Freedom

"Often, to be free means the ability to deal with the realities of one's situation so as not to be overcome by them.  It is the manifestation of a quality of being and living that results not only from understanding one's situation but also from wisdom in dealing with it."  Howard Thurman

Very much like the serenity prayer.  We need and ask for the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know what those things are.  And, we are at peace within our situation.  Freedom is a state of mind, as Viktor Frankl demonstrated for us within the confines of a concentration camp.  Being a caregiver for someone with dementia is also imprisoning.  We lose our opportunity to think only of what we want, go where we want when we want.  We are now responsible for someone else.  Within those responsibilities, it is imperative that we preserve our freedom.  Our health depends upon it.  So, let us make a daily practice of dealing with our situations realistically without being overcome by them.  To do that may mean we bring in more support for the care receiver.  There is no honor in doing it all alone to the point of damaging our own health and well being.  What we have a responsibility for is the safety and well being of the care receiver.  We do not have to give all the care ourselves.  Even if society and others might tell us that.