First Things First

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” -Matthew 7:12 NIV

in considering options for my first post, the foundational aspect of caregiving became the obvious choice – treating others as you would like to be treated. I learned the Golden Rule at a young age, later understanding that it was taught by Jesus/Yeshua as a fundamental premise for all actions. Gratefully, as I worked in the business world for several decades, nearly each day gave me opportunities to practice making decisions based on this central Truth until it became my “go-to”, my natural response, the discipline of my thought life. As the bottom line for decision-making, this premise bring simplicity to complicated matters, puts personal emotion (and possible affronts) aside, and focuses on the response needed to move things forward.

Living by that principle, decisions became simpler, but not necessarily easier. Emotions surface quickly. Thankfully, by recognizing that God made us with emotions, I learned to trust Him to guide me through the hard times. I am a helper, NOT a nurse, not a medical mind. My husband Dale always had that perspective, knew the body well and taught about it with excellence (even enjoying cadaver work in college). I turn away from the sight of blood, even on TV. Although I grew up with 5 younger siblings, babysat for extra money, loved caring full-time for my own young children, and had the flexibility of schedule to help family and friends when they needed care, I was out of my element when faced with the life and death needs of my dear husband as he was incapacitated by a massive stroke event.

I needed help.

Thankfully, I had come to know God’s peace which became my mainstay from the very start of this new journey. I quickly realized that God had gone before me, preparing me in ways I couldn’t have planned myself – a new iPad dashboard holder helped with GPS needs when alone in a unfamiliar territory at 10PM to meet Dale’s medflight, personal experience in asking probing questions, and even having a copy of Dale’s baseline MRI with us (certainly not on my vacation packing list)! Recognizing these blessings in the first few hours after he stroked undergirded my confidence to make the next decision. Help arrived in timely fashion with knowledgeable and caring doctors, family/friends arriving to help, and the technology available to research needs via cell phone/internet.

But that was just the tip of an iceberg. I knew relatively nothing about stroke, brain trauma, neuro rehab, or how to handle insurance…or where to turn for help. Over the next four months, and then the next four years, that was my full-time job: caring for Dale and researching/learning everything that would benefit his recovery and well-being.

This blog is a result of what I’ve learned over those four years – things that were not readily accessible to me at the outset. I’ll post as regularly as I can in order to cover nearly a hundred topics as well as resources that will assist you as you search for answers. My prayer is that this life experience will help you now as you care for others – spouse, parent, child, loved one, friend, or client, and whether they are incapacitated, ill, addicted, depressed, or fallen on hard times. I pray blessings of peace and wisdom and strength and love and rest in the name of Jesus/Yeshua as you care for them.

Father, Your goodness amazes me, how you go before us and are always with us. Help me to live in that awareness, rest in Your love, listen for Your voice and discern Your answers. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

SONG LINK:
Twila Paris “God is in Control”
https://youtu.be/r6Eiv1r5UnE