thank You,” to the delivery men who bring the packages directly to the door, the Caregiver is saying:
Thank You, I am so tired that I couldn’t even imagine how I was going to carry all of this.
When the Caregiver says, “Thank You,” to Family and Friends who have taken the time to spend time together, the Caregiver is saying:
Thank You for getting me out!
Thank You, I was beginning to lose my sanity!
Thank You, I so needed to forget about being a Caregiver even just for a moment.
Thank You for treating me like a Friend, a Cousin and not as a Caregiver.
Thank You for continuing to see Me!
A Story of Thanks:
Recently, I accompanied my Mother to the Pharmacist to receive her Vaccines. The Pharmacist’s Assistant and my Mom were having a lively yet unproductive conversation before I interrupted and began to answer the questions asked. After the procedure, I Thanked the Pharmacist’s Assistant for being so patient with my Mother. She looked me directly in my eyes and said, “Thank you for coming. Some Kids send their Elderly Parents here alone. So, we Thank You!”
When someone says, “Thank You,” to the Caregiver for being a Caregiver–those two words can provide the power needed for the Caregiver to continue to be a Caregiver.
THANK YOU.
DIDO – “THANK YOU”
https://youtu.be/irzOMH7GcnQ?si=bjbBf_6Rt6kqqkjZ
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE PODCAST – “GRATITUDE”
https://youtu.be/T27T0P-Eduw?si=eqBdGqy6BEOh0JhR
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE PODCAST – “THE CAREGIVER’S FRIENDS”
https://youtu.be/5HZ6vSHkPfA?si=1SoT9dEVnsFvwGzL
A CAREGIVER’S CONSCIENCE BLOG
Thank You for sharing your caring journey on being a caregiver!
Thank U 4 being a Friend! 🌹