Hope for the Caregiver

I wrote a portion of this song in January - but finished it this week after the events at Covenant Presbyterian Church and the Covenant School. Gracie sang it Wednesday afternoon - and her heart broke as she sang these lyrics based in Psalm 102.   

Some heartaches we face defy words - but words are not always required. In those moments, we groan, and "...grieve with those who grieve and mourn with those who mourn."

Our church home for many years, we watched with great sorrow to see the unspeakable tragedy at Covenant Presbyterian Church

I often encounter fellow caregivers struggling in horrific circumstances.  And, I just as often unexpectedly encounter folks from all sorts of backgrounds who fight to find solid ground as caregivers. In this episode, I share some of those encounters and ask what your thoughts are about their circumstances - and what I offered. 

Author John Eldredge.  wildatheart.org 

All too often, caregivers fly under the radar and are often overlooked. Even when seen, many don't know what to say.  Sometimes, it's not about what you say, but how long you stay. 

My friend Kathy Harris, ( www.divinedetours.com ) talks about her books and the writing process, the long career she's had in the Nashville music business, and her journey as a caregiver. 

American Family Radio's Jim Stanley shares his thoughts on grief, sorrow, and ministry. 

How many caregivers put their lives on hold until their caregiving journey improves or ends?  Is that a good idea? I recently discussed something I am doing - while serving as a full-time caregiver, and invited fellow caregivers to do the same.   

We can always live in the wreckage of our past and wonder what could have been - but is that helpful? Hoping for a better past is futile. C.S. Lewis stated, "You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."   www.hopeforthecaregiver.com  

Roll With It Discussing the impact of his wife getting the flu, I heard a man commiserate, "The whole system shut down." He lamented his plight by referring to housekeeping, meals, laundry, the children and missed time from work, and their physical relationship. Asking how long her sickness lasted, he exasperatedly replied, "Four days!" Calculating internally, I considered that I'd logged more tha...

From our broadcast 02/11/2023. Sometimes, law enforcement is required to help with caregiving challenges. Drugs, alcohol, mental illness, cognitive impairment - whatever the challenge, sometimes the cry for help is a 9/11 call. My friend Lance (*30 years as a police officer in Seattle) called the program to share some advice and insights for family caregivers facing those circumstances. 

Mary Tutterow, author of The Heart of the Caregiver , shares her insights gleaned from 30+ years as a caregiving mom. https://theheartofthecaregiver.com/ From our broadcast 2/4/2022

From Hope for the Caregiver 01/28/2023  www.hopeforthecaregiver.com  

From our broadcast 1/21/2023 with special guest Hans Scheil, host of the FINISHING WELL podcast. 

From our broadcast 01/14/2023

Many caregivers are in a relationship with an alcoholic or addict - and spend enormous energy trying to "fix" or just contain the drama and challenges of that loved one.  We eventually discover we're powerless over their condition - sometimes after causing or experiencing great harm ourselves. Can we accept that - and if so, what do we do about it?   

From the 1/7/23 broadcast. Plus, a preview discussion of my new book hitting stores in May. 

Looking at 2022, I take time for an assessment - and the opportunities for us as caregivers to improve. 

How are those four things connected? Take a listen to my opening monologue from the broadcast 12/17/2022

Colleen Swindoll Thompson's caregiving journey has included abuse, sexual trauma, and physical, emotional, and cognitive disabilities. Through it all, she's learned to run to Christ and anchor herself in God's faithfulness and provision - while helping her family and others do the same. See more at her website: Reframingministries.com  

Tips on reducing the drama when flying or dealing with doctors. 

For a special Veterans Day episode, I interviewed Fernando Arroyo.  Privileged to serve those who served our country, Fernando's passion is to help end veteran suicide. Working as the Veterans Program Director at Step Forward Academy, Fernando also assists veterans transitioning to civilian life. Drawing upon his own journey from military to civilian life, Fernando helps fellow bets find a path to...

Boundaries can be troublesome for anyone - but many caregivers seem to struggle with boundaries daily.  In this special monologue from the broadcast, I delve into this issue - and more.  www.hopeforthecaregiver.com