All of us know that our parents, spouse and other family members will eventually grow old and face the inevitable health challenges.   We even understand that sickness and death are part of living in a fallen world.  But we are never quite ready for these realities to hit our own loved ones – especially when a debilitating disease gradually robs them of a once active life or seeps away their memories.

We spent five years caring for my wife’s mother while Parkinson’s disease stole her health and independence.  We were among the forty percent of caregivers also raising young children, and understand the stress and heartache this family season brings.  For us, it became necessary to back out of nearly everything else in order to fulfill our primary calling to "be Jesus" by serving an aging loved one during her final days.  

If you find yourself facing a similar situation, whether with a parent or a spouse, you can take steps to become proactive by understanding some of what this season will bring, including…
 
LINGERING GRIEF - Long before an aging spouse or parent takes their final breath you will experience an underlying grief as you observe their loss of vitality, strength, mental faculties and other traits that make them the person you love.  Mixed with the physical and emotional exhaustion this season can bring – you may even feel yourself slipping into depression.  Seek help to avoid allowing these feelings to overtake you, but recognize that such emotions are normal and testify to just how valuable the person you are losing has been.  

SPECIAL GRACE - The most common duties caregivers handle are transportation, grocery shopping, household chores, help with medications, and assistance with bathing and dressing.