Husband and Wife Caring
So rich and wonderful Carolyn; I understand the lifetime of love poured into that crystal bowl.
I’ve just lost my Mum. She was married to Dad for more than 65 years. He was her extraordinary carer for thirteen years after she was paralysed with a stroke.
Anyone who has never witnessed such an incredible relationship wouldn’t realise the lengths those women went to providing special end-of-life-care for their husbands, but I do.
I’ve seen it, I’ve lived it, watching my Mum and Dad together I believe it.
Carolyn, you downplay your part in the respite you organised for those lovely wives. I can clearly comprehend why the crystal bowl was given to you. You provided a break from a job that could be soul destroying.
Being a carer is one of the hardest jobs in the world, especially if the partner has a long shared history, is still dearly loved, is physically impaired or has dementia.
My mother had a sound mind; she was clear, lucid and loving until her last day on March 26th. Physically, though, my Mum’s old bones were totally worn out.
You deserve that bowl, the gift you gave those women was immeasurable. Don’t be too hasty to pass it on. That wonderful woman made the right choice giving you the crystal. That is perfectly clear to me.
She shared her life story. That was a privilege, an intimacy she entrusted you with. For that to happen you must have been pretty wonderful too.
The woman bestowed you with and item plump with meaning; something precious that resonated with her for most of her days.
Beautiful story. Though my brothers, my and my father’s grief is still so fresh it aches, I feel better for reading this narrative.
Thank you for sharing it.
