A Caregiver Learns to Receive Love

images I’ve finally been to the store to buy Thank You cards to send to those that have generously supported us through my long healing process. I feel like I’ve said “Thank You” so many times and yet it seems inadequate. I was writing a note to a stranger who had sent me a card and gift, I told her how blessed I felt to have so many people support me through this process and that I feel like I have not gone without having my needs met. I have received cards, flowers, gifts, checks, meals, pictures, jokes, phone calls, housekeeping, books, visits, laughter, understanding, prayers and stimulating conversation to distract me. I’ve had cards sent to me from strangers, my friend Susan sent out a call for well wishers and they responded with enthusiasm and compassion.

I wrote to this stranger to say that as the oldest daughter, sister and good friend I was usually the one people called to take charge; the one who took care of everything and sometimes it felt like everybody. I realized that for much of my life I’ve been a caregiver or manager at work and now I’m learning “patience” but most of all I’m learning to be on the receiving end of being cared for. My husband has learned to cook, clean and generally to be “in charge” of the house since I’ve been unable to ambulate for two and a half almost 3 months now. My family and friends have graciously given their time over and over again and lately we’ve had more visitors in the past couple of months than we’ve had in the past couple of years. My friend Sherry drove from Eau Claire, Wisconsin to bring soup, gifts and to visit with me for an hour or two before turning around and driving back home.

I’ve had too many blessings and people to list and the feelings that come up for me are many as I’m running out of ways to say Thank you to those I love. My lesson learned is “how to receive love” and I think that’s an appropriate lesson for this week when I will celebrate Valentines day and my wedding anniversary of 34 years. That’s not a bad lesson to learn; Patience and how to receive Love.