Guest post by Gretchen Huesmann

“Mom can’t keep this up,” my sister informed me. My heart sank at her words.

I lived three states away from my mom who was sole caregiver for my stepfather. While his health declined, my mom’s Meniere’s disease escalated. The mounting stress of his dementia triggered her frequent episodes of debilitating dizziness and nausea. The only treatment was a medication which relieved symptoms by putting Mom to sleep for hours. Her children and stepchildren knew she couldn’t manage much longer. The caregiver desperately needed care.

Years later, after my stepdad passed, my mom’s health improved enough for her to visit me. During her stay she suffered another Meniere’s episode without her medicine. My sisters, all workers in the medical field, would have taken this in stride. I, on the other hand, panicked. Do I call an ambulance? How do I get the medication? Can I get her to bed without help? Overwhelmed, I cried out to God.

Two words came to mind: “Call Laura.” I phoned my friend, a nurse practitioner who lived down the street. Thankfully, Laura was home and rushed right over. She helped me get Mom to bed and prescribed the proper medication.

I discovered caregiving is not a solo sport but a team effort. Too often the caregivers also become ill or like me, find themselves in situations beyond their skill set. There is no shame in asking for assistance. In fact, our wellbeing and the health of our loved ones may depend on it. Further, our faithful God provides abundant peace and help when needed. I thank God for his timely assistance for the teams of caregivers he provides.

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1 KJV

Gretchen Huesmann’s greatest passion is connecting little and big people to Jesus through her writing, speaking, and in the classroom. She pens nonfiction for adults and fiction and nonfiction for children. You can find her free eBook, Teachers’ Prayer Companion: Prayer Guides for Education Teams on her website.

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.