A Caregiver’s Affirmation

     I believe in the power and beauty of self-forgetful love.

     I believe it shows itself right in our midst, and further that it’s showing itself right in our time as you so faithfully provide the caregiving you do, day after day, night after night.

     I believe this unassuming selflessness shows itself each time you tenderly do your caring, despite feeling winded or weary; each time you manage countless caregiving details, in addition to all your other responsibilities; each time you so freely perform your duties out of love that others would not perform for a much higher price.

     I believe your openhearted spirit can be a model for all of us, for you show us the potential of what life can be:

     In quietly persevering with another, ordinary days can contain extraordinary moments, not soon to be forgotten.

     In patiently witnessing what another is experiencing, common lives can be enriched and ennobled, lives never be the same again.

     And in lovingly accepting how others are dealing with all they face, ordinary relationships can be enhanced and enlarged, relationships grounded in equality and respect.

     I believe that as a caregiver you have much to teach all of us.

     You teach us that remaining steadfast when another needs us is more than an act of compassion—it is a ritual of healing.

     You teach us that reaching out when another feels lost or alone is more than a bridge of comfort—it is a means of communion.

     You teach us that relating to the other as a person who has infinite value is more than an article of faith—it is a lived experience of sacredness.

     We know these things because you and people like you share yourselves generously.

     Because of what you do, life is not the same—not for you, not for anyone close to you, and especially not for whoever is the fortunate recipient of your wonderful care.

     You can see and experience other things that Jim Miller has created for caregivers, including his books When You’re the Caregiver and The Caregiver’s Book as well as his videotape The Grit and Grace of Being a Caregiver. You might also wish to see his short movie, A Caregiver’s Prayer.

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