Being home with Liz this past week was a real eye-opener for me, and I’m grateful. I never realized just how involved you wind up being with someone when you’re their primary care giver.
Based on what I’ve described to people, I’ve gotten the impression that taking care of Liz this week–as she recovers from heart surgery–is like what parents go through when they care for their young children.
Only, expect, you know, without the kicking, screaming and crying.
Liz is much strongBeing home with Liz this past week was a real eye-opener for me, and I’m grateful. I never realized just how involved you wind up being with someone when you’re their primary care giver.
Based on what I’ve described to people, I’ve gotten the impression that taking care of Liz this week–as she recovers from heart surgery–is like what parents go through when they care for their young children.
Only, expect, you know, without the kicking, screaming and crying.
Liz is much stronger already, and can do much more on her own, but for those first few days I needed to do basically everything for her. Cook all the meals, help her get dressed, help her in and out of the shower, get changed. None of the tasks unto themselves are difficult, but you have to be "on" 24-7, in case she needs something, which I was happy to do.
But the chores we usually share–cooking, cleaning, dish washing, etc.–I’ve had to do solo. So there’s always something that needs doing.
And the thing is–I’ve loved it. Truly loved it.
I was reminded by someone about the significance of service, of giving of yourself for the welfare of someone else. And that’s how I’ve felt. I’ve been energized by caring for Liz, even though it hasn’t been easy (although it does get easier every day). Being with someone who is so totally dependent on you is a great responsibility, but also a great honor. And it’s important to take that seriously.
Even more surprising to me was that, after being home with Liz 24-7 for four straight days, I didn’t want to go back to work at all (I mean, I never [i]want [/i]to go to work, but this was different). I was having separation anxiety. My body was physically at work, but my mind, heart and soul were home with Liz.
I [i]missed[/i] being with her. I [i]missed[/i] taking her three walks a day with her. I [i]missed [/i]helping her with her breathing exercises. Getting her lunch for her. Watching TV together. Making sure she was comfortable.
Being of service to someone is wonderful. I’m certainly not happy about the reason I needed to do it, but I’m grateful for that time, now that I’ve had it. I grateful for so much.
