The Beacon

This Year, as a Caregiver, I Promise…

Article Date: January 2010 – The Beacon Online

by Starr Calo–oy

To agree with my loved one instead of arguing with her. To let her think she is right– To yield as Jesus does.

To stop correcting her. To realize I do not need to try to change anyone but myself!

To help preserve her dignity as a human being rather than making her feel stupid. To respect, encourage and praise her.

To stop keeping a record of her wrongs. To forgive unconditionally as Jesus does my sins.

To encourage others to forgive her too. To ask her forgiveness– to make peace. To spend more time listening to her. To ask her about her life and go through the photo albums with her.

To say “I love you” more often and make physical contact with her; to hug and kiss her more.

To get more rest and take better care of myself.

To turn her care over to another if I begin losing control of myself.

To spend time daily praying WITH my loved one. To take better care of her SPIRITUALLY.

To think before I speak, to speak softly, to edify and build her up rather than use my mouth to tear her down.

“⁴Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; ⁵does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; ⁶does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; ⁷bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” 1Corinthians 13:4–7

“Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may be well with you in the land which the LORD your God is giving you.” Deuteronomy 5:16

Need I say more? The Lord said it all–

Starr & Bob Calo–oy cared for the terminally ill and people with different forms of dementia in their own home for 25 years and are the authors of 4 caregiving books. Starr hosts “Caregiving 101” and “Marriage 101” on Great Day Sunday on KENS–TV 5 every Sunday morning and both of the Calo–oy’s host 2, one–hour radio talk shows on KKYX–680am every Saturday morning; Caregiving 101 & Marriage 101. Call 210.521.8668 and/or visit our websites at: www.caregiversadvice.net www.marriage101.net —free counseling & classes.

Starr writes monthly for “The Beacon” – a San Antonio Christian Newspaper. The Beacon online at: The Beacon.