Who nurses a family member?

Question

Since when do you do it, how are you related, is it curable? How do you feel?

Answer 1

My husband became ill 8/18/03...Diagnosed with cancer 9/23/03 and died 10/28/03, 2 days before our 32nd anniversary. That day I lost my best friend.....I took off from work to be with him those two months, at first not knowing how bad it really was and then feeling so helpless because there was nothing I could do to make it better. I would not change anything I did because that time became so precious. You go through many emotions when taking care of someone that is terminally ill, the worst for me was the helpless feeling...You see I'm a Registered Nurse I care for people daily, and this was one time I couldn't make a difference.

Answer 2

I don't nurse anyone, but I cared for my father, my father-in-law, my aunt, and my mother-in-law from the time I was 8. They all needed some care at various times. The only one still alive is my mother-in-law. I like knowing I was, and am, there for them. At various times, they were there for me. Obviously, the illnesses and conditions were terminal. The blessing is knowing you did your part, and that it will not go on forever. Sometimes, you even get a shared bit of wisdom or insight that you can treasure. Sometimes, you have to bite your tongue and pray. It's all a part of life.