Caregiver

“Caregiving often calls us to lean into love we didn’t know possible.” ― Tia Walker

You stay in the background, behind the wheelchair

You have valuable insights to share

That are relevant to the medical condition

Of the one you care for, your loved one

You’ve driven her here, wheeled her in

Listened to her rants while waiting

To her personal needs you have promptly attended

You’ve fed her since it is taking longer than intended

To be seen by the physician, they’re running behind

You’re rehearsing what to say repeatedly in your mind

Some uncomfortable truths you have to relay

To the physician, but that must not get in the way

Of your tenuous relationship as a caregiver

You know you constantly battle with her

About being compliant with medications

You want this to be reinforced by her physician

But you must do it tactfully, because you know

How that conversation could go

With vehement denials from her side

How much to say, and how, you’re still trying to decide

*

The physician appears, quiet in the background you stay

But then speak up before they turn away

You are just the caregiver, the focus is on the patient

But to reveal your perspective seems important..

*

The visit is over, you wheel your patient out

She would be annoyed at your interjection, no doubt

But she turns to you and unexpectedly says,

“Thank you for keeping me on track always”

*

That one sentence is enough to melt away

Your caregiver fatigue, at least for the day