I wanted to share with you all what Mom and Dad's dear friend, Mary, wrote in a comment on my first blog post. Everything she wrote is so very true, and I pray that you will all take it to heart. If you choose to do so, you can reach mom at latexorose@gmail.com or at 770-584-7383. We are eternally grateful for the countless prayers that have been lifted up, the uplifting cards that have been sent, and the precious friends who have taken food, gift certificates, and more to my parents. No act of kindness, however small, has gone unnoticed.
From Mary:
I am a big fan of Robert Bowles and am thankful that he is surrounded by such a
loving and supportive family. I could write a glowing tribute to this sweet man;
but since this is also an informative forum, I would like to switch to one of
Robert's favorite topics: his wife.
More specifically, his main caregiver. Anyone who has ever done the day-to-day care of a loved one who is losing skills can attest to how difficult that task can be and how stressful it can be to one's immune system. Anyone who know Judy also knows that she has had a lot of her active years robbed from her because of an ugly case of lupus. (During which her "gift from God" took care of her.)
Thank God, it is in remission right now. But I am concerned about its rearing its monstrous head if she continues working as hard as she is right now. So, let's all think of ways we can take care of the caregiver. Robert, more than anyone else, would appreciate our doing that.
Let her know you're coming to sit with Robert one afternoon so she can go out and piddle around Wal-Mart. You couples: The husband can sit with Robert and the wife can take Judy out to lunch. Send her a certificate for a massage or a manicure. Ask her permission for you to pack an overnight bag so you can sleep near Robert and listen out for him so she can slip away for a night of uninterrupted (and thereby restorative) sleep. If you run into her downtown, ask about her even before you ask about Robert (Robert would love you for that). Be aware that she is grieving as she sees the love of her life slip further away on those "some days." Encourage her to cry on your shoulder, to talk about her pain, to reminisce about their years together bringing 3 little ones into the world.Pray for her and love her so she can remain physically and emotionally strong enough to take care of our dear Robert.
More specifically, his main caregiver. Anyone who has ever done the day-to-day care of a loved one who is losing skills can attest to how difficult that task can be and how stressful it can be to one's immune system. Anyone who know Judy also knows that she has had a lot of her active years robbed from her because of an ugly case of lupus. (During which her "gift from God" took care of her.)
Thank God, it is in remission right now. But I am concerned about its rearing its monstrous head if she continues working as hard as she is right now. So, let's all think of ways we can take care of the caregiver. Robert, more than anyone else, would appreciate our doing that.
Let her know you're coming to sit with Robert one afternoon so she can go out and piddle around Wal-Mart. You couples: The husband can sit with Robert and the wife can take Judy out to lunch. Send her a certificate for a massage or a manicure. Ask her permission for you to pack an overnight bag so you can sleep near Robert and listen out for him so she can slip away for a night of uninterrupted (and thereby restorative) sleep. If you run into her downtown, ask about her even before you ask about Robert (Robert would love you for that). Be aware that she is grieving as she sees the love of her life slip further away on those "some days." Encourage her to cry on your shoulder, to talk about her pain, to reminisce about their years together bringing 3 little ones into the world.Pray for her and love her so she can remain physically and emotionally strong enough to take care of our dear Robert.
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