Sometimes I feel that sickness is all around me. It makes me think of being in my 20’s and noticing that my mother seemed to be attending funerals frequently. I seriously asked her why she was always going to funerals. It had not once occurred to me that people age and sometimes get ill. Now I am my mother. I have several friends who in varying configurations are living their lives as caregivers.
One friend has moved her mother into her 4 bedroom home, has 2 visiting nurses one of whom lives in with two adult children and a childhood friend who does not have a place to live. She works from home and her home-life is forever changed, mostly negatively. But she is doing the right thing as far as her mind is concerned.
Another friend recently retired and without notice became the primary caregiver for her younger sister who also had just retired and developed a neurological disease. Her sister and husband began living with her in a 2 bedroom apartment. For one year she has run ragged from doctor to specialist in search of a cure. Each of my friends find themselves in situations that could be foreseen but were not foreseeable.
To help them I look for activities that last 2 – 2 1/2 hours where they can escape their reality. I extend invitations to go to the movie with me or to the museum. And because they must also cook for their charges and will often NOT leave, I prepare soups. It is as Amy Goyer outlined in another AARP post, practical help is what caregivers need.
It is my intention always to make soups that reflect the love my caregiver friends have for their love ones and that I have for them. I want these soups to be easy to prepare, not taste the same and be healing. Last week that turned out to be a Red Lentil Cauliflower soup, a White Bean and a Smoked Turkey, and a Turkey Chili. They are always grateful. And I do not need a thank you because it is all for love.
AARP has a wonderful checklist for holiday caregiving. Take a quick look. Remember your caregiver friends will love you for just doing it. Don’t ask. Just put something together. And if you have a soup suggestion that I can add to my repertoire, please hit the comment button and share with me.
I am part of AARP’s kitchen cabinet on caregiving. This is a series of posts on the topic of caregiving. This post and my social media involvement is compensated, but all opinions are my own.
ConnieFoggles says
Your soup comes from the heart and that’s the best gift anyone can ask for.
boomrwiz says
Thanks Connie. I fancy myself an amateur cook and serious foodie.