If you’ve been caregiving for any amount of time, you know what a roller coaster ride it can be. Yet we experience many rewards.
I cared for my mom for three years after she was diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus and had a shunt inserted in her brain. Though she made an amazing turnaround, she continued to experience some neuro deficits. In addition, she had a mild form of vascular dementia, which made things interesting at times.
One day, the muse struck me, and this poem was the result. (All you poetry lovers out there—please forgive me. I am no poet!)
A Caregiver’s Day
As caregiver, you awake at dawn.
Your time’s another’s, not just your own.
Bath and breakfast, then change the wet bed.
“Why can’t I get help?” runs through your head.
Rolled oats, all bran make up her breakfast.
If it tastes like cardboard, it must be healthiest.
A UTI throws her for a loop.
Push gallons of water, juice, and soup.
Who thought dementia would rule your day?
Mom took care of you, time to repay.
Just never dreamed it would be so tough.
Guess it’s time to let go of small stuff.
Like not just dashing off to the store.
If left alone, she’d be out the door.
A good sitter is so rare to find
But worth more than gold to ease your mind.
Depends and Poise are part of your list.
What flavor Ensure would suit her taste?
You know the pharmacist by first name.
His mom and yours take medicines the same.
You see a friend and you’d like to chat,
But you know it’s time for you to get back.
At home she complains nothing’s gone right.
How long till you put her to bed for the night?
The TV’s too loud. Now it’s too low.
“Heat up my coffee. It’s gotten too cold.”
The heat’s on eighty, but she’s still freezing.
Sometimes it seems like there’s just no pleasing.
Then she kisses your cheek. You forget all the rest.
You know to be caregiver is to be ever blessed.
From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed:
lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
Psalm 61:2 KJV
Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her award-winning book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness (CrossLink Publishing, 2021). A former intensive care nurse, she cared for her parents and her mother-in-law and understands both the burdens and joys of caregiving. Her devotions have been featured in Guideposts books, The Upper Room, and many other publications, and she has contributed 22 stories to Chicken Soup for the Soul® books. She also conducts writing workshops, freelance edits, and proofreads for Farmers’ Almanac. But her most important job is Grandma to five completely unspoiled grandchildren.
Love the poem, because it is so true. Strange but it is somewhat comforting and strengthening in knowing others are going through the same thing. It always melts my heart when putting my Mom to bed at night she says Thank you and pats my hand. Hard as it is we are blessed.
Amen, Brenda! We are giving back to those who cared for us and right where God wants us to be. Praying for you, sister!
You ARE a poet! And an honest one, at that. How so very lovely and what a great reminder of the ebb and flow of caring for others. Tracy, your perspective is absolutely spot on, just like Diana said. Bless you, dear sister. You refresh our weary hearts!
That means a lot coming from a poet such as you, Kristy. Though I know you also have a forgiving heart, I thank you for your sweet words.
Wow. Just wow. I’m just embarking on the journey and am pretty nervous about it, but know that God will give me strength to care for my sweet husband. Thanks, Tracy.
Oh, Mel, I understand your nervousness. Every caregiving journey is different, but you’re right. God will walk beside you and give you strength. If it’s ok, I’ll put you on my list of caregivers to pray for. Please reach out to me anytime you’d like to talk.
A spot-on poem, Tracy! Thank you.
You’re very forgiving, Diana!