It is July 4th and in the US we celebrate our declaration of “independence” from England. For those history buffs: Americans celebrate independence on July 4th, the date shown on the much-publicized Declaration of Independence, rather than on July 2nd, the date the resolution of independence was approved in a closed session of Congress. But it took years for the colonies to be truly independent of England.
- What does it mean to be independent? In addition to self-governing it means:
- not depending on another for livelihood or subsistence
- capable of thinking or acting for oneself
- not connected with another or with each other; separate
My loved one with dementia is no longer able to be independent. She depends on me and others for care and often needs help with decision making. She will never be independent again. She depends on the help of others to ensure she is housed and fed.
Until her illness she was able to work and was capable of taking care of herself. Unlike a stroke or accident that may instantly impair someone, dementia is often slow and insidious. It took years for my loved one’s illness to be even a suspect. It took years for independence to be impacted.
“Independence Day” for me now means more than a holiday celebrating a date. I celebrate it every day while I continue to care for my loved one. But for the grace of God I will continue to be able to provide that care.
HartFelt wishes for you and your loved ones that every day is an “independence day”.
HartFelt Coaching 