Nobody Should Have Nobody

Perimenopause and menopause are often associated with major changes in a woman’s life. Besides the obvious physical changes, there are many emotional and spiritual changes that occur as well.

There are many options to help us manage, and more importantly, thrive through these changes. For some, these changes may be a few years of navigation, for others it seems endless. For others still, this time occurs without much fuss.

In addition to these personal changes, life continues to happen around us and decisions need to be made. Most recently, I am faced with helping my great aunt Ida manage through the rest of her life. She is in her mid nineties and I am her legal guardian responsible for all her care.

She has been in a nursing home far away. She’s been there for almost 10 years, which is much longer than the average stay. She recently had a massive stroke and was transferred to a local hospital. There is no one who can sit by her bedside to hold her hand, stroke her hair and tell her everything will be okay.

This recent experience has made me realize that ‘nobody should have nobody’. There are so many people who have to face major and minor life decisions on their own.

It saddens me to think that their are people out their without an advocate, a friend to stand or sit with them and who has their best interest at heart. As we get older we find we are in this situation more often. We are caring for older family and friends, while at the same time caring for ourselves and if we have children, caring for them also.

Everyone needs someone they can lean on. So the next time you are called upon, directly or indirectly to help another in need, don’t hestitate. They will feel better, even if they can’t say so, and equally important you will too. It will renew your spirits and replenish your renewable energy.

And sometimes all we can do is breathe, just breathe. And pray. It maybe all that is needed. It maybe enough.