The Little Things Matter

You don’t ask for much for yourself, and you do so much for everyone else.  

Sometimes it’s the little things that matter when you’re a Caregiver. 

It’s the person in the grocery store line that urges you to go first because you have your hands full with a small child or two and a visibly uncomfortable veteran spouse.

It’s when someone you know writes you an “I’m thinking about you, how are you?” email, card, or posting.

It’s when a small child pats your daughter’s artificial leg and asks if she can still play soccer?

It’s a hug from a friend when no words need to be spoken, and you really needed that hug.

 

It’s when you’re in a crowd, things start feeling dicey for your family, and without a blink, a kind stranger guides you out to an open space.

It’s a callback, a referral, a resolution to a long-standing challenge, or an appointment that fits your schedule without juggling.

It’s when your son shows a glimmer of his old self; a remembered quirk, a breakthrough comment.

It’s a jug of wildflowers left outside your door with a note saying, “Sorry I missed you”.

It’s when someone offers you a flexible job because you clearly have it together and they love your work/life ethics.

It’s when you sit down and weep for what you’ve lost, and at the same time, you realize that you’re wiser/stronger/better than you were before.

It’s when your pet curls up beside you, simply because they sense that you need it.

And, when those small things occur, and you’ve noticed them?  You have become someone extra-extraordinary with a grateful heart.

Blessings and care,

Linda Kreter and the VeteranCaregiver Team

Fitting Description of Caregivers

Hi friends,

Caregiving for warriors and veterans seems to be getting more intense, though we cannot put our finger on the reason.  There are no doubt many. Yet, as caregivers, no matter the circumstances, you all step up and master the next step, even under sometimes harrowing conditions.  So what is a good description of the mighty Caregiver?

Caregivers are a combination of grace under pressure, power and strength, and compassionate fortitude to go the extra mile(s).

If you were a flower, what would you be?  Consider the simple daisy.  It is a tall flower with a slender stem, but it holds up a large, sturdy flower and bends with the winds, even at their highest levels.  Rarely do daisies blow over, but when they do, the next day, they are standing tall, faces to the sun.  You too stand tall, carrying a heavy load, swaying sometimes in fierce winds, but you are indomitable.  You also do this year after year, just as the perennial daisy.

If you were an animal, what best describes you?  How about a Mama Grizzly bear, known for her fierce loyalty, deep instincts, and extraordinary protection of her brood.  Daily, you too exhibit this tenacity, and nothing will get in the way of obtaining care for your warrior, even if it means you look after yourself last.  But, like the Grizzly, you choose your battles wisely so that you will conserve energy and knowledge to get yet another step ahead in recovery.

And, if you were a vehicle, what do you envision?  Certainly that snappy little convertible is fast, but for protection, perhaps you are the most tricked-out, armored, armed, and serious vehicle in the United States, “The Beast”, that can go anywhere, anytime.  You’re hard to penetrate, built to withstand much, provide protection for your family, and you roll on.  You’re built for the long journey, while also looking sharp for important events, because showing your best face forward is how you share your confidence.

Finally, you have the biggest heart, the widest embrace, and the best smile in the universe for those who’ve earned your trust.  We salute you this Flag Day; Caregivers are amazing people and patriots!

Linda