Once it is over it is over

REFLECTIONS

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Hello Keeping It REAL Caregiving family -

For this post, I wanted to share some thoughts and reflections with all of you. Consider it somewhat of a pep-talk. Especially during those moments when you are feeling crazy amounts of overwhelm in your role as a caregiver.

These musings came about after a brief weekend visit from the granddaughter of an elder who recently passed. I was lucky enough to have met this man during the last three years of his life. He was fascinating and had lived such a full life.

His family is now handling his affairs and sorting belongings. The visit was to return an item I had given to him to help out in day-to-day activities in his home.

The young woman returned the item, we chatted a few moments, I wished her well in her next chapter, then she was on her way.

That short exchange got me thinking about what it was like in the days and weeks after my mother’s passing, when all of a sudden I was ‘post-caregiver.’ Instantly, the duties, tasks and responsibilities which had felt like the weight of the world on my shoulders, were over. Gone. And so was my mother.

Once it is over it is over

No matter how tired, overwhelmed, exhausted, frustrated or even angry you may be in the moment - dig even deeper - find a place within yourself to appreciate your role. Because once your loved one is gone - they are gone.

Until next time~
Julia