's motd Wed April 16, 2008

[Guest guest]

THE CYCLE OF LIFE

Wednesday, 16 April 2008

I was talking to a lady at the airport yesterday and she's really had a hard time with her life lately. First, her mother got sick. She'd fallen down the stairs at her home, broken her hip and had to have a hip replacement. Since then she has had other medical problems, too. So this lady had to quit her job and move back home to care for her mother.

While she was home caring for her mother, sadly, her father suffered a stroke which left him half-paralyzed. What she thought was going to be only a few months back home with her Mom turned into two years caring for both of her parents. She told me that neither of her parents got better and she cared for them until they both passed away. Her father died first and just seven months later, her mother was gone.During those two years caring for her parents, the stress of it all led to this lady gaining 73 pounds. She had no life for herself really, because she had dedicated so much of her life to caring for her parents. You know, it's called the Cycle of Life and it often comes full circle.See, when you were a baby, your parents dedicated their lives to taking good care of you. And now, it's your turn to take care of them.Some people put their parents into a nursing home or into an assisted-living facility. But many others don't choose that option. They take care of their parents themselves at home which can often be a 24/7 commitment.

My brother and I took care of our parents, Shirley and Leonard, until they both took their last breaths while lying in their own beds at home. And I would not have wanted it any other way.Many of you reading today's message take care of one or both parents, a grandparent, an aunt, uncle or other loved one. And, I know, your lives are often dedicated to their lives more than your own. I know hard it is and how all of this stress affects your eating habits and the amount of time you devote to exercise.The lady I spoke to in the airport didn't excel in either of those areas while caring for her ailing parents. Which explains why she gained so much weight in those two years caring for them. I reached out my hand to help her. And I'm also reaching out my hand to help you, if you are doing the same.

Please know I am very touched with the love you have for your family members and I respect your decision to care for them. Believe me, I have done the same. You are a good person to do what you do. Just try your best to be taking care of you while you're spending that time so lovingly taking care of the ones you love.And may I add...if you are taking care of loved ones right now, would you do me a favor? Would you give them a big hug from me today? I'd really like that.Love,