Years of Free Caregiving: (How to Survive)

by Emalene Wilcox

Overview

There are many phases to free caregiving, and each one is different. You do it for various reasons—some because of love; some for reward, not monetary but for the satisfaction that you have helped someone; and others the obligation or necessity to do it.
I was involved from age ten to ninety, just one among the forty-three million in the United States today, in giving care. I am now almost ninety-five, living in a nice assisted living facility, and the recipient of care myself. I wrote this book to reveal how I was able to cope, always trying to maintain a sense of humor and a positive attitude. It requires patience, prayer, and push.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940162794578
Publisher:	Covenant Books
Publication date:	12/02/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	226 KB

About the Author

I was born in the 1920s when times were good, and although we were not rich, we had the necessities. I grew up during the Great Depression. I never went hungry, as many did, but I learned to appreciate everything, worked hard, became a Christian, and made good grades through my school and college years. We were taught by word and example to love and care not just for our extended family but also for others.
I was married after high school and was with my husband during WWII as he served in the Army Air Corps (Air Force now) in four different states. We were married for seventy-one years until his death in 2013. We reared two children. I worked for forty years, went back to college for two-plus years to study computers at fifty-six years of age, and wrote software for my employer.
Our family was always active in our church. I taught high school age and adults for sixty years, sang alto in the choir, and participated in missionary activities, etc. I was a Girl Scout leader, a member of Herrin Woman’s Club for sixty years, and belonged to a historical society. I learned to play piano by ear when young and sang publicly.
I always wanted to write but was too busy doing what this book is about. I have written material for radio script, articles, and numerous speeches that I have given. I am almost ninety-five years old and still have a sharp mind, although confined to a wheelchair in a very nice assisted living center. I have a treasure of good memories and trust God for an even greater eternal life. I am writing a second book about growing up during the Great Depression and about my WWII memories.
Many books have been written about romance, crime, and politics, but forty-three million people in the United States are involved in free caregiving to family members and others. I was always anxious to read all I could to improve my skills when I was involved in giving care. All the book is true, no fiction, no embellishment. I trust you may learn something in reading this, especially on how to engage the three qualities needed: patience, prayer, and push.