Inspiring Quotes for Caregivers: On Community — 12/3/08
“We don’t accomplish anything in this world alone … and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings of individual threads from one to another that creates something.”
~ Sandra Day O’Connor
As family caregivers we become so focused on the responsibilities we have for our care recipients, at times we can feel very alone. But no caregiver lives in a vacuum.
You may feel like you’re alone, but you’re not!
Even if you think your daily life consists solely of yourself and your aging parents (“Golden Oldies” is what I prefer to call them), your world must include, at the very least, a doctor, his or her staff, and probably a pharmacist, too. Keep reading to find out more reasons why you’re not alone . . .
I’ve recently been thinking about the caregiving world as a series of concentric circles, like a target. In the center of mine, in the smallest circle, are my mom and me. Right outside that tiny circle is the next circle of my immediate and extended family. The next larger circle surrounding that one consists of the board & care staff and health professionals who are part of our caregiving “village.” And the very next circle holds our friends and neighbors.
In October, I wrote about going back East on a short trip, and how it was going to “take a village” to care for my mom during that time. It struck me after my return that this village still exists, and that I had created it subconsciously, little by little, over time. It is very gratifying to realize how many people are supporting me and my mom in a “hands on” way on a day-to-day basis.
Perhaps you have done the same but, like me, haven’t taken the time to recognize your village?
It dawned on me that I’ve added a new, even bigger circle that you are all a part of because you are reading this post!
Now no family caregiver ever needs to feel alone — people all over the world can read the words written here 24/7 no matter what country or time zone they live in. In less than a year, I have readers from 12 countries around the world! TLeC has gone global and I couldn’t be happier!
The quote below expresses how I feel about the awesome community we are building here:
“A community isn’t built or befriended,
it’s connected by offering and accepting.
Community is affinity, identity, and kinship
that make room for ideas, thoughts, and solutions.
Wherever a community gathers, we aspire and inspire each other intentionally . . . And our words shine with authenticity.”
~ Liz Strauss, Successful-Blog.com
I have offered my ideas, and you have added to them in a myriad of ways through your comments and emails. My wish is that you will all gain something of value by participating in our growing community. One in which we share, learn together, and support each other through the roller coaster ride every family caregiver experiences. My vision is that TLeC will always be a place in which you can stop by for a visit, read a little or a lot, and then head back to your own world feeling better as a result of your time spent here.
Please know that in the increasing concentric circles of the TLeC caregiving community you are not alone!
What part of the world do you live in? Please tell us which city, state, county, country, continent or galaxy 
in the comments below. OK, I’ll go first . . . I live in sunny California!
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Photo Credit: SuperFantastic’s Photostream on Flickr
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Hi Linda. Going Global! Isn’t the Internet great! I’m north of you in not so sunny Vancouver, BC
November and December are the worst months here in that respect, but they fly by with the holiday season so I know the sunshine is not far away. And, it peaks out now and then anyway.
Hi Davina,
I would love to visit Vancouver some day. I’ve been as far north as Seattle so far. My husband is Canadian, too — born in Halifax! Can you believe we haven’t been to Canada on a family trip yet???
Another not-so-sunny – or warm – place Linda – Wisconsin (it was 4 degrees (F) this morning)!
I love your example of concentric circles – what a good way to look at how the community circle around you spreads! Being here, I feel like I’m a part of that circle – even though I might be out a ways in the ring of circles – I do feel like I’m a part of your “village” as I read your words, and hear your story. And it feels “right”.
I’m in California too.
Hi Lance,
Yes, you are definitely part of my village. It’s cold here too — anything below 70 and I freeze!
Hi Vered — MomGrind,
Yippee — another California girl!
Linda, I live in Pune a city 180 Kms East of Mumbai. The climate throughout the year is temperate. I would not live anywhere else in the world.
You bet the village exists. I can relate to your own take on this.
As I write this, my 91 year old father, is flying out from where he was living with my step mother for the past many years. After she died, I had suggested that he moves in with us and he has agreed. I have just finished the rearranging of the home to accommodate him too. In a little while, I shall be leaving for the airport to receive him and bring him home. My wife, my son and all my friends are excited about his joining our little community. The village?
Hi Linda,
This is such a great website! I’ll be “tuning in” often as I am the closest family to my 87 year-old mother. She’s doing pretty good (especially for 87!) but, I want to be prepared and learn more about this!
Thank you!
- Randy
Hi Rummuser,
You live in an exotic part of the world, in my eyes. I hope to visit there some day. And I am so sorry about the terrorism that has rocked your world recently.
I wish your father many years of health and joy living with you and your family. Yes, it sounds like you have a nice village waiting to greet him and make him feel at home! I hope the transition is any easy one. My parents came to live in our town at about the same age that your Dad is now. Those were the “bonus years” in my mind. Enjoy!
Hi Randy,
Welcome to the TleC community! Thanks for the kind words. I hope to be of help to you, should you need it. I’m happy your mom is going strong! Being aware and starting to think about the future are the first steps in caring for our parents — well done!