2008 “Give a Caregiver a Break” RUNNER-UP: Martha
"Good Morgan"
"Good Morgan" (gentle smile).
"Good Morgan."
"Know what you say to me sometimes?"
"What?" (gentle smile).
"What's good about it?" (gentle laugh).
"And you know what I say? To see your beautiful face and Mother's when she wakes up. That's what's good about it!" (gentle touch on the cheeks). And, that's the ‘trufh' and nothing but the ‘trufh.'"
Our beautiful laughter fills the room as our eyes lock on each other. This daily routine makes the saying "count your blessings" more meaningful than yesterday.
I'm a 24/7 caregiver (of my 93-year-old mother, also). Welcome to my world. As I sit here sharing my life, the monitor to my left alerted me to a sound from Daddy's bedroom...Daddy's okay. Often times when Daddy awakens he will pray aloud. I just sit and listen. You're invited to my world, so enter, please.
After Daddy and I enjoy each other's morning greetings, it's bed exercises next. (It's imperative to keep him moving, especially a heart patient with asthma, CAD, COPD, hip surgery and short-term memory loss.) We hold onto each other's shoulders as I pull Dad up onto the bedside. Dad's bright eyes and gentle smile again warm my heart. After medications and dressing, we're ready to walk (full gait belt) through the house for exercise to keep the bones and muscles moving. Upon Daddy's approval, off we go (with wheelchair in tow). Fun and safety are a great combination. After monitoring pulse and oxygen, breakfast is prepared with love by Daddy's beautiful wife of 67 years. We both delight in Dad's enjoyment of the meal. Daddy's happy. We're happy.
Next, assorted activities at the table-challenging math exercises, prayers, hand putty, favorite songs, Dad's harmonica tunes, comical stories or just sitting and holding hands (touch is not a one-way street). A short nap while clean-up is completed, medications organized, calories counted, doctors contacted. Then, an evening of togetherness-board games, cards, polka music, family videos.
Time goes by so quickly (something we all need to remember). Now, snack, breathing treatment, medications, prayers, and lots of kisses and hugs as Daddy gets ready for bed. As I gaze into Daddy's eyes, I always end the day with, God bless you, goodnight. I love you. I'll see you in the ‘Morgan' (I pray).
I regularly hear compliments from doctors, relatives, neighbors, clergy, about how "good" Daddy looks and on Daddy's positive attitude. They say it's the constant, continual loving care. Because of that, they don't see an elderly, homebound person. They see a World War II veteran, V.A. administrator, semi-professional golfer, self-taught musician, typist, skater, singer, devoted family man who sacrificed everything for his wife and children.
I'm asked, why, for five years, I've sacrificed career, marriage, my own needs. I realize the importance of each and every day, hour, precious moments. Thank you for sharing my world. I care. I give. I treasure every "Good ‘Morgan.'"
—Martha Jupinko, Tucson,AZ
Winner of $500 in free respite care
From Home Instead Senior Care
Cares for father, George Jupinko