The monthly Caregiver Support Group was this past Thursday. I was reminded as the participants talked of their experiences, that dealing with dementia is a marathon for families and friends. Interestingly, my husband is a runner preparing for his first marathon. His training has a lot to teach me about how to deal with this illness. One of my worst habits is worrying. Mostly I think about all the "what ifs". I tell myself it is so I can plan ahead. But mostly it is a bad habit that steals my ability to enjoy the here and now by focusing on things that may never even happen. My husband tells me about how his training for the marathon is just as much about what goes on in your head as it is training your muscles.
One of the women in the support group is such an inspiration. They have been dealing with Alzheimer's disease for about 5 years now. Her outlook is absolutely inspiring. She takes one day at a time and deals with what ever is going on right now. She finds joy in the every day as she can. She knows things will get worse, but she doesn't focus on that. Such a lesson for me, the professional, to learn. We are early in the illness and things are off kilter, but manageable. I need to enjoy my life now and not waste the time worrying about what will come in the future. I need to remember that God has a plan. Through experience, I know He will provide at the right time. I need to print out the Bible verse Mathew 6:34 and carry it with me. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I know that for myself, my faith will be an important part of dealing with this illness. So here's to enjoying today!
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