“It is not your duty to look after your parent, it is a blessing.” To this day, I remember the words of my friend, a rebuke clearly in her voice. I totally agree, head down. I do realise it was indeed God’s blessing and providence that my mother now lives with me. Frankly, there are ups and downs, agreements and disagreements. But without her, my life might have been stuck in a vicious cycle, and I would probably be 5 or more kg heavier. So when Cheryl shared that she was a caregiver too, and sent me this prayer of Thanksgiving she had crafted. It hit the sweet spot. I needed to praise and thank God properly for my mother.
~ Preamble by Karen R-Fong

 

A Caregiver’s Prayer of Thanksgiving
Shared by Cheryl Sim

Lord Jesus, my Shepherd and my Strength,

I come before You weary, yet grateful.

In this season of caregiving,
when love is tested and patience stretched,
I choose to praise You.

You have entrusted me with the care of my parent,
and though the journey is sometimes difficult,
I thank You for the grace to walk it with You.

I praise You, Lord, when my parent repeats the same stories
—because their voice is still here, and their memories, though fragile, are treasures.
Let me listen with love, as You always listen to me.

I praise You when they forget what day it is or feel anxious after misplacing their glasses and keys
—because these moments remind me to be patient and kind,
just as You are kind with me.

I praise You when they wake me in the night,
restless and confused—because You remind me that love is patient,
even in the quiet hours of sacrifice.

I praise You when they resist my help, when they are frustrated or afraid
—because I know deep down, they are mourning what they have lost.
Let me meet them with compassion, as You meet me.

I praise You for every whispered “thank you” and every moment of connection
—because even in their frailty,
love still shines through.

I praise You for the simple, precious moments
—sharing meals, watching old sitcoms, laughing at jokes we’ve heard a hundred times—
because these are glimpses of grace, reminders that love remains, even as time changes.

Jesus, when the days are long and my spirit is weak,
remind me that You walked this road before me.
You see my struggles, my exhaustion, my hidden tears.
Let me find rest in You, Lord, and teach me to serve with love.

And if the day comes when my parent should no longer recognize me,
let them still feel safe in my presence.
May they know, deep in their heart, that they are loved
—and that You are with them always.

Thank You, Lord, for this sacred calling.
For in serving them, I am serving You.

Amen.