A cheer for our loved ones
I have read quite a few posts on various health forums from family members, partners and friends of someone who has been through a heart trauma. And I have realised that they often feel as vulnerable and anxious as we do. The emotional impact extends far beyond the person who has received the diagnosis. But sometimes because we are focused on our emotional turmoil we may not always fully appreciate our loved ones' sense of helplessness and fear.
They too can have a feeling of powerlessness. They have to witness our physical and emotional pain while struggling with their own feelings. And likely just don't know how to help fix the underlying problem. They may feel like they are standing on the sidelines watching events unfold without knowing how to participate.
They're in a difficult position, caught between their own feelings and the pain they see us enduring. This can leave them feeling high and dry.
They too are living with the constant worry of a relapse, a new complication, or the long-term prognosis. The future feels just as uncertain and unpredictable for them. Every twinge of pain or sign of fatigue that we experience can trigger a new wave of fear for them.
Caregivers may feel a need to stay strong for their loved one, suppressing their own fears and emotions. But this can be isolating and incredibly draining and so they too could suffer their own anxiety.
It's a powerful reminder that while we are navigating our own health journey, the people who support us are also on a difficult journey of their own.
Acknowledging their feelings and talking openly about our shared emotions can be an important part of the healing process for everyone involved.
This pain and uncertainty we're carrying isn't just our burden, it's shared by everyone who loves us. It's completely normal for them to feel the weight of this too. But, and this is the crucial part, we're on this path together, we are a team and each of us has a part to play. By finding a way to open up, no matter how difficult, and share our feelings with honesty can give us the collective strength to face whatever comes next. The condition no longer controls us. We take back the power and together we control how we are going to handle it.
Which leads me to say, more than anything that I want to give a huge thank you to all the husbands, wives, partners, mums, dads, daughters, sons, brothers, sisters, and all other family members and friends who are a constant source of support for someone they care about. We appreciate you more than you know and you are all truly amazing❤️.
The saying “communication is key” certainly fits my topic for today but it also reminds me of a story about my mother in law and her choice of Christmas present for me for many years.
When I first met my hubby, long before we were married my mother in law bought me a box of chocolate liqueurs for Christmas. To be polite as it was our first Christmas together I exclaimed what a lovely present it was and how much I would enjoy them. For many years she bought me those same liqueurs. The only problem … I really cannot stand this type of chocolate! But as the years went on it got harder and harder to bring up this fact. Eventually my lovely hubby stepped in and took her shopping for her presents and was able to steer her to a different type of chocolate 😆. Luckily the new suggestion stuck and she doesn't know to this day that it was only my hubby who ever ate those chocolate liqueurs ☺️.
My virtual hug today goes to all those caregivers out there who look after us so well ❣️
Look out for another post soon