Company for the Journey

Welcome to Caregiver Friday!!

I encourage people to watch television because I believe, in some cases, it mirrors pop or current culture back to us in profound ways.  I keep a pen and pad near me while I watch television because undoubtedly I hear a quote that sparks a thought that lingers and teases me into further consideration.  So what did I hear?  I’m paraphrasing, but here it is…”We are born alone and we die alone and in the middle we gather company for the life we live”.  How does that fit with your life as a caregiver/wellness partner?

Companies talk about acquisitions so why don’t we think about that in our daily lives?  It’s not about taking over someone else’s life, but integrating the energy of others and acknowledging that we’re interdependent.  Just as the person with the injury or illness relies on you, you need others to rely on.  You need “your” people; those who will provide the company you need for deep discussion or simple contemplation.  It doesn’t matter; just knowing your part of a tribe is incredibly empowering and healing.

We don’t often talk about healing for the caregiver/wellness partner, but healing is an important aspect for maintaining compassion.  It’s not possible for you not to be triggered by what’s happening with the person you love.  It’s not possible not to wonder if you got sick who would do this for you?  We’re human and we all have primal fears about death and dying, as well as pain and suffering.

When you have company for the journey you can discuss these thoughts and know that it’s not taboo to have these thoughts, but it punctuates your humanity.  It doesn’t matter how you go about gathering company for the journey, but having the notion that the lone ranger is not in your best interest is a big step.