Finding Peace Within us and our loved one in 2026 who is sick or dying?
Thoughts on being positive, finding peace, and creating joy in 2026, even if we have a sick or dying loved one.
Many of us have a loved one who is sick, dying, or has dementia. We may struggle to get through each hour or the day. The New Year has no answers, just questions. You may say to yourself, I don’t want to face another year. This Substack is for you, facing an uncertain future and uncertain days ahead, finding peace and creating joy, in the midst of sickness.
So, how do we find peace and let go of the fear when looking at 2026?
These are my thoughts, going forward in 2026!
I am going to begin each day by being thankful that we have another day together, accompanied by a beautiful sunrise and sunset.
When fearful thoughts invade my heart and mind, I will cut them off and replace them with knowing God is there to get us through the tough moments and days!
I will remember that God is my strength when I feel I have none.
When my patience is shattered, I will ask God for a few quiet moments to regain my smile.
Many people did not wake up today; they died. We did, and that is a huge gift! Each day is a blessing that we have our loved one. Don’t take that day with those hours for granted!
Try not to look too far forward with all the possible grim possibilities, because you really have no idea how this year will go. Your loved one may get better and have months, not days, with you. Only God knows your future. There are cases where people beat those grim diagnoses, even after being given up to die. The human spirit can defy statistics and often does! Hope is never too late!
Begin a gratitude journal! Write in it each evening, thanking God for all the events with their blessings both small and significant, in your day.
My goal is to wake up each morning and make it the best day possible! Joy is a choice!
Each day may only have a few moments to cherish, but look for them, the small ones, the ones you might miss if you were not looking for them. It may be a gentle conversation, a touch, or a look!
Activities that create joy and peace in the midst of sickness and ill health:
Look at scrapbooks of family pictures and talk about trips you might have taken,
Bring them magazines about their favorite hobby, such as car racing!
Listen to peaceful music, watch funny old movies, listen to favorite comedians, or read them a book or passages from the bible.
Sing or play their favorite songs!
Wheel them outside to see the sunset or visit pets. Hold their hand and tell them about all the joys you have had.
Have loved ones visit, especially the little ones. Surround them with love!
If you have a church, request visits from the church members or the pastor. If they don’t have a church, request a visit from one of the pastors who visit the hospital.
Look for the joy in the day and in the moments! Concentrate on the blessings!
Create a bucket list and make each one happen as you can.
Remember, doctors do not know when you are going to die; they rely on cold insurance stats. Thousands are beating those statistics, by months or years, and some are beating their cancer or disease completely! Do not give up because your oncologist gives you the dreaded diagnosis!
Keep on with your cancer-fighting program, change your program, or find a new program to go forward with in 2026! I know it’s hard and painful to watch your loved one in pain or getting worse. Remember, they can also get better!
Spend time making memories, creating moments, or outings that give joy one more time.
If they are in the hospital, get permission, fight for permission to bring your loved one’s dog or cat they have had for years, for one more visit! Take them out of their room into an outdoor area for some sunshine. Let them talk to family on the phone or show them pictures. Hold their hand.
Bring them a special treat. I remember a man I took care of who was dying. He only had a few days left. His daughter brought him a special treat of chocolate each day…a different one each day. Even if it was only a bite or two, he loved it and the effort by his daughter to give him a bit of happiness.
Play soft, uplifting, calming music, especially if they suffer from depression or pain!
If your loved one is dying, nothing you can do at this point, then cherish each minute you have with them.
Let them know that you will be ok if they are ready to leave.
Things you can do to ease their transition from this world to the next:
Let them talk to you about whatever is important to them. Let them discuss their fears, their regrets, their memories, for it’s important for you to hear them out.
Encourage them to forgive people in their life.
Help them make the calls to reunite with family members who might be estranged.
Make it possible for them to tell people they might have hurt or mistreated that they are sorry and regret their actions.
You must be the one to encourage and facilitate their leaving this world with more peace.
It is important for your family, who is left as well. If they are religious, bring their minister to the house to talk to them.
I look at our future, and I know that somehow, with God’s strength, we will make 2026 the most positive year we can. I know that whatever comes, we will navigate this next year and give it as much joy as we can create.
Remember that the day that you work to make a beautiful memory is precious! There are so many things we do that, in the long run, are unimportant, so spend time on the ones that will remain as treasures in your heart!
May you all have a blessed and healthy New Year in 2026! I thank all of you who became subscribers last year and are following me. I really appreciate all of you!