Real talk for caregivers. Celebrating successes. Solidarity in sorrow.
Tonight was a big night for us. Our son plays trombone and is in his (Texas) high school marching band. And, our daughter had a birthday sleepover across town. Side Bar: I’ve been told that Americans implicitly understand that it’s a big deal to be in a Texas high school marching band, which is why […]
Read MoreWe’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 MoreWe’re on day (enter random number here because time moves quickly) of a hospital stay that won’t end for a few more days – and the hope is that my dear husband will be approved for rehab (fingers crossed), which means even more days in a care facility. I know that we’ve been here too […]
Read MoreWhen everything feels like it’s about others, it’s easy to ignore your own health. And the statistics don’t lie. An author manuscript published on PubMed Central titled: Physical and Mental Health Effects of Family Caregiving, identifies caregiving (which is defined in this case as a family or friend who provides unpaid care to a loved […]
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Juggle. Hustle. Repeat. 