Murals (2008) by PHANTAST - Graffiti - Cultural Music & Art Association inc. - 98 Milne St. Benleigh
LOOKING AFTER A CHRONICALLY ILL (Matthew 17,14)
1. Caring for the chronically ill is a most dedicated pursuit. It is very hard indeed on those who have a loved one to look after, day in and day out, almost without respite. It is not made easier if the need for continuous attention means being housebond almost all the time. If such is your fate, bear it with fortitude, without becoming frustrated or even losing patience. It will make your life meaningful in a way never expected. The knowledge that you ease the heavy burden of one you love, will give you extra power and the comfort you need so much. A father looking after his chronically ill son regarded it a labour of love, a "God -given ministry". (Dr. R. Brasch).
2. Making a relationship with yourself. Our happines is encompassed by the quality of our relationships and we should move from this to the idea that our health is defined by the health of our relationships, starting with our relationship with ourselves.
We met children who have awful diseases but who don't yet know how to be ill. Their instinctive grasp of their own health is as yet uncracked, in their bright eyes, as they have not yet been taught to be ill.
We met patients who are healthier after a stroke because a negative part of their personality has been ironed out by their lesion, and are leading richer lives despite being disabled.
We met diabetic patients who are healthier after getting their illness because they now teach fellow diabetics how to manage their illness.
We met patients who take their cancers for a walk on the greenswards as if it was no more than an unruly pet.
So, paradoxically, disease can be used as a vehicle to promote health. These people have reached an accomodation with themselves and more health than in their healthy adolescence. ( Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, London 2010).