Caring for someone with a serious illness brings up a lot of feelings. For the person who is ill. But also for family members.
Spiritual questions
Your spirituality may be challenged. At times you or your relative may feel very lost. At other times, you may feel more alive and connected. Such is the nature of a serious illness.
Family conflict
Family relationships often fall apart at times like this. Old rivalries may reappear. You may all need to look deep in your hearts to find gratitude, strength, and forgiveness.
Grief and hope
Families often experience feelings of grief. A kind of sadness that comes before an expected loss. You may also struggle to find hope. Rest assured. Even in the shadow of an incurable illness, there are times of great joy and things to look forward to.
Mourning your loss
And at some point, your family will be faced with the grief that comes from mourning. There is no set timetable and no “right way” to grieve. Be tender with yourself. And with others. Everyone mourns in their own manner. How you handle it is exactly the right way for you.
