"There is no compassion without many tears." Henri Nouwen.
Do you ever wish someone would say to you, "I so appreciate the wonderful care you are providing for him/her"? I have to admit, I do. This is so all encompassing, that it would be nice to know that someone else notices and appreciates the sacrifices we are making to provide care for the person with dementia. After all, we would not have to do it.
Since there is nothing we can do to change the behavior of others; perhaps, instead, we can be sure to thank people who do kindnesses for us. Who extended a kindness to you today? A woman in a long, slow check out line provided kindness and humor for me. Isn't it odd that it sometimes seems it is easier for strangers to treat each other well? We can make it a habit to be especially kind and appreciate those in more intimate circles. We can model the behavior we desire from others.
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