Relationship Change

"The hardest part for any caregiver, whether it is a child, parent or spouse, is the relationship change." Lonnie Ali (wife of Mohammad Ali)

Lonnie goes on to say that the biggest challenge for the  caregiver is to guard against becoming bitter because of having your life ripped away from you.  I agree that the relationship change is difficult, and it is hard sometimes to not feel sorry for oneself for having the responsibilities for someone with a terminal illness.  Gone are the times of making decisions collaboratively -- which was something I treasured in our marriage, and that, too, is a burden.  Making all the decisions, not just for oneself, but for the loved one is a huge responsibility.  And, I believe, it can only be done well with good support systems.  Legal, medical, emotional, financial, spiritual -- I think we caregivers need the support of people who have integrity and wisdom to help us make the best decisions.