Why Me?
By Kristin Stetler Donovan, Owner
Aging In Place Senior Care Service
I am sure everyone has asked themselves the question “Why me?”
I know I have asked myself that question many times. When bad things happen to us, I think it is only natural. I have to say that when my parents were failing and in need of a great deal of care or when a family member or close friend developed a serious health problem, and even more so when I developed health conditions of my own, I surely asked myself that very question.
When I find myself asking “Why me?” I can’t help but remember a homily or two from when I was a teen attending church with my parents. Honestly, they are the only two homilies I remember, but they truly made such an impression and they often come to mind when I feel overwhelmed or as though I am facing a situation that seems daunting.
The first was a story about the fact that everyone has a cross to bear. If we all carried our troubles in the form of a cross and were allowed to enter a room and put our cross down, but with the caveat that we must leave the room with our cross or someone else’s. The ultimate message was that after looking at everyone else’s cross (problems or burdens), most, if not all, will go and select their own cross and exit the room. Even though it seems that life is not fair when we are faced with adversity, there are others that may be enduring even more. It is only when we see others’ strife that it puts our own into perspective.
The second homily I recall was similar in nature. A man was carrying his cross and it was so very heavy. He was not permitted to leave the cross behind and abandon it, just as we can’t discard problems or issues that we face, although it was quite heavy and burdensome. The man came to a large opening in the land and could not figure for the life of him how to get across the opening in his path. He managed to maneuver the cross he was carrying to make a bridge to get across the abyss. The moral to this story is that although our “cross” or problems seem so painful, burdensome, and difficult to bear, we cannot deny their existence and they may in fact help us get to the “other side” or a better place after having carried our “cross” or bearing the brunt of the pain experienced because of our problems or issues.
The intent of this article is not about religion nor an intent to preach or to try to tell you that your responsibilities, pains, and burdens are not as bad as others. It is more so to let you know that you can gain perspective from your trials and tribulations. Also, that you may realize that you are able to use your experience to help you find a solution to make your situation better, therefore, something positive may develop as a result.
Be thankful for every chance you get, not because life has been easy, perfect, or exactly as you had anticipated, but because you chose to be happy and grateful for all the good things you do have and all the problems you know that you don’t have.
If you feel the burden of a health condition or illness, you are assisting a family member or friend that needs additional support to remain safe and independent at home, please contact our office at 302-722-8240 and we would be happy to help you in any way we can. We are a resource that might be able to make the weight of the cross you may be carrying a little lighter.
Testimonials
“Meant to call and tell you how much we enjoyed the caregiver. We definitely plan to use her again, thanks.” ~ Alice S.
“Thank you so much for your extraordinary service and level of professionalism. If you ever need a reference I am happy to provide.” ~ Ann M.
“Thank you so much for taking care of my Dad these last several years. Your support allowed him to live with dignity and independence he otherwise would not have experienced. We are forever grateful for your service and dedication.” ~ Mike R.
(302) 722-8240
5586 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
