I have always been a staunch advocate of taking time for oneself to restore your own peace, mental and emotional health. It also helps in our relationships as well as rebuilding energy to take on what life throws at you. This has been tested in all of our lives but I truly understood and had greater appreciation of this thinking in recent months.
Eric and I recently went on an amazing getaway to Montego Bay, Jamaica. It was a time of refreshing for us after a highly stressful and sad time for us both. It started with the sudden death of my father, John Garrett. I call it sudden because, although he was 97 years old, he was so youthful in mind and, for the most part, also in body, but began feeling unwell and was discovered to have an intestinal blockage which quickly deteriorated his body within just a couple of weeks. He was vibrant to the end, a pure-hearted servant and patriarch.
Just a couple of days after we buried my father and I returned home, my mother-in-law, Gloria, 93, who had been residing with us and I was caring for, and who was battling Alzheimer’s, was also suddenly hospitalized. She had also been very vibrant and physically active. What was really jarring was the fact that she was diagnosed with the same condition that had just taken my father’s life. We thought we had it beat but she was again hospitalized less than 2 months later and never recovered. She passed away a month after being released from the hospital that second time. Losing them so close together left us drained and even a little bewildered. Getting away to a place where life’s responsibilities were minimal gave us an opportunity to reflect on our blessings, including the fact that each of us had a parent living for so long. We are certainly blessed!
It doesn’t really matter where it is or how long it is; it’s all relative and subjective. What matters is that you get that opportunity to disconnect; to give yoourself the chance to rest your mind and body, to reflect on the blessings that you have and be grateful for them. An attitude of gratitude can overcome so much. Take 10 minutes or take a week; just do it.
Peace and Blessings~~E. Marie