"Energizer Bunny"

“The Lord will increase” – that’s what her name means.  She lives up to her name in every sense of the meaning.  She simply has so much of herself to give that “the Lord will increase” His blessings unto her so she won’t run on empty.

She has taken on the role as the primary caregiver for her loved one for the time-being.  I’ve asked her to share her duties, especially night duties, but she declined.  My fear was that she may burn out and told her so.  Her response was simply “I can take it.” 

 

That response “I can take it” - is very reflective of who she is for it doesn’t matter who the loved one that needs caring is, she is the one that the family turns to when it comes to the responsibilities as primary caregiver or alternative primary caregiver.  The great MU fan, a truly filial son who is also another primary caregiver, turns to her whenever he needs to go off for a holiday for he knows with her around he can go off with a peace of mind.

She’s like the “Energizer Bunny” - the mascot that has been promoted as being able to continue operating indefinitely.  The "Energizer Bunny" she may be but as with every primary caregiver, there’s a limit one can take.  Every caregiver needs to re-energize and go for a break. 

So to see her breaking down the other day at the hospital was a relief for me.  Not that I was happy to see her reach her breaking point, but that she was able to let it out.  Brushing aside my rantings and ravings, she reached out with understanding and sharing (for that I sincerely thank you).

My concern was again validated when she shared with me that she broke down during an overseas telephone conversation with her son who had been concerned about her.

Being primary caregivers for a loved one can be stressful and sometimes the primary caregiver may not be aware of it.  However “Energizer Bunny” is aware of this and is careful not to lose sight of her own needs. She goes for her motivational talks and sends me jovial positive phone messages which make my day.

I’m so happy to know that she has kept her date with the “Pirates of the Carribean” this weekend – letting her hair down and will be having loads of fun. Way to go, “Energizer Bunny”!    

Thank you for caring and sharing.