I Can Only Imagine
- katie8288
- Nov 19, 2020
- 1 min read
Updated: Nov 19, 2020
I’ve found recently when I give friends an update on my life with Ken, who has Huntington Disease, their reaction is “I can only imagine” what you are going through. Although I appreciate the intent, here is my answer to them.
DON’T
Don’t imagine watching your loved one slip away.
Don’t imagine what it feels like to lose the love of your life, your partner.
Don’t imagine sleeping with one ear open because they may fall in the middle of the night.
Don’t imagine treating your partner like a child; bathing them, dressing them, feeding them.
Don’t imagine not being able to have an adult conversation.
Don’t imagine all the chores that you’ll have to do alone.
Don’t imagine solitary shopping.
Don’t imagine saying the same thing 20 times because they “forget.”
Don’t imagine the loneliness, the isolation, the sadness.
INSTEAD
Imagine your TODAY!
Imagine loving your partner with all your heart.
Imagine each day as a gift that shouldn’t be wasted.
Imagine long walks and holding hands.
Imagine special dinners and hugs.
Imagine cuddling in front of a fire and sharing your day.
Imagine how lucky you are to have each and every memory
because someday someone may say to you “I can only imagine.“
~Sharon Quigley
This is a deeply honest reflection on caregiving and how difficult it can be to truly understand someone else’s daily reality. I appreciate the reminder that sometimes listening with compassion is more helpful than trying to imagine the experience. I also find Slope Rider, a browser game with fast downhill movement and obstacles, a simple way to clear my mind.