I heard someone use the term “Lovevolution.” Of course, it had to do with associating the month of February with celebrating love. The expression reminded me that we seem to continually invent new terms of endearment. On the other hand, actions speak louder than words. Gifts will always be a welcome term of affection, so why not plan to give the gift of unity and harmony. Typically, when someone gets hurt or needs immediate care, everyone wants to take charge and help. That’s a loving gift, at least in thought. In practice, it often results in panic, confusion, and blame. In our story, Grandma Carolyn, unsteady on her feet, takes a fall. Grandpa James tries to break her fall and they both tumble to the ground. Participating and helping at a time of need is a loving action. So, everyone rushes in with suggestions. The results can be very chaotic. Step Two of the Three Simple Steps uses a simple diagram to create a Care Squad which assigns every generation a way to express their love and devotion. Let’s see how the Jones’s family made out.
“I want to thank all of you for pitching in and getting
Step One done!” The family seems pleased with themselves
and the relief on Jodi’s face is truly a pleasure to see.
“Now, let’s get started with Step Two. In an emergency or
when long-term care is needed, we have all seen responses
that are frantic, emotional, unorganized, or disjointed.”
“You should hear some of the horror stories my friends
share with Grandma and me,” Grandpa James says.
Thrown off balance by the looming reality of her father’s
remark, Jodi regains her composure. “In order to avoid
those kinds of reactions in stressful situations, which can
only lead to family anxiety and upset, or guilt for not
being available and confusion about who should be responsible
for what, we will create a Care Squad. This step
is not complicated, but it is very effective. One recommendation
I have for assigning responsibilities is to start
with basic tasks that fit easily into our current lifestyles
and then add as needed.
Here is a simple diagram that we can fill in based on
everyone’s availability and comfort level.”
Working together and taking into account each generation’s
current responsibilities, they create an organized
response in case of emergency.