Courage

“Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, 'I will try again tomorrow.' ” May Anne Radmacher

Sometimes I find it so hard to deal with the emotions that come along with caregiving. I find that most people don't understand...only those who are caregivers or have been seem to instinctively know that I ride a roller coaster of emotions. More and more, I find that many of the things that others think are important, and that I used to care about, strike me as shallow concerns.

I did a lot of crying when my brother had his stroke. But then, I envisioned time together. I still cry over his loss.

I cry as I see Mom go downhill; I grieve for her losses. Although I feel very selfish about it, I grieve for myself.

At the same time, I am so thankful for small acts of kindness and compassion from friends and family. I wonder how many people realize that even small acts of kindness can give another person the courage to keep trying each day. The smile, the kind word, the funny email, the phone call, the hug, the "I care" all help me to face each day and try to find joy in it. All of you are my angels.