Letters from Madelyn – Chapter 20
“Madelyn’s Last Letter as a Caregiver”
In today’s blog, I share the last letter my mother wrote before Dad died, and her powerful caregiver’s prayer.
Despite Madelyn’s absolute commitment to keeping Dad at home, she finally had to put him in a nursing home after he fell and broke seven ribs and punctured a lung.
It’s still amazes me that although she appeared to be as fragile as a butterfly wing, she found the emotional, mental and spiritual strength to cope with the stress of caregiving. Her faith allowed her to turn her worries over to God, and her ability to control her thinking helped her stay positive, even when the outlook was extremely bleak.
Just in case you don’t find the time to listen to the recording, I want to you to read this one excerpt:
“Last night I was so tired I could barely put one foot in front of the other. I didn’t think I’d have any trouble sleeping, but I did. I was thinking about Quentin. I was worrying about none I was concerned about my own health and what was going to happen after the Medicare benefits run out.
Finally, after tossing and turning for a long time, I turned my worries over to God. I released everything to Him and I went into a deep, relaxed sleep. When I woke up I started receiving spiritual insights thick and fast. I got out of bed and wrote them down so I wouldn’t forget. I wanted to share them with you so you will understand what I’m trying to do.
Madelyn’s prayer reads a bit like a “To Do” list, and I think it’s something each of us should for:
1. Do not fear any physical problem. Know that God will be with me helping me handle anything.
2. Live each day as it comes. Do not worry or project what might come in the future.
3. Do not set age limitations on my mental or physical abilities.
4. Realize that in God’s eyes, life is eternal. He is the light of the world and will guide me.
Each morning ask God, “What are WE going to do today.”
Being a caregiver requires a person to dig deep within her heart and soul to find the strength, courage, patience and humor to do what has to be done every day. I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to “Letters from Madelyn”. I know that my mother would be honored to know that other caregivers benefit from her experience.
Tomorrow I will post the epilogue to “Letters from Madelyn” and fill you in on the rest of the story.
Being a caregiver requires a person to dig deep within her heart and soul to find the strength, courage, patience and humor to do what has to be done every day. I hope you’ve enjoyed listening to “Letters from Madelyn”. I know that my mother would be honored to know that other caregivers benefit from her experience.
Tomorrow I will post the epilogue to “Letters from Madelyn” and fill you in on the rest of the story.
Click here to listen to Chapter 20 – “Madelyn’s Last Letter as a Caregiver”
