The value of time is priceless. It is more precious than any treasure the world may carry because it is something you can never recover once used. Observing the end of one’s life is no easy task. It is taxing on the mind and makes you realize how valuable time really is. You want to ensure that you are present in their lives, participate in daily activities with them, make them laugh, and show them that you care by spending time doing the little things that they love. Whether that be picking flowers to make crowns, painting, reading a book to them, or anything that they used to be passionate about. It is important to allow them to have those special memories where they can focus on doing an activity they love with the people they love around them.
The time spent doing these activities will be precious not only to them but also to you. As time goes by, when you remember the moments spent with your loved ones, you will remember these small memories of happiness and contentment. You will be able to acknowledge that you gave them something that no one else could have: your time. These creation of memories priceless.
Watching from the sidelines is difficult. Seeing the pain your loved ones go through, dealing with the anxiety that comes after, the “what ifs,” is a pain that is unlike any other.
The mental anguish that both parties go through is stressful and challenging. You must keep a close eye on the emotional well-being of your loved one as well as yourself. They may be feeling anxious about the unknown, what will come after, and knowing that you and their loved ones are going to be okay after they are gone. It is not always easy to have deep conversations about one’s mental state with your loved ones, but it is needed. The first step is to prepare yourself for hearing the reality of the situation.
Meditation and clearing one’s mind are important, and you want to make sure your state and appearance are pleasant so that your loved one feels safe and comfortable to talk to you about these difficult topics. When you approach your loved one, carry a gentle smile and start off with a normal conversation that slowly leads into it. This way, you won’t stress out your loved one by suddenly bringing up the topic.
Once the conversation is established, communicate that you care for them and want to know how you can alleviate any concerns or anxieties they may have. Ask them what they want to do and see if you can help them achieve any last wishes or goals they may have. Involving your loved ones during their last stages of life is important. Allow them to be present as much as possible and make sure that they are shown love.
Oftentimes, many people don’t know how to react when faced with the declining state of their loved ones. You may isolate yourself or respond in a way that makes your loved ones feel worried or anxious for your well-being. Some people may experience the grieving process early and stop visiting their loved ones. This will leave your loved ones feeling lonely and alone in times when they need support and company the most. It will be challenging and hard, but keeping yourself present, spending time, and visiting your loved ones is vital to their emotional well-being, along with yours. You may regret not spending more time with them while you have had the chance.
However, being someone that is constantly relied upon for emotional and physical care is difficult. It is important to take time for yourself and focus on your own emotional well-being and needs.
After all, you are a person too, and everyone needs off days to collect themselves and do self-care. Although it may seem difficult to take time out for yourself when you are so focused on your loved one, it is needed and important. Taking time out for yourself allows you to also better care for your loved one when the time really counts. If your emotional well-being is not well, it may spill through when you are caring for your loved one, and this may worry them. By caring for yourself, you are able to think more clearly and provide better emotional support for your loved one. Don’t neglect yourself, and know that it is okay to seek help from family, friends, or other services for yourself. Not dealing with these emotions can bottle up if you don’t take the time to acknowledge and care for them. So look at yourself and do some self care and self love.
Time is a beautiful yet scary thing. It is always fleeting away yet constantly there. The time you have is precious. Acknowledging that is the first step to improving yourself as a person. Once you realize you can never get time back, you will no longer waste it. Appreciate the time people give to you and spend your time with someone you love.
“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.”
-C.S. Lewis
Time is a gift, the most precious gift you can give. Although you can’t change the past, take advantage of your present and use it as much as possible. Tell your loved ones how much you appreciate them, give them meaningful gifts, have deep conversations, and spend time making unforgettable memories. For you, and only you, can change the ending to be one that you will not regret.