Editor’s Note: Caregiving. It is without question one of the most physically and emotionally demanding jobs that exist. It is also one of the most challenging to fill. Data shows that in Georgia there are 7 caregivers for every 100,000 residents. Low pay, high stress, and the physical demands and toll caregiving takes, account for a surplus of jobs in the market. Many family members assume the role out of necessity. Others struggle to find the right person, or persons, to take care of their aging, ailing, and homebound loved ones. It’s a topic Now Habersham columnist Donna Bunn James knows well. We are happy to have her back with us to offer you advice, insights, and words of encouragement and comfort in this, her new weekly column, Continuing On: My Life as a Caregiver. If you have any comments or questions, feel free to email her at [email protected].
In 2020, my favorite patient died. I wrote about Mom for the last two years of her life in an online series called Mondays with Mom: My Life as a Caregiver. After her passing, I thought I wouldn’t be a caregiver any longer, but God had other ideas.
I did take a break for about six months. Then a woman in our church needed some assistance after a hospital stay. Next thing I know, I’m caring for her a few days a week. It was totally a God-thing – His timing, her need.
So for a few months, I cared exclusively for her while continuing my other responsibilities at the church and in my private music studio. Then another friend spent time in the hospital and would need a caregiver two or three times a week. She needed help right away. Another God-thing – His timing, her need.
My life was full. Almost too full. Then came another need I was able to fill. Now I have three part-time responsibilities in caregiving. I am truly continuing on.
A few weeks ago during my quiet time, I realized how much I missed journaling and writing about caregiving. I know there are many out there who are in a care situation and I know how isolating it can feel. A quick conversation with my friend, Joy Purcell, and here I am writing an article again for NowHabersham.com.
My primary conversations will be about “Katherine,” the chosen name of my second client. She has many health issues which prevent her from living an independent life. Although she is younger, an accident a few years ago caused a series of events which limit her. We talked about my sharing online again, and she agreed I could write about her life. She is a diabetic and many of these articles will center around her life with diabetes.
These articles will also be very personal to my life as I manage the responsibilities God has given me. I am honored and blessed to be working as a caregiver, but work/life balance is tricky.
I hope you will go back and read Mondays with Mom if you didn’t make that journey with us. I will forever cherish that time and am grateful for a record of Mom’s last years.
MORE: Cultivating and Letting Go
