I am a divorced woman with no children. You might think I have a lot of free time, but I have been taking care of my sister for 41 years. She has schizophrenia, and has to take regular medication in order to stabilise her mood.

  

Over the years, I have struggled alongside my sister as she has battled her illness. When she has recurrences of mania or depression, I have to seek help from her psychiatrist to make sure her medication is appropriate. When her temper flares, I have to bear with her – secretly praying for her to calm down. Although I often do not enjoy this work, my sister has brought me closer to the Lord because of my constant prayers for help.

  

Here in Thailand, there are no institutions where people living with mental illness can be cared for indefinitely. So I have asked God, ‘Do I have the responsibility to take care of my sister for the rest of my life?’ His answer has been that I am to care patiently for my sister for as long as I can. Therefore, if God puts me in this place and calls me to help my sister, I will gladly do so.

Prayer: Helper of the weak, thank you for giving us the wisdom and patience to care for our loved ones. May we become your strength and peace for their lives. Amen