Casey’s journey through her husband Sam’s prolonged and complex hospitalizations was marked by immense emotional, physical, and mental challenges. Yet, it was her deep faith and the unwavering support of her community that helped her navigate this overwhelming time.
Casey often leaned on her faith as her primary source of strength during Sam’s hospitalization and recovery. She described moments of deep despair and exhaustion, where she felt unable to continue. One significant instance found her curled up in bed, overwhelmed by the enormity of caregiving. She described begging God for the strength to carry on, realizing her own abilities weren’t enough to face the challenges alone. Casey believes it was through God's grace that she got up and continued fighting for Sam’s recovery.
Casey’s faith also provided her stability during uncertain times. Even when doctors suggested discontinuing life support or when Sam was heavily sedated and unresponsive, Casey continued to seek divine guidance in making difficult decisions. She continued to advocate fiercely for Sam’s care, even while navigating an unfamiliar and often frustrating medical system.
Casey’s church community also played a pivotal role in providing emotional and practical support. Despite having only been part of the congregation for a year, the church treated Casey and Sam as lifelong members. When Sam was hospitalized, the congregation rallied around Casey, offering prayer, emotional support, and practical help. Members regularly checked on Casey, providing her with a sense of connection and belonging during isolating times. Knowing that so many people were praying for Sam gave her comfort and hope.
When faced with the prospect of losing their housing in the parsonage due to Sam’s inability to return to his ministerial duties, the church stepped in. The congregation convinced a retired minister to lead the church temporarily so that Casey could remain in the parsonage, alleviating the immediate stress of finding new housing.
When Sam finally returned home after months of hospitalization and rehab, the church community gathered outside their home, forming a welcome line to celebrate his return. This show of support was deeply emotional for Casey and reinforced the sense of community that had sustained her through the darkest times.
Beyond the church, Casey found support in individual acts of kindness. She reached out to two CNAs who were caring for Sam in the hospital and asked if they could help keep an eye on him. These young caregivers agreed, providing much-needed assistance in the mornings and allowing Casey a respite from her overwhelming responsibilities.
Additionally, a local woman with caregiving experience helped Casey with medical appointments, accompanying her and Sam to hospital visits in a nearby city. Small but impactful gestures like these made an enormous difference, offering Casey both practical help and emotional companionship.
Casey also found solace in a peer support group, where she could openly express her frustrations, fears, and exhaustion. In this group, she learned about PICS-f and found others who understood the emotional complexities of caregiving. It provided her with a space to share her struggles and receive empathy without judgment.
In essence, Casey’s faith was her anchor, providing emotional resilience during Sam’s hospitalizations. Her church community became her extended family, offering both spiritual and practical support, while personal acts of kindness and peer connections helped her navigate the daily realities of caregiving. Together, these pillars of faith and community allowed Casey to endure one of the most challenging seasons of her life.
