Random Acts of Kindness for Caregivers

“This is a sponsored post on behalf of Element Associates and Midlife Boulevard.”

November is National Family Caregivers month, and the Random Acts of Kindness initiative aims to recognize and support the 40 million unpaid caregivers in the U.S. Many caregivers are boomer women, often sandwiched between the needs of their parents and their own kids.

It has often been said that, “It takes a village to raise a child.” While I believe that statement to be true I also believe that, “It takes a village to take care of a terminally ill person.” My cousin, Martha Temple Todd, was diagnosed with breast cancer over 20 years ago. However, it wasn’t until the last year that she required caregivers.

Martha and her husband Glenn have three daughters who often put their own lives on hold to help care for their mother. Glenn took off from work and drove Martha back and forth to treatments. Martha’s elderly mother went with her for every test and treatment she could. Martha’s church family helped out by working on her yard and cleaning her house. Her sister-in-laws took turns bringing food by her house. Everyone who knew her wanted to help.

Martha and I were more than cousins, we were sisters of the heart and this year when we took our family vacation we invited Martha and two of her granddaughters to come stay with us at the beach. By this time Martha was getting weaker and just getting from the house to the beach was quite a feat. Thankfully, our twin sons were with us and offered to help. When Martha wanted to go to the beach she was escorted by two of the strongest guys on the beach, but they were oh so gentle with her.

November was the kick-off for a program designed to encourage all Americans to perform an unexpected ‘Random Act of Kindness’ for a caregiver. By starting a nationwide movement, the hope is we will raise awareness of caregiving and caregivers while at the same time reaching caregivers directly—helping to alleviate some of their daily stresses and reward them for their ongoing support. And believe me, taking care of someone for days, months, and years, is very stressful.

Of all the people who were caregiver’s for Martha before her death in October, by far the one that had the most time invested was her husband Glenn. Martha told me many, many times what good care he had taken of her and how much she loved him. The stress and worry he felt may have weighed him down but he didn’t break and he didn’t complain.

So this is for you, Glenn Todd. Your own personal shout out and award for being a caregiver extraordinaire.

Perhaps you know someone like Glenn who is caring for a loved one while juggling jobs and family commitments. If you do, watch the video below. I think it will inspire you. It did me.

To all of Martha’s friends and family, and especially to Glenn, you were awesome caregivers and Martha loved you dearly.

From Martha’s Daughters about something similar…..

Martha was fond of saying, “Everyday may not be a good day but there is good in everyday!” She always wanted to see the good in every situation. December 4th is Martha’s birthday and her daughter’s want to start a tradition to “be the good” in someone’s day. Whether the deed be small or big it doesn’t matter, just the fact that we are trying to help others see some good in their day! We would love for y’all to join us! I know many acts like this are done everyday and a lot of times are kept quiet on purpose, but we would love to see that you are honoring our mom by being the good! We would love for you to comment on her Facebook page or ?#?bethegood? so we can see the all good that is happening in her honor!

Don’t forget… “be the good” on Friday, December 4th!

Caregivers are often weary and discouraged. Why not “be the good” in their day?