Dear Caregiver: Take a Moment and Walk with Me
by
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You’re Killing Me
Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.
John 12:3
As Katherine moved into the last stages of Lewy Body Dementia, she lost the ability to wash herself. She couldn’t remember how to turn on the water or put soap on the washcloth. What she did know how to do was voice her opinion of the water being too hot or cold. Maybe the words, “hot” and “cold” had slipped her mind, but she was very good with the word, “Oh!” spoken loudly and clearly, over and over again. Whew! How tiring as a caregiver to give a shower to an unhappy person.
On this particular day, I decided to start with Katherine’s feet. Both feet have crooked toes and one foot has a painful hammer toe due to years of wearing pointed shoes in a professional work environment. Kneeling down, I began to gently wash her feet. The warm, wet washcloth was full of soap suds as I lifted one foot and washed the bent and gnarled toes, continuing across the bottom of her foot and sliding to the top of the ankle bone. Then, I lifted her other foot and did the same. I looked up at Katherine seeing the deep furrow in her brow as she shouted, “Oh!” and declared, “You’re killing me.”
Quietly, I asked, if she remembered the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with expensive perfume. Katherine became quiet and the rigid lines in her face relaxed. She had gone to church for the past 73 years and by her facial expression, I could see she was familiar with this story. Her eyes moved from their staring fixed position and focused on me.
Meeting her gaze, I said, “I am like that woman, Katherine. It is my honor to wash your feet.”
Katherine relaxed and was quiet for the rest of the shower.
Treasured Moment
Kneeling before this lovely person with limited verbal skills, I have discovered that the lowliest of duties are the highest in God’s kingdom.
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About the Book
“Once my viewpoint becomes their viewpoint
my personal perspective of the situation changes.”
The stories in Dear Caregiver: Take a Moment and Walk with Me are based on my personal experiences with Katherine, a woman in her seventies, who lives with the physical and mental disabilities caused by Lewy Body Dementia. During a five-year time period as her caregiver, I recorded each treasured moment within twenty-four hours after each event occurred. Katherine’s words and expressions remain fresh in my mind despite the passing of the years.
As a new, part-time caregiver for my mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s nearly three years ago, “Take a Moment and Walk with Me” is a true blessing and inspiration. This book of devotions is an excellent guide for anyone who is taking this journey for the first time. These devotions have made my heart lighter as I start each day wondering what special moment God will bless me with my mother, instead of facing each day with a heavy heart.
-Selena Freeland-
Memories! This book will touch your heart and soul! As a past and current caregiver, these memories bring back so many of my memories! Currently, I am taking care of my dad in his journey through Parkinson’s and Dementia. This book has uplifted me to find a special memory every day of this journey. Knowing there is A Bible verse out there to highlight each memory is such a blessing. I encourage all caregivers to let this book lift you up before, during or after your journey. Let these words and Bible verses give you peace, encouragement, and strength.
-Janet Sisko-
My mom has lived with us for 14 years and her mind has been failing her for the past three. As I read Karen’s devotional, I first realized how every day is written so well that you feel like you are right there with them. Many situations are very similar to what I face with my mom. I am so amazed at how compassionate Karen is and how she has such a sense of how Katherine thinks and feels. She also gives caregivers practical ways to assist and care for our loved ones. This devotional is very helpful and inspirational for any caregiver and the Bible verses give us a glimpse of God in any situation.
-Linda Corner-
About the Author
Ever since I was a teen-ager, my dad always said I would be the one who would take care of him when he got old. And his words proved true. Little did I know after 28 years in retail sales and management that I would have the privilege to not only care for my dad but for a lady struggling with Lewy Body Dementia.
Working at making God’s word a part of my life, I consciously take the extra step to slide inside the mind of the person I am caring for and feel what they feel. See what they see. And fear what they fear. Once my viewpoint becomes their viewpoint my personal perspective of the situation changes. I understand why they are angry, frightened and disoriented which fills me with a deep sense of compassion and an unusual amount of patience.
Living in Ohio, I am a caregiver, a musician, a teacher, a writer, and a gardener.