|
Written by Mark and Sheryl Douras Being a parent of a chronically ill child places you in a unique category of grief. This category could be called a “Living Grief”. You have not lost your child through death. But due to the illness, you now own a list of losses that you have to live with. It is important for you to understand that this grief is what you are facing and will face. Let’s take a look at grief in general. We at Refreshing Mercies see grief as a series of waves. We use the image of waves because each element of grief is experienced more than once and just like waves the effects of grief are unpredictable and vary in size and strength. The more you keep an eye on the waves the more you will be able to handle them. Keep an eye on the “Waves of Grief” that you will experience.
Let us now consider the uniqueness of a “Living Grief”. In general, grief often makes us selfish. This selfishness is reflected in our emotions, thoughts, and behavior. It is also seen in how we spend our time and energy. Grief can also cause us to isolate ourselves from those who love us and those who need us the most. As a parent of a chronically ill child you must balance your needs with the needs of the rest of your family. Here are 5 tips to help you survive during your journey of “Living Grief”. 1. Relate to your ill child. Enter their world and let them enter your world. Perspectives from both worlds are important for both of you. Comfort and understanding, security and challenge, appreciation and respect are gained for all who participate in sharing these worlds. 2. Playtime is important. The meaning of playtime varies depending upon the age of your child. It is important to both the parent and to the child as you engage with your child at whatever level and meaning of play they can participate in. Your child needs to have you be part of their play world. 3. Take care of yourself. Remember the instructions when flying? “First, place your oxygen mask on. Then, help your child get their mask on.” This principle is so important for your longevity in being the parent that your child needs. Eat healthy. Stay hydrated. Plan times of rest. Be faithful in some sort of exercise. Taking care of yourself is key in managing your stress. 4. Manage your stress levels. Monitoring and managing your own stress is vital for your health, your child’s emotional health, and for the health of your marriage. 5. Strive to maintain a normal balanced life with your child when possible. Your child and your family will benefit from structure and stability in the home. The American Psychological Association says: “When a child is sick, parents often have a tendency to become overprotective. Try not to shelter your child or limit his activities unnecessarily. On the other hand, some parents of sick children become overly permissive — allowing the child to stay up late, for example, or to have extra snacks. But children crave structure, and may become scared or confused if you start breaking your own rules. As much as possible, try to maintain the same family routine you had before your child became ill. Many parents struggle with how to speak to a child about his or her illness. Be sure you're sharing age-appropriate information. Don't give too much information, but also don't try to hide the facts. If a child overhears a doctor or doesn't understand what's happening, he or she may begin to imagine the worst. Talk to your child about what he or she is feeling. Parents may be surprised by which aspects of an illness are most difficult for a child. For instance, children with cancer may find not being able to do things they used to do more stressful than uncertainty about their survival. Sick kids can also feel isolated at school. Help them practice a short script so they can explain their condition to friends or classmates who ask questions or stare. If you have other children, it's important to make some one-on-one time with them, too, so they know they're still important. Make them part of the team; help them figure out how they can be involved in caring for their brother or sister.” https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/chronic-illness-child.aspx Here are a few coping tools that may help you in your journey: 1. Keep lists:
2. Once you have your lists:
3. Journaling is also a helpful tool to express yourself. It allows you to get your thoughts out of your head without keeping them stifled inside of you or reacting explosively to other people. This tool also allows you to learn from your journey by seeing your personal growth and, most importantly, seeing God’s activity in your life. 4. Enlist the support and companionship of family, friends and your church community. Now let’s turn to God’s Word. Luke 17:11-19 says that there were ten men who had had the chronic disease of leprosy. We do not know how long they had this decease or the severity of the decease. But we do know a few things about what they must have experienced:
Whether we and our children return to a normal life or not, the thing that makes the difference is if Jesus is part of that life. Leprosy was not the only thing that was healed in that one man’s life on that day. He saw the healing power of Jesus. He was grateful for the healing that he had received. I believe that he knew that he needed more physical healing. Carry this one thought with you: Through Words of Christ, thanksgiving heals many wounds. By Mark and Sheryl Douras, Refreshing Mercies Ministry The following links to articles may be of interest. https://healthcareinamerica.us/being-real-about-chronic-illness-a-message-for-parents-who-are-caregivers-5526dea281f https://www.kaleidoscopefightinglupus.org/10-tips-for-parents-living-with-chronic-disease/ http://nationalautismassociation.org/coping-with-stress-when-your-child-has-a-chronic-illness-or-disability/
0 Comments
Written by Mark and Sheryl Douras Psalm 116:17 offers a loving challenge for us who face loss during Thanksgiving. It says, “To You I shall offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and call upon the name of the Lord.” The interesting thing is that two verses before this verse the author reveals that he probably recently lost his mother.
|
AuthorMark and Sheryl Douras desire to supply you with helpful resources. CategoriesArchives |
RSS Feed