The Life Preserver

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and begin to sink,  and cried out “Lord, save me.  (Matthew 14: 29-30)

 

Dear Grateful Caregiver❤️

 

Have you experienced that sinking feeling inside? It's like when everything seems peaceful and smooth, but deep down, you sense that it won't last. The "Calm before the storm" signifies a phase of tranquility preceding a period of challenges or heightened activity.

Throughout the caregiver journey, you might experience periods of calm followed by challenges. I like to think of these as seasons with peaks and troughs. The hills or peaks symbolize the wonderful times when everything is going smoothly and brings joy. Conversely, the valleys represent those tough moments when things aren't going well, leading to feelings of anxiety and intrusive thoughts. This is the unpredictability of life, where each day brings its own surprises.

After the first year of my mother's chemotherapy treatment, at her follow-up appointment, we learned that the chemotherapy was no longer effective, and the cancer had spread to other areas of her body. It was devastating news, but the doctor had a solution. The oncologist suggested a different, more aggressive drug.  My mother started the new treatment, but within a month, she lost all her hair and her immune system weakened. The most challenging part was when she had to be hospitalized for a week. It was a low point for both my mother and me, and fear weighed heavily on my mind.

MY CALL TO ACTION - I prayed for healing, peace, and courage.


THE OUTCOMES - My mother's health improved with a new treatment plan, and I started feeling calmer and less afraid.


LESSONS LEARNED - When fear arises, I turn to prayer, Bible reading, and meditation. This practice has led me to discover verses that aid in combating mental battles, such as "Fear not, for I am with you" (Isaiah 41:10) and "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything pray" (Philippians 4:6).


REFLECTION - Reflecting on Matthew 14:29, where Peter walks on water toward Jesus, I realized that as long as Peter focused on Jesus, he remained steady. However, when he shifted his attention to his surroundings, fear set 

My Perspective - As caregivers, we often encounter uncertain situations involving our loved ones or ourselves. When we encounter mental challenges, turning to prayer, professional help, and reading the Bible can provide us with tools  that guide us towards more peace in the mist of the challenge. 

Picture yourself sitting in a life preserver amidst an ocean; life represents the ocean, and God is the life preserver that helps us stay afloat.

When you feel anxious about the journey, surrender it to God, and seek help.  When you place your trust in God knowing he understands your needs and serves as your anchor.

Here are some tips for managing the stress of caregiving:


  • Take a deep Breath 
  • Don’t be afraid to ask for  help
  • Focus on what you can do and set goals that you can reach
  • Get Connected with resources, i.e.,  caregiving facebook groups
  • Join a caregiving group
  • Check into Respite Care services

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