I was reminded about something this week; reminded that we’re not alone as far as rehab and recovery goes.
Don’t forget that you’re not the only one that had a life-changing event. If you have a special person in your life, they are going through it with you.
Your spouse may be the caregiver or suddenly the bread winner and they have a lot on their plate too. Suddenly they have decisions to make for the family. And don’t even get me started about dealing with insurance companies.
Sometime we, the one who has had the health issue, become blind to their needs. It’s easy to do. You have had a lousy hand dealt to you….but they have too.
I’ve met people who all say the same thing: this isn’t how I planned to spend this part of my life. Maybe you wanted to travel or have time for your hobbies and now that’s been changed. It’s been changed for others too.
It seems like a simple thing to say “Thank you for everything you do, ” But we can be so wrapped up in our own issues that we forget about them. They don’t like to see you this way either. They agree it’s not fair but it is now a reality.
Their life has changed too and yes, you could be stubborn and say “I’m the one who was in the hospital!” Well they had their whole world turned upside-down too.
Let them know that you appreciate them. It doesn’t have to be extreme. Just some acknowledgement of all the work they’ve done to keep the family afloat and keep it all together.
I have a friend who had a devastating stroke. He says if the roles were reversed, he feels like he would have to get some outside help because he could never do for his wife the way she has done things for him. He may be exaggerating because I’m sure he’d do fine and you never know what you’re capable of until you have to step up but I know what he means. I feel the same way about my wife. If I had to do for her what she’s done for me, well I don’t know how I’d compare.
You survived the health crisis but they did too.
Say thanks. It’s not that hard.
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