Having turned fifty-seven this week, the hope of retirement in eight years seems bleak. Thinking of losing my income somehow, is much too scary to think of just now. To think of not having two jobs but just one is a dream for a long time in the future to come. For if I step […]
What Happens When It's My Turn? Read More »
Being a caregiver is difficult. It’s a lot of hard work; it’s emotionally trying; it’s downright exhausting…but it is also very rewarding. I try each day to come up with at least one thing that I have done or used or seen or thought about that I am thankful for and I highlight that on
Thankful to Be a Caregiver Read More »
For the past year, I have excitedly looked forward to this year’s beach vacation. I have dreamed about how awesome it would be, talked about it with anyone who would listen, and looked forward to it like a child looking forward to a Christmas Eve visit from Santa. I was so excited because I thought
Is This It? I Thought It Would Be Bigger Read More »
Before I get started on this blog, I want to write a disclaimer: I’m very tired and having difficulty this week coping so if you are a caregiver; read on—you probably have felt the same way. If you are someone with MS, maybe you better skip this one. It’s not meant to cause you guilt
Who Can Afford Respite Care? Read More »
We had a great fortune this year to rent a beach house for our summer vacation that included a handicap-accessible pool. The pool was large enough for our entire family to be in it (seven of us) but small enough that by afternoon the water temperature was around the bath-water range. While some people might
Would Hydrotherapy Be an Option? Read More »
Of all the caregiving responsibilities I do on a daily basis, the one I think that is most important is inspecting and caring for Lynn’s skin. For most people, if they get a cut or a scratch, or other skin irritation, it’s no big deal. They get a little Neosporin ointment, slap a Band-Aid on
The Importance of Skin Care Read More »
Always be Prepared. That was the Scout motto when I was a kid and one I’ve taken to heart for survival purposes now that I’m a caregiver. The need to always have a “plan B” keeps me on my toes and planning ahead for the “just in case” life I now live. Today is Saturday.
Preparing for the Week Ahead Read More »
With much excitement but a little trepidation, Lynn and I returned to church last Sunday. We had not been able to attend there since he started requiring the use of a wheelchair to get around. When he first came home from the hospital in 2010, he was too weak for almost a year; then as
Just Because It Can Be Done Doesn’t Mean It Should Be Read More »
Occasionally I get an email from someone who is a new caregiver asking for advice on how to adjust to this new role they have acquired. Here are some of the life lessons I’ve learned from caregiving. I can’t be perfect. Not that I ever was but I’ve always had the personal philosophy that if
Life Lessons from Caregiving Read More »
People have different ways of relieving stress and frustration and as Lynn’s condition progressed from independence to total dependency, I think we have used them all. Most provide some relief but some work better than others. For us, the method that works the best is laughter. Now when I was a kid, I was told
Sometimes, Ya Just Have Ta Laugh…. Read More »
