When my beloved wife faced a terminal illness with advanced Cancer, I stepped into the role of a caregiver, completely alone, defying deep – seated societal expectations.
I feel myself blessed with the responsibility handed over to me by God. Transforming the immense weight into a sense of divine blessing shows extraordinary resilience and devotion honouring my vows in the most ultimate selfless way possible symbolising Unconditional Love.
Caregiving is an invisible art. The caregiver plays a key role in the patient’s care supporting the physical and mental well-being of the beloved one with deadly disease Cancer. Caregivers serve as Semi – Pro Home Nursing players to be useful to the Oncologist and to his loved one.
I was the sole Caregiver cum attendant for almost 24×7 hours for my beloved wife who fought a brave battle for nearly 2 years 9 months against cancer. She possessed an indomitable spirit and willpower which helped me to act as a successful Caregiver to enable her to live in better quality of life, comfort, peace and with dignity.
As a husband Caregiver I availed myself of the opportunity to show my unconditional love and respect for her which she needed at her critical time. I tried my level best to help her live as normal a life as possible.
Honestly speaking caregiving enriched my life, gave me a deep sense of satisfaction, confidence. I discovered my inner strength and ability not knowing I had. It is true that sometimes for few minutes I felt tired and puzzled but I was successful in driving the instinct out with positive thinking.
As husband Caregiver I left no stone unturned. My conscience will not bite me and at the same time my wife who has been sent off on 15th October, 2017 . She realised and confessed before departure in meeting her needs fully, no grievance in the role of a caregiver. She trusted me. This very trust a caregiver should acquire This is the greatest reward to the husband Caregiver.
Burnout and compassionate fatigue are common challenges a caregiver faces. So to come out of the situation respite: self-care is absolutely a need. Constant bracing leads to exhaustion, true capacity requires recovery. Finding a pocket of absolute solitude – a cup of hot coffee in silence, a short walk give a relief to the caregiver. I followed myself not to be engulfed into burnout.
Golden Rule
“ Treat others as you would like to be treated”.
Core pillars of New Strength are :
1) Radical self-preservation,
2) Adapting coping,
3) Community and interdependence,
4) Practical Mastery.
“It is not how much you do, but how much love you put in the doing” – Mother Teresa.
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