Palliative Care | Carmela Snelbaker

Tag: Palliative Care

Naked Time….. The Ticking Of The Clock

Posted at 7:46 PM by carmelasnelbaker

Jan 4th

Something that I have learned to love as a caregiver is the simplicity of a quiet house. A number of different times now I have found myself with someone who prefers a quiet home.

All external noise is turned off and from the inside of the home we find ourselves truly appreciating the tick of the clock, the clicking on of the furnace keeps us warm.

The music of the birds and the most simple blessings all disappear when TV, radio and the busyness of the world is allowed into our environment with one push of a button.

Sometimes there is nothing better than being in a silent room and truly appreciating the simplest and most basic blessings in life.

In the fast paced world as we know it today, multitasking and hurrying through each day trying to meet deadlines, due dates and appointments is not only an accepted way of life it has become an expected way of life.

The phrase “don’t over think it” seems to be a very popular and a somewhat accepted thought in our busy society. What if though, a moment never really truly happens until we process it through our minds and into our memories. Or in simpler terms “think about it”.

When we go through our days on “auto pilot” multitasking like robots in a routine of waking, pushing the ON button of our favorite form of access to the busy world, as we ingest all of the newest and latest updates and outrages from society, the moments that we are existing in are all being clouded by chaos and confusion.

What if the very reason we sometimes cling to STUFF (for memory sake) is because we never allowed ourselves to be fully present in the moment, so we cling to a reminder as if it holds the same value as the experience itself.

Quite possibly the Wisdom these beautiful Souls, I have the privilege of caring for, have shared with me is the preciousness of each and every second. It truly does not matter if the clock ticking next to us is an antique grandfather clock masterpiece or a battery operated wall clock. The true treasure is the time we are experiencing. The true naked time…..undressed from current day distractions, news reports, chaos and opinions of doom.

Like a shadow being cast on an object from the light before it, although it may appear to elongate our existence it can disappear in a second once the light is removed.

With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged #blog4peace, #FindingHope, #loveoneanother, #StopTheNoise, Be In The Moment, Blog, blogging, blogging for peace, blogs, Christianity, Earth, Enjoy Life, faith, happy, Health, Home, hope, Hospice Care, inspiration, joy, love, Mental health, naked time, Palliative Care, poetry, positive energy, positive mental health, positive outlook, positivity, respect, Time, Truth

Why Am I Still Here? They Ask

Posted at 8:05 PM by carmelasnelbaker

Dec 8th

A caregivers ears hear many things. No-one’s life is ever free of difficulties of some sort, and each life has a path and a purpose only they will be able to fulfill.

“I don’t know why I am still here.” a 90 year old says to me. “That must mean you still have wisdom to pass on to us.” I tell him.

Wisdom however, is not always passed on easily. Quite possibly the wisdom our own life possesses may not even be apparent to us while we’re living. Is this what frustrates our existence and stirs up anger or restlessness in us?

Attempting to live out our purpose and understand why we are still here is often a struggle.

Although some pretty bits of wisdom are sometimes spoken sweetly, and appear to come with ease. A number of my experiences could be better explained as a scavenger hunt. The Wisdom may only be revealed to me after being preceded by many long days of hearing statements such as “Clean out your ears” “don’t you listen?” “Get the hell out of here.” It is only when I continue to go back for more, when the beauty finally is revealed.

I wholeheartedly believe in Divine Guidance. When we follow our inner voice and bravely do as we feel it is leading us to do, amazing things happen. The Journey may not always be easy and carefree but most assuredly the individuals you meet along the way are a blessing not just a chance encounter but a divine introduction.

As the majority of the world is enduring the busy responsibilities that everyday life often demands, others are faced with the seriousness of palliative care or hospice care. The differences in these two worlds are huge.

This is a journey one enters into kicking and screaming with resistance! As with anything that hurts, it is most natural for our heart to want to turn away from and run as fast as you can to escape the pain of loss. Not being able to distance yourself from it’s approach can leave a soul angry and confused.

A heart that Truly loves others grieves with profound sadness when the journey of another Soul begins a new path of life and leaves it’s earthly body, friends and family behind.

Messages of Wisdom come most profoundly from the heaviest of hearts. Life on earth is not always happiness and joy. Great Wisdom and Growth often happen in the midst of great pain and sorrow. The silent moments that unfold as a Soul is nearing the end of their earthly journey are moments in time like no other.

This past week several Beautiful Souls have completed their earthly journey and entered into their new life beyond earth. I feel truly honored to have met them and spent time being their caregiver. My heart aches along with their families.

Like a fingerprint on a piece of glass, every Soul is unique. The Wisdom and Love they leave upon the earth could only be passed along by them.

I will hold dearly their unique wisdom and will continue sharing their memory and wisdom with others here on earth. Although my heart is heavy now, getting to know them and sharing time in their presence has left a very positive influence on my life.

Among the still and quiet moments we spend with someone on this journey profound messages are communicated. Even when the moments feel only like silent helplessness their wisdom will eventually reach you and become clear.

It is an honor like no other for our hearts to be able to facilitate the wisdom of an Angelic Soul beginning life anew, Peaceful and Free of pain and sorrow.

A song miraculously found its way to my ears during heartbreaking outcries of grief and confusion this week. With each loss we experience, each one so drastically different and unique, it often feels overwhelmingly hard to make sense of the details and circumstances.

My heart finds strength from those I give care to. I will continue on, being grateful for each and every Soul my life’s journey introduces me to. Each and every Angelic Soul holds a very special place in my heart.

Once a Soul’s message of wisdom is released it is impossible to contain it once again. It will float freely to influence many others who long to understand it’s message.

With Respect, Hope, Joy and Love, Carmela

Posted in Meditative Writings | Tagged Angels, blogger, blogging, blogs, blogs for peace, Carmela Snelbaker, Christianity, divine guidance, Divine Love, Earth, heaven, Hospice Care, inspiration, love, Mental health, Palliative Care, Souls, Truth, wisdom