Lois Cox is available to speak to your group about her caregiving experience. God taught her much about His providence, strength, and care during her time of caring for Jerry. Lois has shared her experiences in Wisconsin, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Oklahoma.
Complete the form below and I will contact you. The talk has the following outline:
Complete the form below and I will contact you. The talk has the following outline:
- I have learned life is unpredictable. Be sure you end each day with those you love knowing it!
- I have learned the tear ducts never run dry.
- I have learned God is in control--not our healthcare system.
- I have learned a loving home environment is therapeutic.
- I have learned to extend forgiveness to any who have wronged you before it is too late to do so.
- I have learned if you don’t make that call today to reach out to someone, you may not get another chance.
- I have learned the true meaning of “in sickness and in health.”
- I have learned patience.
- I have learned how valuable handicapped parking spaces are.
- I have learned how to put on a condom catheter after Jerry was asleep in the dark using a flashlight and how to keep draining catheter bags from stinking.
- I have learned a brain injury really can require 20 hours of sleep a day.
- I have learned how much I truly miss Jerry’s gorgeous bass voice singing every day.
- I have learned caregiving is emotionally, physically, and spiritually exhausting but also the most fulfilling work you will ever do.
- I have learned that grieving doesn’t wait until the end but is a process day to day.
- I have learned that what you do today will ensure you have no regrets tomorrow.
- I have learned that the Bible has the answer to every problem and concern and the source of joy and peace that cannot be understood.
- I have learned how journaling through CaringBridge is the best way to create a community of support while creating a place to transparently share the struggles of a dependent patient.
- I have learned that the promises in the Bible are true--every one of them!
- I have learned God will weave the threads of your life, positive and negative, into a beautiful tapestry if you allow Him to do so.
- I have learned how valuable good neighbors are.
- I have learned there is no better way to start the day than with God.
- I have learned that home health is one of the best ways Medicare spends our tax money.
- I have learned that God provides.
- I have learned that Jerry was ready for heaven when it came.
- I have learned how important it is to have family support and how much it hurts when I don’t.
- I have learned no matter how attentive my caregiving was, I still missed things, and he still had ER visits and hospital stays.
- I have learned what a blessing online shopping is for homebound caregivers.
- I have learned people are what is important in life and that possessions require money, repair, cleaning, storage, often have to be moved, and eventually have to be sold or given away.
- I have learned there is plenty of cuddle time after a stroke--why not before?
- I have learned a garden is a place of God’s beauty and a solace for a gardener.
- I have learned the meaning of crying out to God--literally.
- I have learned that every day has more to be thankful for than it has problems.
- I have learned how valuable a phone call or visit is from a friend.
- I have learned how much you miss corporate worship when you can’t attend but how meaningful worship in my living room could be with just Jerry and God.
- I have learned you can put your life on hold by reading the right books, keeping projects to do, journaling, and connecting through your faith for strength.
- I have learned sacrificial caregiving is not the norm unfortunately.
- I have learned how wonderful Jerry’s hugs and kisses were--they made my day.
- I have learned how your priority list changes overnight when your husband has a stroke.
- I have learned to experience delusions and hallucinations through Jerry.
- I have learned Satan will take ANY opportunity to try to move in on a dedicated Christian because he has a brain injury.
- I have learned even though this Jerry was not My Jerry all the time, he delighted me with snippets of him from time to time.
- I have learned that when you give up your life for someone, God gives you a new life.
- I have learned you had to fight for your loved one as an advocate to get the care he needed and deserved.
- I have learned that hospice is a great organization to guide you through the end of life.
- I have learned now I can look back on this experience with great joy knowing I did all I could for the man I loved.