One assumes a great variety of roles while trudging along
the path of life. These roles are
assigned or taken on within our families, church, community and occupations. Some roles, like being the youngest sibling
or a grandparent are pleasant; while others, like being an expulsion officer or
the complaint department for a public school district, can be arduous. Among
my most favorite roles were forest service fire lookout, public school teacher,
software programmer, father and husband.
My least favorite would include
milking cows in the winter, factory work on the graveyard shift, and being a husband during
a quarrel with a very articulate wife.
It is amazing how our roles define us and to a large measure
influence the stress and level of happiness or sadness we experience. Kristie's Alzheimer's has provided me with an
opportunity to become a caregiver. I
applaud those who voluntarily choose to be caregivers and hope that I can assimilate
some of their enthusiasm and dedication while striving to maximize the
well-being of my wife.
The following link => http://www.caregiverresource.net/radio_programs is to an interview that I gave on Male Caregiving - it's episode 21 for anyone who is interested. Somehow I seriously doubt this topic will become an Internet sensation.
I have also posted my views on how my faith has influenced my perspective on taking care of my wife at => http://mormon.org/me/8F0Q/Wayne/. What
a remarkable difference it makes when one believes in a pre-earthly existence
and the eternal nature of families and marriage - especially when confronted with
severe disappointments in life. Rather
than feeling like a victim and either giving up or being overwhelmed with
depression, these beliefs provide motivation to maintain and improve vital marital
and family relationships that will exist and only come to full fruition after
this life.
I take great courage from my own father's description of the spirit world. He had a near death experience shortly before he died - only three weeks before he would have turned 100. Among the things that impressed him most were how beautiful the women were there. It made quite an impression on him because it wasn't his nature to comment on something like that. This has given me pause to consider my wife in that realm and to want to be worthy of her love and trust. I consider my care giving here to actually be courting for her there.
Your radio interview was outstanding and so informational. Doug and I appreciated hearing your perspective. I learned some helpful ideas as well (caregiving for my father). Thank you so much for sharing in such an honest way.
ReplyDeleteI am touched and inspired by "Life's Roles", especially the last line.
Thanks for sharing the experiences that are happening through all of this. I think of both of you often. Your blog is helpful to all of us. You are both in my/our prayers.
ReplyDeleteYou also have a great voice for radio!