A Caregiver’s Prayer

Dear God, help me better understand and believe I can do what needs to be done.

Forgive me for the times, even now, when I question your judgment.

As I go about the many daily tasks of caregiving, give me energy.

As I watch my loved one oh-so-slowly walk across the room, give me strength.

As I answer his/her repeated question just one more time, give me patience.

As I look for solutions to whatever is the most recent concern, give me wisdom.

As I reminisce with him/her about the “good old days,” give me moments of laughter over the fond memories.

As I get to know my loved one in a new way, seeing both his/her strengths and frailties, give me joy.

As I sit beside my loved one’s bed waiting for his/her pain medication to take effect, give me comfort and peace.

Lighten my burden, answer my prayer, and give me the strength to do what so often seems impossible.

Give me a quiet place to rest when I need it and a quieting of my anxieties when I feel overwhelmed.

Change my attitude from a tired, frustrated and sometimes angry caregiver to the loving and compassionate one I want to be.

Remain my constant companion as I face the challenges of caregiving.

And when my job is through and it’s time for me to let go, help me remember he/she is leaving my loving arms to enter your eternal embrace.

Adapted from: Caregiving: Keys to Survival & Revival By Monica and Bill Dodds from Liguori Publications, 2009 Click her for link.