I am sure there are a number of people who have cared for someone who is terminally ill. I cannot fathom the inner strength this must demand. I try to imagine that they, who have lived as caregivers for another, find strength they never knew they had simply because a task needed to be performed. It is not possible for us who have never walked in those shoes to know how they feel. Yet, sometimes people find themselves without support or compassion from their community because of fears or prejudices.
Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross opened the door for this topic with her book, On Death & Dying in 1969. Her famous stages of dying; Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance has become the mantra of the counseling profession. She also was at the beginning in training those who would care for many considered outcasts, they who were infected with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Many are in need of support, compassion, understanding, and assistance in their remaining days, months, or years that they have left on this earth. I praise and give thanks to those who have cared for or are caring for a terminally ill precious soul. We who are not would do well to pray for the caregivers as well as those they are serving.
In addition, we should seek to develop a heart of compassion to any in need and any way we may be able to serve. Some day we may be in a position, or someone we love; hoping to find a helping hand, and a heart of kindness and compassion (Colossians 3:12; James 1:27).As always, you you are not grieving alone, Matthew 11:28; Galatians 6:2.
