So this is “Sincere Saturday” more or less. I won’t lie; it’s been a rough week, mostly
because of my need for personal privacy.
I like my privacy, not because of nefarious purposes but because
I’ve had others use my circumstances for other reasons. Anyway to circumvent that
issue, here’s something that many people don’t know about me. I don’t tell a
lot of people because I tend to be a private person and to be honest, it’s seemed
to make some uncomfortable. I’m the primary caregiver to a disabled parent and
have been since my early 20’s. That’s
the foremost reason that I don’t attend most conventions or parties, and that I
live a relatively quiet life. It’s not an easy task, it’s a great deal of “that’s
ok” reassurance and clean ups, and the most difficult part: that of the role
reversal from child to parent.
I’m only saying this today because, while I do think there
should be pride in being a caregiver, there absolutely shouldn’t be disdain. This
week in particular, I’ve had to defend my position professionally and I think
that is atrocious. In the past, I’ve endured the “lives in his parent’s
basement” jokes (despite that it’s my home and that I pay the bills) and tried to
make light, but sometimes it’s hard.
Hard to not take even a day off in decades, hard to shun relationships, hard
that you not have to be the parent and hard that knowing despite how much you
love that person, that the most fearful thing is that inevitable day when they’ve
slipped away.
There are a thousand and one issues that come with being a
caregiver; it’s a lesson in compassion, humility and of honor, because no
matter what, you know that you’re doing the right thing. You’re repaying a debt
and fulfilling a duty; but how is this different than being a single parent?
\
From here on out, I’m very sorry if I do make you uncomfortable
in my role as a caregiver, but I do take pride and I will no longer be quiet.
Caregivers shouldn’t be ridiculed, but rather respected for what they do. When you’re old.. when you no longer can care
for yourself, what will you think of caregivers?
Thank you for taking the time to read.
No comments:
Post a Comment