One of the most challenging parts of caregiving can be finding meaning and purpose.
Finding your purpose in caregiving can sometimes come unexpectedly as Sandy recently shared. I found her story interesting and think you may too . . .
Sandy (not her real name) worried about her dad after his hospitalization.
Growing up she always thought of him as strong and confident. Now he seemed frail and unsure.
Until one day he called asking her for help. He wanted to update his family tree. His older sister had all the information, but it was too big a job for her now that she was nearly ninety.
Together the three of them updated the family tree. They also had a copy made for each family member.
Today when Sandy looks back on those memories, she realizes her dad found his purpose by caring for his sister and helping her fulfill her dream of giving each family member an updated family tree. And as a caregiver Sandy found her purpose through helping both of them meet their goals.
Their legacy continues today as another generation uses the information in creating scrapbooks and sharing family stories.
Who would have thought a family tree could lead to finding purpose in caregiving?
Even Sandy before her experience would have been skeptical.
Yet she and her dad both found purpose in working together on their project.
And creating your family tree or genealogy chart can be a powerful way to connect generations . . .
How does charting a family create connections?
- When working with your elders the process of cataloging family members may trigger memories that can be shared and even recorded or written down. Those stories can be saved and passed on to your
kids . . .their kids . . .and on into the future. - Searching for information and finding it can help heal old wounds. Working for a common cause such as cataloging your family tree for future generations may just allow all of you to put aside differences as you work together towards a common goal.
- Each person’s strengths can be emphasized as everyone works together to chart your family tree. Perhaps one person is more interested in the current family members, while another prefers sifting through old records to make the past come alive.
Ready to create a Family Tree of Your Own?
Your kids and your kids’ kids can benefit from the effort . . .and you might create some happy memories of your own in the process.
One way to create a family tree is to use a family tree template.
Family tree templates can be as simple as a one-page diagram. They can also be more complicated taking many pages.
Image via Wikipedia
And with the onset of computers, there are even software programs that allow you create a family tree as unique as your family!
When you’re looking for a family tree computer program to connect the generations, be sure to check out Family Tree Maker. Just click on the link to get your own copy of Family Tree Maker 2011.
Best wishes,
Dr. Ina
Caregiving With Purpose
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How can using a family tree template help you find your purpose in caregiving while making happy memories and leaving a lasting legacy?