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 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 MoreOne day, in the distant or not to distant future, our kids may decide to read through this blog. They know I’m a writer, they’ve observed me writing for the blog, and they’ve both scrolled through my images on IG and FB where I post links. Admittedly, I always try to write with them in […]
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 MoreGrief is a normal, healthy response to any loss or perceived change. Sometimes, when there are multiple losses, untimely losses (in the case of younger people), losses that involve loss of income or involve children, grief can be complicated. As caregivers, we mourn the losses of our loved one as they lose various physical functions, […]
Read MoreI’ve had the privilege of knowing others in similar situations – caregiving for a loved one who is dealing with a life-long and progressive condition. Something we all share is a level of anxiety that is uncommon in the general public and usually results from a shared fear of the unknown. But what are the […]
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Juggle. Hustle. Repeat. 