Dear Caregivers: A Letter to the Caregiver, Working to Provide Care

Dear Caring Provider,

Your efforts don’t go unnoticed. I see you waking up early to take care of your loved ones.

You come into work and put a smile on your face, no matter what troubles you leave at home. You clock in, get started, and work the day away without emotional breakdowns or distractions. Sometimes you stay late to earn extra hours and even work a second job to afford the costly tests, procedures and treatments. You rush back home at the end of the day to provide care or to the pharmacy to pick up prescription refills.

You’re unstoppable.

You work day-in and day-out just like anybody else, coming home to a task that many will never know, let alone understand. You use your “Paid Time Off” hours to run to hospital appointments and unexpected visits to the ER.

You don’t remember the last time you took some time-off for yourself or a vacation to unwind...

Your passion to keep providing care fills my heart up with overflowing hope and joy. What you do each day is incredible. Living for someone else.

I feel the sting of sadness in your heart. You’ll do anything to help your loved ones and want to take the pain and debilitation away… but the universe has other plans. So, you do everything you can. You research side-effects and symptoms so much that you feel like a private investigator at this point.

Sometimes, late before bed when your mind races and when the earth seems to stand still, you wish it was you. But alas, it isn’t, and you’ll continue fighting just as hard to care for them to make their quality of life is as substantial as possible.

Parents taking care of their children.

Children taking care of their parents.

Spouses taking care of their betrothed.

Never let that love fade. If I could take all of the words of gratitude in the universe and string them together, it still wouldn’t be enough thanks for your contributions to their care. To their strength. To their hope for cures and wellness.

You're magnificent. You are their strength in their endless fight for health.

I want to remind you how remarkable your role is in this life. Although nobody can see this hidden battle, I recognize your purpose and contributions. I want to remind you to practice that care and devotion on yourself. Take an hour for yourself each day. Whether it be an hour at the gym or in a candle lit bubble bath; treat yourself to the healing care you deserve... because as you well know, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Keep cherishing every moment and remember the strength you are providing to that individual you love more than life itself. May that love reflect in your own heart and soul as you practice self love and self care. The job you are doing at home is of utmost importance. You're incredible. Never stop shining.

Your sister in care,

Chantel

This letter was written with my caretakers in mind.

To my supportive, hilarious, cunning husband who took me to every hospital appointment to understand the disease a little better. He was my crutch when I couldn’t walk and my eyes when I couldn’t see. He was my hope when the world was simply too dark to navigate and my strength when I used every piece of my being to lift my head, move my legs, and verbalize words. His support was, and always will be, my strength.

To my loving and proud parents who still think of me as that bright-eyed, five-year-old twirling at the ballet recital. They constantly research cutting edge studies regarding my illnesses.

My Dad orders special treats to fit my unique diet and lifestyle. He sends me inspiring content whenever he comes across it and checks in with emails and texts. He tells me how proud he is, accomplishing so much on the outside no matter what uncontrollable fight is going on inside.

My Mom sends articles on new treatment options and conversations she has with loved ones to inspire hope and provide alternative solutions. She calls, texts and emails to make sure I scheduled the countless appointments with my specialists and asks for all the details of my tests. My parents forced me to seek care and provided financial support when I hit the ultimate surprise of medical debt. Their support was, and always will be, my strength. 

ABOUT CHANTEL SOUMIS

As an advocate for the differently-abled community, Chantel spreads awareness, hope, and inspiration to those around the world fighting for acceptance by sharing the hidden struggles of differently-abled community. By administering an attitude of gratitude, Chantel has overcome severe obstacles and spends a substantial portion of her time coaching others to accept and believe in themselves, and to treat one another with dignity and value, recognizing we are all brothers and sisters of the human race. For more information, visit chantelsoumis.com or follow her on Twitter/Instagram at @MarcomChantel.