Hi! This may be inappropriate, but it’s makes me laugh. A caregiver of a chronically ill loved one, especially long term, has to find ways to stay positive. I don't care how far advanced Jerry is, our spiritual connection is still there. No matter how wonderful and supportive my friends are, there is no one I'd rather be with.

Staying positive is a MUST. So, how does a caregiver stay positive when the stare is blank and there is no response?

For me, I'm always reminded of the verse in the Bible, Philippians 5:8: "Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things."

Focus. It's a discipline of which I am pretty lousy. Emotions seriously "ROCK MY WORLD". My closest friends have seen me fall apart. Believe me, it's not pretty! Don't be fooled by my mask.

The twelve/thirteen years (lost count) of caring for Jerry has had many ups and downs. My emotions have "yinged and yanged". In order to stay stable, I've had to stay focused on positive things. Of course, the pinnacle of pure and positive is Jesus. He is the only "pure" that I know. That's where I begin. By focusing on Him, I can feel secure and realize that this journey is not by accident. There is a greater mission in it.

Knowing this empowers me to rise up above the darkness and see the light of his blessings. Envisioning, Christ's Holy Spirit, walking down that hall before me, gives me strength. I can walk straight and upright. I can smile and give the aides hugs. I can hold Jerry's hand and laugh with everyone in the unit. That spirit makes everyone brighten up and break into smiles, even those with eyes glazed.

I'm going to see Jerry today. I'll give you an update when I get back. In the meantime, try to take in this beautiful day.