Carers
Where there are people with long-term health conditions there are most often carers to help, whether they are family carers or outside paid carers. With family carers usually the whole family are affected and in there for the long haul. This is not usually something that any of us choses, it just is.
"I read about a carer recently who said that she didn't want the job of caring, and would really like to resign!!"
Following a road accident which resulted in my husband becoming paralysed from the waist down, I have been his carer for the last 14 years. Initially there was great shock as our world, with our two teenage children, was turned upside down. Slowly the acceptance of his condition followed and after many weeks the rehabilitation began. I think that the most difficult part was then, the adjusting as my husband came back to living at home.
It was after the home-coming that I felt the isolation: from fellow Christians and friends who hadn't any idea what we were going through; from the extended family who didn't know how to react now that my husband was different; from my children who felt less able to invite their friends around.
I felt the need to talk to people who would understand my problems.
I found a local group for carers, but although I was in my forties, I was the 'baby' of the group. Most of these dear people were well into their retirement and didn't relate to my situation.
A dear friend, contacted me to tell me about a national group called the 'Carers Christian Fellowship'. So as I had been a Christian for some years this seemed just what I was looking for and I joined the fellowship straight away. They produced a quarterly newsletter, held an annual retreat, put you in touch with other carers in a similar caring role, and had local groups. Sadly there wasn't a local group in my area but about 2 years after joining I started a local group.
We find this is a time when we can unload our feelings and emotions with others who understand. We can pray together and lift one another up. This is still going on. In 2000 the post of Co-ordinator came up in the fellowship, which I applied for, and have been carrying out this role ever since.
In spite of many ups and downs, hospital admissions etc. my husband is going on well. He helps with CCF, keeping the database up to scratch and is happy as long as he doesn't have to answer the phone.
If you would like more details regarding CCF our website address is www.carerschristianfellowship.org.uk or you may like to make contact me, Sue Jones, by phone. My number is 01793 887068.
