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!
My first career in life was as a registered nurse. I graduated in 1978 with a diploma in nursing and obtained my BS in 1980. I was fortunate to have a position that allowed me to learn lots of new procedures that I would teach to others so I had exposure to all types of products, procedures, […]
When is a Nurse Not a Nurse? When she's a Family Caregiver. Read More »
I needed to go into work on Monday. I was supposed to be meeting someone at 12:30 so I had to leave by 11 (an hour to get to work, 30 minutes to walk to the location of the meeting and time to prepare for the meeting). To leave by 11, I have to allow
Wanted: Caregiver Ten Hours a Day Read More »
I’m having one of those “half-empty” days. Didn’t start out that way. I was excited because Lynn was having his Tram delivered today and I knew he would be happy to have that. The Tram is a device we bought to help him stand and perhaps even walk one day so it’s a “hopeful” device
Trying to be All Things at All Times Read More »
I have become a “glass half empty” type of person. I’m not sure exactly when that occurred but it’s definitely true. Whenever something comes up as a possibility, I think about the risks associated with it and start preparing myself to deal with those possible traumas and disappointments. It drives Lynn crazy. Lynn is very
Which Half of the Glass Am I Today? Read More »
Following the get-together last Saturday with my family, Christmas was fast upon us two days later. On Christmas Eve, we always have our children come over for our family time. Since the baby was still recovering from his cold, my daughter brought him to our house before heading in for the Christmas Eve church service.
Yesterday we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family. Several traveled about five hours so that we could be together. We had a wonderful time but it almost didn’t happen. Earlier in the month, I posted a blog about how difficult it was to choose between caring for Lynn and helping out my daughter
Warning! I have a Cold! Read More »
I am feeling so frustrated tonight because my good sense tells me not to do something I really want to do but my heart is longing to do it. Here’s my dilemma. I want to be a caregiver to two different people (actually three) and it’s tearing me up that I can’t. My grandson is very
I got a text message early this morning from my son saying that his fiance’s mother, Leslie, was beginning to transition toward her death. I hadn’t heard dying referred to in that way before but it made a lot of sense as I thought about it. There are specific changes that occur as our bodies begin
I am very fortunate that almost everyone in my husband’s family likes to cook because I don’t. I enjoy eating but I eat to live; I don’t live to eat…except maybe for desserts. Early Thursday morning, my wonderful sister-in-law arrived at my house to start the Thanksgiving feast. She did the entire meal, start to
Hope you Enjoyed Thanksgiving Read More »
One of the rarest privileges I have as a caregiver is quiet time. When I’m awake, I am always listening for his,”Hey, Sweetie,” call that says I’m needed. During my work day if I’m not taking care of his needs in some way, I’m working. From the moment I get up…no actually, twenty-four hours a day,
