Joy & Comfort at the End of Life

The end of life is as important as the beginning. As I watch my father struggle with the daily tasks of living at age 88, I realize what a precious time of life this is. He needs protection, attention, help dressing, and getting into bed. My mother, at age 86, struggles to care for him. Sometimes he won’t eat his supper. He loves to go to MacDonald’s, and go out for ice-cream. He takes time. I know that this time with my father is one of joy and sadness, and I try to focus on the joyful part as much as possible.

Seeing a parent regress is not what children of aging parents expect. The transition from being nurtured to becoming the nurturer sneaks up slowly. Then POW! One day you realize the roles have been reversed.

I recall the huge amount of time and care my children, as infants, demanded, and sometimes I felt like a part of me was lost to them. It is the same with my father. Now I realize the time I spend with him is not lost, but defines me, and is one of life's greatest gifts.

One of the greatest feelings is to be able to help someone, and I am glad to have had this time with my parents. As I struggle to maintain a balance in life with my business (Maine Warmers), my husband, children, grandchildren, and parents I sometimes feel run ragged. I am grateful to have a Cozy Sheep to help my back muscles relax at the end of each day. My father used the Hand Warmers after he had a stroke and his hands were so cold. My mother gets a pinched nerve in her neck now and then and is thankful to have a Neck Warmer to relax the tense muscles and ease the pain. If you are looking for a gift for and elderly person, consider the gift of a microwave heating pad.