Contributed by Bob Rawlins, consultant to CAIRE Inc. ~
We talk about our journey often. There are challenges and obstacles we need to face every day.
I can never underestimate what the many caregivers have done for me. From all aspects of healthcare. I can’t help but think about where I would be without the caregivers that have blessed my life on my own journey.
A journey that was always changing and always challenging the best of doctors, nurses, surgeons, and aides, you name it, any caregiver for over six years.
- One who gives the tremendous gift of love and aid to another
- Symbol of strength and dedication
It takes a certain kind of person to be a caregiver. It amazes me how much patience they have. How they stay calm in a very tough situation. How they show empathy for the patient and family.
They are angelic. They must be sent from God to care for many.
I’ve talked with many people on this journey, and they all remember who took care of them. By name, what made them special, and it all comes down to the magical word of, KINDNESS!
Can you imagine if we thought about offering kindness to someone every day how you would feel? But, more importantly, how you would make that person feel.
We don’t always know what is happening with the people we see and meet, but being kind makes everything bearable.
Imagine if you acted more like a caregiver at your work or home? Wanting to help in anyway, ease the stress someone might be having that day or just listening to their pain.
We rise by lifting others. I fell in love with this quote from Robert Ingersoll and have shared it with many of my caregivers already.
I remember being in the ICU over six years ago and was finally off my 14-day stint of being on a ventilator. I was as weak as you can be. I lost tons of weight, and I felt such fatigue, and my mood was very anxious. I didn’t know what to think, what was next, asking myself, “Am I going to feel like this forever?”
My doctor sensed my feelings without me saying a word. She said, “it’s ok to feel the way you are feeling. But you have been through a lot, and watching you improve has been nothing short of a miracle. You have the strength inside you to continue this fight, be proud of yourself. Don’t give up, you are doing great.” She left and I had tears in my eyes, she knew without knowing. She had been caring for me for a while and was watching my progress. I never saw her again; it must have been an extra assignment.
About four weeks later, I had visitor from this angel, Canadian doctor that stopped by and heard that I had moved to the step-down floor and wanted to tell me, “I told you so.” 😊
Now, I must share the fact that my mom was born in Canada and lived there most of her life until she got married and moved to the US where I was born. My mom passed many years before I got this sick. But I can’t help but believe my mom was watching over me through the hands of this Canadian doctor with the grace of God.
Caregivers are our superstars, friends. They work tirelessly and back down from nothing when it comes to the care we need.
National Caregivers Day held each February is great. But for me every day is Caregivers Appreciation Day.
Every chance I get I tell them how much I appreciate them. Every hospital should have comment remarks you can leave, take a moment to share how they have made an impact in your life. On National Nurses Week in May, send a card to yours and all nurses who have looked after you.
#kindness
Till next time.
Smile at a caregiver.
Smile at anyone that works in a hospital.
#Touchaheart
#Laugheveryday
#breatheasy
Love you all,
~ Coach Bob
Bob Rawlins, 64, of Medina, Ohio, is a double lung transplant recipient and a patient advocate for those who suffer from respiratory diseases and have been prescribed supplemental oxygen therapy. He is husband to Terese and father to their 17-year-old triplets. He also has two grown twin sons and four grandchildren. He serves as a hospital volunteer, band dad and chaperone, and marketing guru.
If you have been prescribed oxygen therapy, learn more about CAIRE by visiting www.caireinc.com/patients or by calling 1-800-482-2473 to talk to an oxygen advisor.
The contents of this blog post are not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical advice. When using any oxygen therapy device please consult the applicable product instructions for use for product indications, contraindications, warnings, precautions, and detailed safety information.