Cherish the Good Times
When dealing with a family member with a chronic illness such as MS, or Parkinson’s, there will be some good days, and some not so good days. You never really know from one day to the next exactly what you’re going to get. All of the best laid plans in the world can easily be upended due to your loved one’s health. So, my advice is this- cherish the good times.
Take each day as it comes, and as their illness progresses, take each moment as it comes. Some will be good, and some will be heartbreakingly hard. Cherish the good times. Those are the memories that you should keep near your heart.
My family had the tradition of eating out together every Sunday, and also most Wednesday or Thursday nights. The kids really looked forward to spending that time with their grandfather, and for whatever reason, things were the calmest around those meals. We really enjoyed them, and they became a highlight of the week. Sometimes we weren’t able to go, because my dad’s health wouldn’t allow it, and we felt him being gone during those times, and really missed him. In fact, after my dad, we kept up the routine, because those good times were so important to us.
As someone who has lost a loved one to MS, and another to Parkinson’s, and lived with the dementia for years- I encourage you to cherish the good times.
About Author Haley Gray
Through the experience of being responsible for her mother and father's care, she discovered tremendous opportunity for improvement in how quality care is delivered. This company is the realization of that vision and dream—to provide care to her standards, and more importantly to yours.
Haley also established Leadership Girl: http://leadershipgirl.com
This is a wonderful and thoughtful post. I recently heard from a cousin. She asked for memories of her Uncle in advance of his 70th birthday. Cherishing and being grateful for something every day is a great habit to practice.