Elder Care Spotlight: The Gift of Caregiving For Mom..

Our mothers have personally sacrificed so much to help us grow in a secure environment. Years of Loving support, care, and kindness have left and imprint on our hearts. There is a point later in life when our relationship begins to shift, and the transfer of care moves from mother to child. The elderly parent is now a teacher of life, where the child learns the perspective of vulnerability, end of life care, relationship dynamics, and a more clear sense of priorities. Caring for an elderly family member teaches the rest of the family, close friends, and coworkers what Loving care looks like up close. It also teaches how difficult it really is to care for another person who cannot care for themselves. Depending on how alert the mind is of the elderly mother, there can also be many challenges in caregiving. Defiant behavior spells, physical lifting, cleaning, cooking, and supporting the elderly parent with all of their needs is just the start. There is also the medical care, baths, outings, appointments, physical therapy practices, and other therapies that the caregiver helps to implement. There are many hats that the caregiver wears in this role, and it is all but easy. What keeps us going in this role is the enduring Love, respect, and compassion for the parent that sacrificed so much for us to thrive as humans. The desire to give back and help bring honor and grace to the end of our mother's life is the fuel that gives energy to each day of caregiving. There are no awards, no acknowledgments, and no handouts from anyone on this journey. Oftentimes, there is great cost when it comes to money, time, energy, and relationships. However, no matter what the costs may be, there is nothing more rewarding than giving back the Love that was given to us.

Every day is sacred, every moment is a gift, and we can never take one minute for granted. Once we transition, it is very permanent. We have this time to say what we need to say, offer our hearts filled with Love, share our physical abilities to serve, and work to help ensure that our mother's get the best care possible in the most calm, peaceful, and relaxing atmosphere as they transition from this world to the next.

Mother dynamics can be tricky, but when it comes to the end of our lives, all of that matters much less. In order to caregive for our mothers, we have to work on forgiveness every day. We have to truly do our spiritual work to let go of the past and stay present in the moment. Caregiving teaches us that life is fragile and those whom we Love the most really need us when this fragility sets in later in life. It is not for everyone, but when we choose to become caregivers for our mothers, it is the greatest gift we can give them. Love is the ultimate guide, healer, and bringer of peace. Where there is Love, there are infinite possibilities. All we have to do is surrender to the process and allow life to guide the way. The Love we have for our mothers is enough and always will be enough.