You say that you regard caring for another as a burden, a toll, an imposition.
Let me suggest that the people who inspire us in life see the opposite. They see caring for a loved one as a joy and fulfillment in life. These are the quiet heroes. Yes, they bear a real burden, but bearing that burden is their glory, not something to grumble about.
For instance, we all know of some young couple who gave up their own comforts and recreations in order faithfully to nurse and comfort a disabled child. It doesn't matter whether the child is doomed to die, or may always be handicapped, or will eventually recover. For parents like this, love will not waver. It will shield the child whatever the future brings.
Equally inspiring -- and we often see this -- is an elderly couple taking care of each other, one perhaps pushing a wheel chair for the other, coping with life as they can, still devoted to one another near the end of a long life together. They are going down one of life's toughest roads, as Art Linkletter reminded us with his book, "Old Age Is not for Sissies." But they bear it with love, not with complaints.
There are, of course, many more examples like these. I'll just mention one more to think about: the nursing profession is built on the kind of love that money can't buy. God love dedicated nurses! They give more than anyone could ask. They take home far more than their paycheck.
Speaking from experience, I would say it is an HONOR to care for a sick loved one. I would gladly do it again in a heartbeat! : )
I'M TALKING ABOUT WHAT THE PATIENT WOULD WANT. THE PATIENT. THEIR RIGHT.
Absolutely. Terri's parents would have considered caring for her as a gift, not a burden.
The greatest experience of positive freedom, of rising above ones self, comes from being able to love and help another person, especially one who is difficult to love.
I sometimes think that the experience could be compared to a little taste of heaven.
Felos, Schiavo and Greer think they have proven they are powerful.
In reality, they are trapped in their selves more than Terri was trapped in her body.