Happy National Caregivers’ Day

so…I missed it

I didn’t know that there’s a day, well, 
there was a day
commemorating caregivers
I might have been more intentional 
had I known
I might have taken time
to savor a cup of tea
finishing it, before it turned cold
I might have … oh, I don’t know
celebrated, a little. lit a candle,
cooked my favorite meal,
watched an entire movie…
I might have even taken a day off
an entire day, from my day job
just because…instead of saving
those hours…those days for appointments
for those unexpected plot twists
when showing up is not an option, 
when being there is all that matters
because I love them…

it’s just as well, not to have wasted 
eight hours paid, to sleep most of them, 
because you know that’s what I would do
sleep…then apologize 
for sleeping, for taking a break,
for trying to remember 
my dreams upon waking, 
only to realize 
I stopped dreaming years ago

so, happy belated caregiver day…me

for better or for worse, 
you know
I said those words, out loud
decades ago
and I meant them

just knowing that there was a day 
even if I missed it
softens the load, 
gives me a brief glimmer, 
reminds me of how strong I am
and how fragile
just knowing

maybe next year…

~kat

Just knowing that there was a day to remember caregivers gave me a moment’s pause, a smile, and the realization that somewhere in the universe there was someone who thought it was important enough to let me, and others like me, know that they see us and appreciate us. As glimmers go, you can’t get much better than that. Well, you could, I suppose, but this one feels pretty darn good!

Much love, peace, glimmers, and gentle care for those who care…

~kat

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