I have a rather large family when it compares to others in this day and age. My husband and myself, have raised 5 amazing individuals and have been blessed by them. Grandma camp is when we try to all get together and yet there is always someone that can't be there for one reason or another despite all the planning involved. One son and his family were here recently and will not be able to attend Grandma camp. We tried to give them the best experience possible including fun activities, food preferences and a happy environment. It meant so much to have them here and yet it hurt as they will not be attending the Real Grandma camp and spending time with Aunts and Uncles and Cousins,etc. Our families no longer live one town away and only a few could get here in a day if they had to. I have learned they have their lives to live and I want to be a part of that but also that we need to live our lives too. Stress for families also include burnout whether with a family member or a family situation. Each have grown and gone their own ways. I do believe that they would all come together if the need did arise due to medical issues,etc. Difficult family dynamics don't just happen when someone gets ill. Recognizing that their is stress and preparing yourself with strategies to handle that stress is important.
In nursing, I have often had to back up and redirect to work with a difficult situation. I hope to instill in everyone that each day is important and treasure each moment and then go to sleep knowing you gave it your best. On the other side having talked about family and healthcare providers, you, the patient may be the best change agent in helping to keep from making the situation emotional exhausting. This is the time to open up and talk, talk about anything at first but just get the communication going and allow it to go the direction it needs. Find sources to help if need be to open up those channels. When families, health, work become so stressful that we aren't capable of rationally functioning, check your barometer out and ask if you are perceiving things wrong and what will and can we do to help. I often find, especially with my crew, when all else fails, and "I love you" will always help and in the mean time....make it a