Most Beautiful People

In yesterday’s email I read this quote from Elisabeth Kübler-Ross:

The most beautiful people are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

I thought of all who have known the depths of the caregiving journey:

• Family, friends and neighbors caring for their loved ones
• Clinicians, social service and direct care workers whose calling is caring.

All of you, caregivers, are most beautiful people; it’s my privilege and passion to support all who care.

I honor your sensitivity, understanding, compassion, gentleness and love! In the face of suffering, struggles, setbacks and loss that are often invisible to others, you carry on. You continue to care, even when done at great cost to yourself. I salute your stamina and generous spirit.

I urge you to care for yourself as you care for others. If the light of love within you burns out, all those you touch will suffer great loss. The world will be a darker place. Take care. We need beautiful people like you.

 

 

Tagged as: caregiving, Caring for the Caregiver, emotional aspects of caregiving, Family caregiver, Jane Meier Hamilton, Professional caregiver, Self-care