At the age of 49, I thought I could do just about everything if I really put my mind to it.
An optimist by nature, ME was used to fight against the forehead of things and myself credited with being able to solve any problems that came my way.
Shortly before my 50th birthday, the outlook dramatically changed when doctors diagnosed my husband, Brian, with pleural mesothelioma. Its less than a year prognosis shocked me to the core and threw my brain normally controlled free fall. For the first time in my adult life, I am against something I could not control, and it made me feel helpless.
But I did not feel powerless for long. Brian needed me, and ME was determined to help him in every way I could. After promising that he would not spend the rest of his life in a hospital or die, I got into a care journey that lasted two years.
I learned a lot about life and death during this period. I also learned something about myself: I am a survivor
This revelation helped me stay strong for Brian until his death .. She finally helped me find the only thing that would bring new meaning to my life ?? help others.
Caregiving taught me how to express more compassion, more spiritual and grateful for the things of every day in my life, as well as appreciation of the real values in life.
Increase My Sense of compassion
When I accompanied Brian to the doctor and chemotherapy treatments, I learned of the large number of people with serious illness and death . Although it does not diminish the emotional pain I was experiencing at the time, he informed me that I am not alone in my suffering.
Before the disease Brian, I never approached a complete stranger and given arms. But that's exactly what I did when I came to a distraught woman standing at the open door of a hospital room near the area where Brian was undergoing cancer treatment.
Judging by the activity of the nurse in the room, the person on the bed was dying.
I immediately connected the anguish of the woman with my own pain over the imminent death of Brian. I went to her and gave her a hug. She did not resist. Sensing that I understood her feelings, she leaned against me and burst into tears.
When she recovered, she said the person in the bed was his son and that he was dying of brain cancer. I never learned the name of this woman or why she was alone in a tragic moment, but I'm glad I was there to comfort her in her time of need.
Learn to be less critical
before Brian got sick, I often felt offended when I smile at someone and they did not return the friendly gesture. Believing they had done it deliberately, I judge them to be unpleasant and downright hostile.
But I stopped judging people so quickly. How I felt when I Caregiving for Brian, I understand that there may be a number of reasons why a person is reluctant to smile, and none of them has nothing to do with me. For all I know, they may be providing care for a loved one with cancer, too, or face another form of tragedy in their lives.
I now offer my smiles freely without expecting anything in return.
Appreciating the true value in life
When I learned that Brian was going to die in less than a year, I realize the only thing that really mattered was our love for each other. The possessions we had collected over the 32 years of our marriage no longer holds any value. No more than the amount of money we had saved. All the money in the world could not have saved the life of Brian.
As our time together was coming to an end, all I wanted was to see Brian mischievous smile, feel the touch of his hand in mine and hear the sound of his voice when he m 'said he loved me. These are the real treasures in my life and I could not get enough of them.
has become a more spiritual person
During the two years I took care of Brian before his death, there were many times when I closed my eyes and ask for the strength to continue. Although I did not feel I was praying at these times, I think now I'm ?? and my prayers were answered.
How could I have found the strength needed so badly?
More Passionate About awareness of asbestos
Having witnessed the devastating and deadly as asbestos and mesothelioma had on Brian, I began to spread the word about the how the toxic mineral can still be found in many homes and other buildings in Australia and around the world.
I am also more perceptive on ignorance and complacency of the public about asbestos and the threat it poses to the health of any person exposed to its deadly fibers.
Every time I get the opportunity, I warn people about the dangers of asbestos exposure and encourage them not to attempt home improvements without first contacting a detection team asbestos removal and accredited. These professionals can analyze building materials and determine if asbestos is present in a house, a shed or fence.
I also speak publicly about asbestos exposure and diseases related to asbestos.
Grateful for each day of My Life
disease and death of Brian mesothelioma at age 54 taught me that no matter our age, we should never take life for granted.
The most precious gift can be taken from us at any time and without warning. For this reason, I now understand what life has to offer me ?? with both hands ?? I rarely put off until tomorrow what I can do today.
