Donna Shares holds nothing back as she shares her journey with readers about her life as a family caregiver. She began blogging after finding she needed an outlet to share her pent-up emotions with other caregivers; however, she had access to none. Starting a blog was her solution to feeling isolated and gave her an avenue to share what she knew with others in hopes that her experiences might help them not feel isolated. Since her history as a caregiver has expanded many years now, she has reprinted those past posts for new readers who might be interested in comparing past to present or learning from prior experiences. Blog Library has them all categorized by the type of topic covered. Some posts listed were from the time she wrote as a contributor for multiplesclerosis.net. Therefore, you will leave this website and go to theirs when you click on that link to read the full post. Happy reading!
I realized something this week. Somewhere in my subconscious, I seem to be waiting for all “this” to go away…to wake up one day and “everything” be back to normal. How odd is that? Lynn was diagnosed with MS in 2006. We were married in 1997. I knew well before his diagnosis that he had […]
When Is This Going to go Away? Read More »
For the first time in eight years, Lynn has been able to “swim” in the ocean. He was overjoyed at the experience (that grimace in the picture is only due to the wave splashing on his face; he was having a blast) and so were we. So in spite of the fact that Radical Mobility
Now This is What I Call Accessible Read More »
One of the ways we cope with Lynn’s condition is to deal with what we have “today” and not look too far ahead. That’s especially true for Lynn; not as much for me. My personal make-up requires that I have a sense of control about my life so I ALWAYS look ahead and plan for
Fear of What Tomorrow May Bring Read More »
Today is my birthday. I’m a grand ole 56 years young or old depending on which joint is aching and how much sleep I have had. Usually, I do not pay much attention to birthdays. My children are grown and no one is in the house but me and Lynn and he has no way
Happy Birthday to Me! Read More »
I had to make a choice this week about my own care that turned out well but according to the urgent care doctor I saw, was not very bright. Maybe so, but it was a calculated risk, and one that I felt was the right decision at the time and, as it turned out, was
Choices and Calculated Risk Read More »
I’m supposed to be at my eye appointment right now. Since I’m writing a blog instead, you are correct in assuming, I didn’t make it there today. I really wanted to go get my eyes checked but even more, I really wanted new glasses. I wear progressive lenses in very inexpensive frames and for the
Divine Intervention? Read More »
By far, one of the greatest frustrations I have as a caregiver is that I have no control over what I want to do and when I want to do it. I am sitting here so frustrated at this moment that I can hardly think straight. Today is July 4, my day off. However, I
The Best Laid Plans…Oh, Forget It Read More »
I’m ashamed of how much I complain to Lynn about the things he asks me to do. If he calls me to cath him and it’s only been 40 minutes I’ll say something like, “you’ve got to be kidding! You couldn’t possibly need to pee again this soon.” Today I was gripped because he now
See Me Through His Eyes Read More »
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
