Awareness

A casual friend of mine recently read my book, My Life Rearranged, and left this lovely comment on my email: “I am really shocked at how many years you were a caregiver and realize your time now must seem like a gift.” I hadn’t really though about it, as I was just simply glad to have had the strength to be able to support my husband to the end.

Sitting at my grandson’s soccer game, I thought about her remark and concurred with her – my life, now, does seem like a gift. I am back in the world of the living. I am no longer counting out pills, driving to doctor’s appointments, overseeing his health needs, hiring caregivers to give me a break, changing his diapers, all while trying to stay on top of all the myriad responsibilities that go with the disease. I am no longer exhausted by the long journey, nor filled with despair. My days are mine and my nights belong to me.

Yes, I miss him but not the long hours of caregiving that went on for a decade. The world seems bright, full of promise and I plan on enjoying every moment.