It’s almost Valentine’s Day. Maybe you have a special someone in your life and maybe you don’t. But if you don’t, and in spite of having to keep your distance due to the pandemic, chances are you still find it necessary sometimes to connect with others...to get groceries, medications, to maintain your home, and…just keep up with life.
When I was working in pulmonary rehab and leading a support group for people with COPD and other chronic lung diseases, one of the most common issues – sticking points – or you might even call them pet peeves – were some seemingly little things with the potential to be the source of major tension in a relationship. And these were all those little things that need to be done around the house and yard that take some effort, strength, and energy that people with COPD don’t always have a lot of.
We know that the family members and loved ones of people with COPD often feel like they, too, are hit hard with the realities of COPD. So, when you are physically and sometimes emotionally limited in how much you’re able to do, how do you and those close to you handle it? Do you find it hard to ask for help when you can no longer do something on your own? Asking for help is not always easy to do. Do others rush over to help you before you know whether or not you can accomplish a task on your own? It can be a fine line between helping and just taking over. What is your experience with asking for help, pushing through on a task to the point of exhaustion, or letting someone take over? Maybe some of the thoughts and experiences shared here can lead to better communication with those we care about.
But before we go, here’s a sweet little Valentine’s Day poem written by our own respiratory therapist, Stephanie Williams. I hope it brings you a smile.
When skies are sunny or when skies are gray –
Remember your inhaler when LOVE takes your breath away.
Happy Valentine’s Day! I look forward to hearing from you!