Job is one of the most quoted persons in the Bible for the
troubles he endured. One notable thing from the story of Job is how one day his
wife walks to him and tells him to “curse God and die.” Many sermons and talks
have been made about that with people castigating her for not standing by her
husband. There is a truth to what is said, don’t get me wrong but for now can
we see things from her perspective?
Imagine having a loved one who is afflicted and you can see
their pain every day. Imagine watching someone who was full of life and
positivity turn into a shell of themselves. And things keep getting worse for
this person. It is normal for us to assume that we can be strong for them but the
truth is that somewhere along the path, we can lose it and give up on them. Being
strong for someone requires a great effort and mental fortitude a lot of us do
not possess if we are being honest.
Sadly, some of us have watched the health of our loved ones deteriorate
before our very eyes and pain take the place of their once beautiful faces. We have
seen gloom and darkness cover some who were so full of life and as their pain
escalates so do our prayers, but when nothing seems to change, we start thinking
of alternatives to their pain. In their sad departure we contrive terms like ‘they are in a better place now’ they are at
peace’ or ‘they have rested.’ All these seem to point out that though we do
not like the idea of their absence, it was a relief for them.
Caregiver fatigue affects all of us as did Job’s wife. At times
it helps to hold on a little longer, at other times it helps to let go, to release
them, and let them find eternal rest in heaven. Whatever we do, it is best to
be gracious to people when they make decisions or utterances when they are in
such situations.
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