Real talk for caregivers. Celebrating successes. Solidarity in sorrow.
We’ve been home a week. And yes, I’m so thankful (so so thankful) hubby was well enough to be discharged. And yes, I much prefer sleeping in my bed to sleeping in a hospital ICU recliner. And yes, the commute, parking fees, and unlimited snacking have taken a toll on my wallet and waistline. But […]
Read MoreNobody knows my husband, his medical history, or his baseline (what he’s like on a “normal day”) better than me. So, when I have questions or comments about a clinical decision, or share feedback about his clinical status, my words are meaningful. While my commentary and participation is important, I also fully recognize that I […]
Read MoreIt’s weird being a mom. We’re supposed to know all the things, but these two hooligans teach me something new every day. Sometimes it’s about trombones and spittoons or ballet positions, sometimes it’s about calculus or Texas history, and some days it’s about how they need me to parent them. This last hospitalization was scary […]
Read MoreIf I let myself, I could spiral to places no one should ever have to go. The truth is, being a caregiver is just too unpredictable for my tiny lizard brain. And if I’m not actively managing my intrusive thoughts with ‘healthy’ coping mechanisms – therapy, writing, sharing with people who love me/us, and accepting […]
Read MoreBeing a caregiver isn’t all glitz and glamor, y’all. Sometimes, it’s hard work! And yes – the more obvious “work” is the physical labor associated with taking care of another human. Something less obvious is the emotional labor we’re dealing with too. Who would have thought that thinking so hard could be so traumatic. So, […]
Read MoreIf you met us today, you might not know that my husband has a Masters Degree in Trombone Performance. If you met us today, you might not know that my husband lived and worked as a music teacher and band director in Michigan. If you met us today, you might not know that my husband […]
Read MoreIt’s been a while, huh? I wish I could say that I was back with some pep in my step, or flounce in my bounce – but the truth is that this (gestures broadly), living this caregiver life, has been difficult. I’ve been busy, distracted, and exhausted. What’s that saying – I’m here for a […]
Read MoreIt’s true what “they” say – that for some, it takes a life-altering experience to connect with our sense of gratitude. Being thankful is surface-level appreciation. That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about the feeling of fervent appreciation for your still living parents, after attending the funeral of a friend’s mom or […]
Read MoreTo say that I have the best children in the entire world is an understatement. Because I do. I think most parents have moments of clarity where we recognize that our children are incredible human beings, becoming who they are meant to be right before our eyes. You know, between the sleepless nights of babyhood […]
Read MoreToo many things have happened since July 2020. Being a caregiver during a worldwide pandemic is hard, y’all. I’m so very thankful that things seem to be better, but I still live every day life on the edge of an anxiety attack. Shortly after our pandemic project was completed, and after much contemplation and discussion […]
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Juggle. Hustle. Repeat. 