Who takes care of the caregiver when the caregiver is sick? I always find this an added twist to the female condition. I found it out and was not surprised when I got a terrible flu a week or so ago. I have made it a habit since my surgery to be more cognizant of getting my yearly flu shot. But, that shot only guards against respiratory strains ( at least that is what I am told by the nurses at my doctor's office.) So, getting the stomach flu was another type of illness and one that came at the worst of all times.
This year, my Green ABC's for Kids won an Innovator of the Year Award from an area publication and my son and were supposed to attend a recognition luncheon honoring our work. Of course, the flu had hit me the day before and I was in no condition to attend.
I let my son know, however, and my daughter went along with him. She also brought me over lots of Gatorade, applesauce, crackers, etc. to nurse me back to health. As she always has whenever I am ill.
Last weekend I went up to the lake to visit my almost 80 year old mother who is still in mourning over the loss of my father three years ago. She is very upset right now because of the high payments she has to make for long term nursing home care and is thinking about not making the payments. She laments about how dad had someone to take care of him and she won't have that. Of course, I know I will help her.
I also know that men help too in these situations. But, all in all, when it comes down to it, women are the ones who step up and into it, when the time comes for caregiving- with no compensations, just the good knowledge that they have done their duty- for free.
No comments:
Post a Comment