Guideposts – August 2019

2 GUIDEPOSTS (^) | August 2019
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I just returned from a trip to Israel with a group of
Guideposts readers. (Hi, guys! Hope everyone got home
safe.) We had a wonderful time visiting the iconic sites
of the Holy Land. Just as enriching were the conversations
we shared. There were several people on the trip in
recovery who praised our series of articles on overcoming addiction. A number
were veterans who liked our pieces focusing on the challenges of military
families. But the one thing everyone had in common was caregiving.
Whether for a parent, a child, a spouse or even a pet, we all had something
personal to share about the demands and rewards of caregiving. It was a
universal point of reference and a place where we all leaned into our faith the
most. And speaking of pets, we all shared a devotion to our animals as well.
Which is why I am so happy about the caregiving article in this month’s issue,
which introduces you to a cat, a parrot and a dog—unique family caregivers all.
There was one such animal in my family, a crafty little cocker spaniel named
Sally (above). She traveled with Julee and me one summer to visit my mom,
who was in the early stages of dementia but still able to live on her own. Sally
and Mom were inseparable, Sally even going so far to sleep at the foot of
Mom’s bed every night. Then I noticed a peculiar phenomenon. We’d brought
along a store of Sally’s food, and it was being depleted at an alarming rate.
I had my suspicions and took Sally aside.
“What are you up to?” I asked.
Sally looked away as dogs do when they’ve been nabbed red-pawed. Who,
me? She had apparently convinced Mom that she had forgotten to feed her.
Sally was getting at least four meals a day, instead of her allotted two, thanks
to Mom’s shaky memory.
After I took control of the food, I figured Sally would revert to her mis-
chievous self. But you know what? She became even more devoted to Mom. She
barely left her side for the rest of the visit, and when they said goodbye, Mom
cried. Sally had known Mom needed tenderness more than ever.
Remember, if you are a caregiver, you are not alone. Visit guideposts.org/
caregiving for support, information and inspiring stories.
Caregiving Cocker
Edward Grinnan
Editor-in-Chief
EDITOR’S NOTE