Newly Diagnosed
Anchor Phrase: I'm Part of the Story
Dear Caregiver,
The phrase that will anchor us in this chapter (and beyond) is “I’m part of the story.”
Your person has recently received a life-changing diagnosis and at this moment all of the focus is on them. But I know from personal experience that your life has also just been flipped upside down and yet very little attention is being given to you. You may even feel as if you’re not allowed to express your feelings about how challenging this is because you aren’t the one who is ill or injured.
Friend, I’m here to tell you that you are part of the story, that I see and acknowledge that this diagnosis impacts you in countless ways, and that here, in this chapter, you will find resources to process that reality and be supported as you do.
I’m so sorry this is happening to you, but since it is, I’m glad you’ve found your way here.
reflection questions
- What have been the effects of this new diagnosis on your life and well-being?
- In what ways do you imagine this diagnosis will impact your life and well-being moving forward?
- What reactions do you have or emotions do you experience when you hear us say that you are part of the story?
- What might be at the root of those feelings?
- How might this season of caregiving be different if you go into it with the understanding that you are part of the story?
Guided Meditation
Essays and Poetry
Caregiver Position Description
Position Summary: The Caregiver cares for the patient’s medical, physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social-emotional, financial, organizational, and dietary needs.
Reporting to: This position reports to the patient, medical staff, the patient’s mother, other family members, friends, acquaintances, and everyone on Facebook.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
1. Be or become an expert on the patient’s illness.
Holding Pattern
We are:
Holding the weight of this diagnosis on our shoulders and our souls,
Holding the doctors and researchers accountable to do their jobs, even and especially in this most complicated case,
Holding our breath that all will go well,
Holding out hope that he will defy statistics,