Took on a new client recently as a caregiver. I didn’t know much about him, but learned very quickly looking around his house and talking to his wife that he used to be very involved in running, triathlon, and founded a sprint triathlon for 15 years in the area that still goes on.
We don’t get any info before taking on new clients as caregivers, but I am truly honored and motivated to help take care of this legendary man. He still goes on runs in the same place he has trained for decades and doesn’t wear a watch or track anything. Just pure running. How inspirational! Thought I would share on ST. Haven’t been on ST in a while, but connected with this kind man recently and we will meet twice a week for a few hours for caregiving. Thought it was a cool story so just wanted to share.
Very cool. It may sound silly and it may sound self centered, but I have a couple of triathlon based tattoos, one of which to commemorate my recently finished full distance race. One of the reasons I did so is because we all get older.
I am a caregiver as well (RN) and it’s far too easy to dismiss people when we first meet them as just being an “average Joe/Jane”. I meet people in their 70s and 80s who have obviously lived hard lives and it shows. It’s easy to jump to the conclusion they didn’t take good care of themselves or engaged in some kind of self destructive behavior. But I have been humbled more than a few times to learn about men that were blown up in Vietnam or raced cars back in the 60s or what have you.
Never judge a book by its cover. One of my all time favorite quotes is from George Washington Carver, “How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.”
I’m not sure how cognizant this individual is, but if they’re still aware, I’m sure they’re thrilled that a fellow triathlete is helping care for them. People don’t “get us,” so when we encounter someone within the health care field that does, it’s a breath of fresh air.
Yes we have become good friends. This is my last month with the Tri RD. We have gone running on the beach, through the forest. Great times. I’m going to get my MBA this year so moving soon.