Today I contemplated my aunt coming to live with us. There are twenty cousins and any of us could have taken her in, but I am very happy to be one who did it. I love my aunt very much and would take care of her without even thinking about it. However, I realized that I might have been the best choice for another reason. My aunt is very independent and has a mind of her own. She doesn’t want someone telling her what to do or how to live. I have seen many people with the best of intentions try to force the elderly to live in a way that the caretakers think is best instead of just letting the elderly people make their own decisions. I know that this behavior is done with the best of intentions, but the problem lies with the fact that you can’t control someone’s behavior and that’s exactly what these caretakers try to do.
When it comes to my aunt, I realize that she has done a great job of taking care of herself for a very long time and she deserves to continue to do so until she can’t. I know when that time comes, if it does, she will let me know she needs help. Until then, I am not going to try to force my ideas on her. That’s because love is about having a kind and patient understanding. I know because that’s what I have learned about loving myself, about loving my husband, and about loving others. I also know that’s how God loves me. I want to strive to continue to be the type of person who loves this way, with an understanding of who they are and that they are a beautiful gift from God.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
