To the Child of a Sick Parent | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

To the Child of a Sick Parent

Because you need to know that you will never face this alone.

73
To the Child of a Sick Parent
daneoleary.com

You feel absolutely helpless. You don't always understand the terms that are being thrown around by doctors, and you don't know why this is happening. You have no control. It feels as though you live at the hospital. Your parent is very sick, and you don't know what the future holds for them.

It's wearing on you and you're trying to remain strong, but inside, you feel as though you are falling apart. Walking on eggshells has become your lifestyle, and you are always living on the edge, waiting for the next bad phone call or ambulance ride.

It doesn't seem fair, your friends may not be going through this, and you feel like no one can relate to you. You know friends mean well when they say, "stay strong," but sometimes you feel unable to do so, and it feels like no one really understands. When people ask you how you are, you quickly try to say you're fine without tears forming. You struggle to express how you really feel, because honestly, you don't really know. Sometimes you feel numb, other times, everything seems really overwhelming and scary. To you, it's embarrassing that you seem to just randomly cry and you feel like that is showing weakness. Here's a secret, it's OK to not be OK sometimes. What you and your family are going through is extremely difficult.

What you must remember is that no one can tell you how to react, no one should shame you for acting or feeling a specific way. What ever way helps you deal with all this and helps you cope with the situation is what you should do. No one is to tell you they know how you feel or tell you what's a right or wrong way to react.

It's as though your sick parent is a different person, after them being able to take care of you for so many years with working long hours and always being in the front row of the stands and seats at your games and concerts, they can't promise this anymore. Your parent, who once seemed invincible, someone you thought would never get sick and "it couldn't happen to them,"F is now laying in a hospital bed. Now, your helping them open pill bottles and stand up. Why has this happened?

No, you do not know why this is happening and what is the plan, but you do know that the hands that created this world are holding you. In the moment, it may not feel like God is there, but He is. I promise you He is, and He promises, too. He will never leave or forsake us. Some days, this may feel as though it is not true, but the Lord has a plan for your life and your parent's, and a reason for what you are going through. No one can comfort us better than our Savior.

Personally, I'm facing this. I have a sick parent and I am doing everything I can to not become bitter and angry because of all of this. It's easy to become resentful of your situation, but I am trying to trust God to the best of my ability. I'm trying to take each day at a time.

No matter what happens, I can have confidence in Christ. No matter what happens, I will love my sick parent and do everything I can to help. No matter how many days are left, I will try my best to be brave. No matter what happens, I am not facing this alone.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

568
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

3350
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17614
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments