A Devotion for Family Caregivers

Dear Hospice Family,

Restrictions due to the pandemic continue to isolate family members from one another. As I make calls to our patients’ families, I hear in your voices the anguish that this separation causes. From my heart to yours, I assure you that I ache for the time you are losing with someone who means so much to you. By way of a bittersweet blessing, I want to share a thought with you today.

As a chaplain, I often quote Apostle John and Apostle Paul. Today, I’m going to quote John, Paul, George, and Ringo.

“You and I have memories longer than the road that stretches out ahead.”
The Beatles – “Two of Us Going Nowhere”

While many of you are struggling through the bitter separation brought on by the pandemic, don’t neglect the sweet value of celebrating your memories. It might help to be intentional about your memories. Review a photo album (or start one!). Connect with family and friends to create a timeline and highlights of your loved one’s life. Write down the things that you remember and cherish.

I think one of the best activities is to describe your loved one’s characteristics and give examples as if you were talking to someone who has never met your loved one. And let me add one more suggestion, consider how your loved one impacted you, personally. From the things we say, the things we eat, the way we organize our home, and how we see the world – significant portions of our daily lives are composed of bits and pieces of our loved ones. Celebrate that!

On my part, I am praying for you. Even writing that, it seems like a polite, but very trite thing to say. So, let me phrase it a little differently. Today, I am praying for you to be filled with beautiful memories of the life you share with your loved one. I am praying for you to be overwhelmed with the love you have been given. I am praying for you to be diligent in collecting these memories into whatever kind of basket suits you and I pray for the basket to overflow. I am praying for you to have the opportunity to share your memories with others.

Finally, for that patch of road that actually does stretch out ahead, I pray that it is richly blessed with deep and meaningful connection with your loved one. As the Beatles also sang, “all you need is love.”

Prayerfully Yours,

Clark Smith
Chaplain
Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care

To learn more about how Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care supports families, please call 1-888-564-3405.