Issue 24.16
In the eyes of someone blinded by Alzheimer’s disease or Dementia, there is nothing more important and crucial to their survival than a caregiver. That is what makes caregiving so demanding and, from what I’ve witnessed, the hardest thing most of us will ever do.
I am from a small town up in northeastern Arizona. Incredible parents that assured my safety and well-being raised me. I could in no way be misguided. The only worry I had was; “who am I going to play with today?” and “how hard are we going to play?” The only time stress was reality was listening in on the frequent disputes between my parents. “One of the kids is being made fun of at school.” “How are we going to pay for the kids to do this or that?” We (the kids) were the topic. We were their stress. They did everything in their power to assure our comfort and care.
When I turned eight-years-old I did what most LDS kids do. I was baptized as a member of the church. During this occasion, a common tradition is to have the father, mother, or any major influence speak or conjure up some metaphorical lesson of life. In my case, they decided to set up an obstacle course and then blindfold me. After assuring complete darkness from the blindfold, I instantly think to myself, “How am I going to get through this obstacle?” Immediately after the thought, I heard a familiar voice; the same voice that told me when to set the hook when I caught my first fish; the voice that taught me how to swing a bat; that same stern voice that grounded me when I was caught trying to flush toys down the toilet. The same eager voice I heard time after time trying to figure out how to afford the best for me. My dad. My caregiver. I trusted and followed his voice to successfully finish the obstacle.
I talk to caregivers almost every day. I hear their disputes. I sense the tension and stress that has been fabricated from the love and devotion they have for their loved one with Dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Responsibility for another is no easy task. Caregivers are heroes, as my parents are heroes to me.