Excelling in Independence

As we continue with our transition back to Florida, it is hard to believe that we have already been here a month.  Yet,  after one month, it is easy to see the positive affects that this  transitions has had on ‘The Little One.”  It really comes down to one simple aspect of life…INDEPENDENCE.

One of the main issues that usually surfaces in a care giving role is that of independence versus dependence.  We all strive to keep our independence; it’s that physiological edge that makes us want to cry out for more.  Illness in general and cancer in particular, often lead to dependence.  Dependence can heighten the illness in which you are fighting to over come; dependence can in turn lead to depression, which all to often creeps into our physical and mental being.

While we miss our family and friends in St. Louis, ‘The Little One’ has gained quite a bit of his independence back since returning to Florida full-time.  There is a second car to drive, there are long-standing friends and family in the area, there is a house that he shared with his partner Herman for over 30 years, trips to the grocery store and an ocean right down the road; the list goes on and on.  

All to often we tend to forget that it is the simple things in life that mean the most.  When you are a caregiver, often times you have to give up things you love in order to care for the one you love.   It’s not a hardship, it’s not a problem, it is just something you do when you know it is right.

As I sit back and watch the remarkable improvement in his health, we know that life changes on a moments notice. We live in the moment, hoping that our decisions help facilitate good health and prosperity for everyone!  So far, we seem to be on the right track.  When I see ‘The Little One’ pulling out of the garage and off in his little buggy, I think…’how remarkable this truly is given the fact that six months ago he was not even driving a car, a prisoner to our home, dependent in the majority of things that he wanted to do.

Thursday we motor to the Oncologist for our next update; so far all the Doc’s have been pleased.  There is weight gain, there is added strength, there is a mark difference in personality…a personality of independence.

You see, we might have Cancer…But Cancer does not have us!