THE BUDDHIST CARER

My life is not mine. Months of micro-managing ... Not a single day (or night) off. Oh how I yearn to do things Spontaneously!

Dog walker's nightmare: Only the one poo bag left! No-one else in sight.

Yesterday, when we were checking in at our local health clinic for an appointment with the neurologist, I experienced "the look". I was...

Informed and ready To update about his life (with Parkinson's). Nothing can be done.

Lanyard says "consultant." Dementia diagnosis? No time for that. Next! Who's the specialist?

Appointment looming Nothing much we can hope for. Who's the specialist?

If he cannot stand I'll do the standing for him But how my arms ache.

He's watching the golf So, I might just read a book, If I can focus.

Life as a working unpaid carer can present its challenges and today has had its fair share of those. Nothing earth shattering, just a...

Frenetic working but the deadline's been met - yay! I can breathe again.

All my best ideas Come when I'm walking the dog Or I'm on the loo.

Working can be tough Deadlines loom yet caring calls. Just too much sometimes.

I wish for the day When I think only of me But then, he'd be gone.

Hanging on the line An adviser will answer? Taking forever.

Oh what does it mean to be loyal as a friend? You have got my back.

It doesn't end well this caring lark. But also it's never-ending.

For this blog post, I'm referencing a very famous Buddhist teaching about spiritual friendship. And relating that to friendships that I...

Just walking the dog And then my phone starts ringing Oh, he's had a fall.

Hanging out washing Feeling the breeze, hearing birds Warmth sensed on my back.

Just got in the car Could travel far far away But bought milk instead.