Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go.
Louise Driscoll
Awake at 4:30am, I wonder what has stirred me?
These past weeks I trained several new caregivers. Many hours have been spent sharing personal details and staying very alert to our every move. This type of training is much like dancing – together we learn the steps and build the trust needed to lead and follow.
Then there is the introduction to my life. Where is my family? Why did I move to Asheville? Do I like to shop, read books, watch tv… Questions begin to slow when I explain my vocation — an Episcopal priest, where I have lived — from the East Coast to the West Coast, my schedule — time for quiet, prayer, writing projects, workshops and meeting friends for food and fun. Most caregivers are not accustomed to working with folks like me, active people who live with a disability. It takes a while to get oriented. My job– to be patient. Be patient and remember to protect the space for my dreams.
I have a dear friend who once asked how I managed to have any privacy and time for myself. She watched my life as it always seemed filled with people. People, who by necessity, must be in my rooms and touch many of my belongings. She could not imagine how I might find a way to have private time and space. “No one caregiver knows everything about me.”, I replied. “Somehow I am able to create a space that allows for privacy and solitude.”
This is not to say that finding private time is easy. And so I return to my opening question:
Awake at 4:30, I wonder what has stirred me? It is my alarm for peaceful time alone. When most of the world still sleeps, I awaken ready to revisit my dreams. My eyes open to discover a moment when images and ideas can rise to the surface and find expression.
This time is never taken for granted. It has to be honored. All of the people who assist me with the details of my daily life rely on my ability to find these moments. It is time to remember my dreams and find ways to bring them to life.
I welcome this opportunity and give thanks for a new day.
Carrie's Bench 
This could not be more beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing. I have been thinking about you lately. Know that you are in my heart if not in my company. Love you, Lita
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One of my friends who enjoy the quiet of early morning! Thank you for these kind words. Always.
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Being involved in your life as a caregiver years ago made me a better person. You are extremely patient. I remember you saying I must have angels all around me because I would trip on the pillow or the pedal to your chair! Funny, I had never broken a bone in my life….angels!! Blessings to you, I think of you often! Love, Jennifer
Sent from my iPad
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Everyone is more graceful with angels near! Thank you for your kind words and great memories. I know my life is richer because of knowing you. Peace.
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Carrie,
I like this blog entry a lot. I wake up real early lots of times- -probably because I go to sleep so early. I call that waking up time my “Holy Ghost Time” because I seem to get help with problem solving or tweaking lyrics or saying prayers, remembering persons to whom I owe an email response. Then there’s the sweet feeling from a sex dream, or a fun, good dream. There’s also time to think about a worrisome, unpleasant dream.
Keep up the good work, and I hope you find good caregivers.
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Good caregivers have been found, thanks Mike. I like your term ‘Holy Ghost Time’. That gift of time is healthier than we think. Sorting things out can make a day much less cumbersome.
It is good to be in such company while alone in my quiet.
Peace to you
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