Ever had this conversation? “How’s (insert family member’s name here)? You know, that if you ever need anything, anything at all, that all you have to do is call….” Really? In my experience most of the time that is a polite way of letting me know the person cares and at that time, they certainly […]
Call If You Need Anything Read More »
When my role as a caregiver became more demanding, I found myself acting more as a caregiver and less as a wife. In the early stages of MS, Lynn still worked, drove himself around, completed projects, and helped me with things I needed. He shared in the responsibilities of the house and we shared our lives
As winter progressed to spring this year, Lynn was finally beginning to feel less fatigue, his muscles were getting stronger, his reactions to the Rebif injections were becoming less and less and it seemed that he was finally over the hump of recovering from his hospitalization in 2010, the anemia afterward, and then the adjustment
Life's Precious Balance Read More »
When I was young, no one in my immediate family had any type of visible disability. I grew up in the “country” and all the adults and children were physically active and spent a lot of time in physical labor. I remember helping my parents build the homes of other family members. By the time
Accepting What You Know Read More »
It would seem that as of this week, my daughter has officially become a caregiver thus establishing the second generation of caregivers in our family. In reality, she has been a caregiver for many months now, but with the hospitalization of her son, my grandson, it now seems official. Eli will be one year old
Second Generation Caregiver Read More »
Having just celebrated a great Mother’s Day with my three children and their spouse’s, I couldn’t help but think that although my kids are all now grown, my mothering days are not over. I’m not referring to my status of “once a Mom, always a Mom,” which is certainly true but I’m talking about how
When you are a caregiver, you learn to multitask and plan ahead… or you don’t survive. Once you get good at doing these two things, then others, especially the one you’re caring for, seem to think that you can do anything…like magic. It mystifies me that I can tell Lynn what’s on my “to do” list
Has Anyone Seen My Magic Wand? Read More »
The following Caregiver‘s Prayer appeared in a local church’s newsletter recently. Lynn’s aunt shared it with me, and I contacted Kelly, the author, to see if I could share it with you. She graciously agreed. I have included her bio below as well as the introduction to the prayer and the prayer, itself. I hope
The Caregiver's Prayer by Kelly Combs Read More »
From what I can tell, one of man’s God-given instincts is to protect his family and property. That instinct doesn’t change just because you happen to be in a wheelchair and can’t use your hands very well. Note: If you’re a member of PETA, do not read any further. Okay, now you’ve been warned… Lynn and
Protecting Our Home Read More »
I’ve had the opportunity this week to read a few blogs from other caregivers and last week to attend a caregiver support group. In hearing the stories of other caregivers, I started thinking about what it meant to be a caregiver. There’s certainly the obvious answer, “to give care to someone periodically or full-time,” but
What is a Caregiver? Read More »
