Powerless

"Suffering is nothing. It's all a
matter of preventing those
you love from suffering."
~Alphonse Daudet~

Part of the Impact of the Social Environment Theory in crisis intervention states that one of the ways to affect positive intervention is to engage in coalition building with the person in crisis, and to help the person in crisis move from a place of powerlessness to one of power. I love that theory.

I also love the philosophy of companioning as explained by Greg Yoder. As a professional, I can "companion" until the cows come home, and feel more empowered because of my ability to "companion".  I continually preach to my clients that their mere presence provides support to their loved ones. I often go on about how we're a "doing" society, and that sometimes, just quietly being present, listening, sitting next to a bedside is an incredibly powerful support to the ailing person. 

Theory and philosophy. Interesting, thought provoking, but much like socialism when you put it into practice.  Quite often, it's not something that you can sink your teeth into and really feel like you're accomplishing anything-that you're affecting any change, or being of any help to someone you care about or love.  It leaves the caregiver feeling powerless. 

For someone who works in a caring profession, being unable to see an outcome when offering support on a personal level to someone you love really stinks.  You want more than anything to bundle up their fragile spirit, and nurture it back to health. 

Maybe I just need to  take some of my own advice and accept being powerless to take away the pain from someone I love.  If I could I would wash it all away and fill up your life and heart with joy. You know who you are. I'll be present for you, even if it means being blind to the path. xo