This post title is taken directly from Anne Cutter Mikkelsen's book Take Charge of Parkinson's Disease: Dynamic Lifestyle Changes to put You in the Driver's Seat . The mailman just delivered my copy of Anne's book and I have spent much of the afternoon reading some of the chapters and purusing the recipes. The chapter titled, When a Spouse Becomes a Caregiver, by Nanette J. Davis, Ph.D. lists nine positive aspects of care partnering; she refers to these as "gifts", and they are:
1. Having an open heart.
2. Connecting with the generations.
3. Expanding your coping abilities.
4. Willingness to experience role reversal.
5. Reinvigorating family relationships.
6. Strengthening bonds with the community.
7. Giving back to others.
8. Expressing our spiritual values.
9. The importance of self-care.
As I read about each of these I came to know how they truely are gifts to me as I face my own journey with Parkinson's. I am reminded of the miraculous blessing it is to have a Father in Heaven who knows and loves me enough to have helped me open each of these gifts as I have cared for Don and our son, Scott, so that I would have these "present" in my life as I confront the challenges of Parkinson's in a very personal way. The suggestions for reducing caregiver stress are also, "gifts" I can give to myself (and Don) to bless and sustain us in the coming days. They are:
1. Start a regular and realistic exercise program.
2. Strengthen your social network (know your neighbors)
3. Follow a well-balanced diet (fruit/veggies/grains)
4. Avoid eating or drinking too much.
5. Breathe deeply throughout the day.
6. Quiet your mind with meditation, yoga, reading or prayer.
7. Be impassioned about your life.
My favorite "gift" is number six. My favorite scripture is "Be still and know that I am God." I am, after all, one of his children and he loves me and he walks with me daily. My role is not to ask "Why?", but to ask "What do you want me to learn or teach through this experience?" Don has been a great teacher for me and we are blessed to have each other as true "care partners"...I love that phrase.
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