Martyrdom: The too easy way.

Being selfish can be an attribute. The smart thing. Especially for care-givers. Unfortunately, I see care-givers who don’t adequately care for themselves. They become exhausted. Mentally. Physically. Emotionally. I know one in particular.  She’s on the road to burn out. Caring for her dementia-ridden parents. She gets help. From her husband. And hired care-givers, too. But she doesn’t get near enough respite. Care-giving and life have become an endless and deploring  grind. Not the way life was meant to be. For four years now, and counting. I fear that it may end tragically. Another case of a care-giver succumbing before the recipients. That’s sad. But it happens every day. I encourage Alzheimer care-givers to find ways to avoid 24/7 care-giving. Ain’t good for anyone. Downright self-defeating. Better not to be a saint. Doing more harm than good. Many saints shouldn’t be revered. They should have known better. Found  ways to survive. In order to become better and long-lasting care-givers. By being a little bit selfish. Caring for themselves. Instead of  choosing the too easy way. Martyrdom. –Jim Broede