If you look up caregiver in the dictionary, it is defined as someone who gives direct care. The example given was someone who cares for the chronically ill, or for children. Since I teach special education children (K-22yrs old) about moving their bodies, then I would qualify as a caregiver. I feel a great deal of pride in being called a caregiver, even though our society does not seem to value the importanceof what we are doing with monetary remuneration. Teachers and nurses who are primary caregivers, are usually at the bottom rung of the ladder when it comes to salaries, so I know firsthand most of us did not go into it for the money. (Doctors fare much better with their standard of living.) However, in most foreign countries these same teachers and nurses are well paid and revered by the entire society. An interesting commentary about what we value in this Country-----------we would much rather pay the people who take care of our cars more than the people who take care of our elderly or children. Something to think about, now that there is a shortage in both fields.

So, if it is not for the money why do most people go into these fields? I truly believe it is a calling for most people, and also a very special gift that they are honoring. I believe that we all are born with a purpose, and it is up to all of us to find out what that purpose is, in order to fulfill our destiny. It is what fills your soul with joy each day and makes you excited to go to work. Caregivers truly fulfill the calling of being of service to others, regardless of pay---for most it is their soul’s destiny. I’ve seen many people go into these professions, after they realized that the corporate or business world did not fulfill their soul’s joy or destiny. Once they honor what their true purpose is, there is a different look in their faces and they are excited with“loving life.” This may sound a little corny, but I have seen it happen over and over again-----------it is about a soul’s renewal and remembrance of their promise. It is about truly loving what you do!!!!!

Does that mean that there are no “down days” as a caregiver----(whether you are paid for your position or a brother or sister taking care of a sibling or a parent taking care of a child or another adult or your parent)---- because we all human. I like to think that we are “All Spiritual Beings having a Human Experience.” There is a tremendous amount of stress related to being a caregiver and sometimes it takes its toll on you physically, mentally, and emotionally. So, as funny as it may seem caregivers are usually the worst people at taking care of themselves.

It is a valuable lesson that they must learn in order to truly last in this lifestyle. I call it following the “Caregiver’s Golden Rule---------“Do unto YOU as you would Do unto others!!!!” So, for me, I have learned to take a mental health day every once in awhile, when my batteries need to be recharged. I do something just for ME----like sleeping in----going to the beach-----staying at home with the phone off--- getting a massage----anything that I want to do!!!!

Another group of caregivers that I really want to acknowledge are those parents who are dealing with children with a disability or those children who are dealing with parents who require constant care. I have a great deal of respect and appreciation for them. I watched my mom care for my dad who had Altzheimer's, and respected her choice of "in sickness and in health", but I also had to let her know that she needed a break sometimes for herself. It can be a thankless job being with people that don’t even understand what you are trying to do for them, and all you can do is just love them.

I think love and compassion are the main ingredient for ALL caregivers. So, in ending this article on caregivers I would like to say if you know one----let them know how much you appreciate what they do---that is worth more than money!!! If you are one, and receive a great deal of joy, love, and peace in what you do, than know that you are truly fulfilling your soul’s work and that What You Do is Important to the World!!!

Fran Buckless has been a coach and educator for over 30 years. She has just started a newsletter, "All About Caring", on her website http://www.myallaboutcaring.com. Her goal is to remind people that there is someone out there that cares about them and their needs. Fran comes from a spiritual background, and believes in helping others through a variety of ways. If you need a "pick me up" or something that will make you "think", read one of her articles. She is just like you, and will try to relate some of her experiences knowing that there are others who are going through the same thing. She is also committed to helping you find other people who come from integrity in a variety of fields-----people that you don't have to search for but can trust. If you like honesty, you will like what she has to write about. She is truly inspirational, and has a bigger heart than anyone I know.

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