Writing is something that has always brought me joy. Taking pen to paper or tapping out words on a keyboard are tools I have used to process the experiences in my life. The good. The bad. The ugly. For the past several months, I have chosen to keep the thoughts in my head. Rarely haveContinue reading “From Martyrdom to Mindfulness: Embrace Gratitude”
Author Archives: bshort1968
A Thief Called Dementia
Wide awake at 3 am. The dogs are hogging the bed. My husband is snoring, and my right foot is dangling off the side of the bed as I hug my pillow to keep me on the mattress. I realize my body is hovering on the edge like a coin on the coin drop machineContinue reading “A Thief Called Dementia”
Fallout After Loss
My Dad passed away when I was a junior in high school. While I was only sixteen, I had the maturity to understand a little about grief and processing emotions. I never thought this shouldn’t have happened, and I did not argue with the reality of the situation. I accepted that life is unpredictable, weContinue reading “Fallout After Loss”
Creativity, Boredom, and Sunday Supper
When did life get so complicated? How can we be connected 24/7 and yet, many of us feel lonely, isolated, or depressed? In this season of winter, I have been reflecting on my childhood. Every generation loves to point out things that have changed since they were young. Usually, it is to highlight how muchContinue reading “Creativity, Boredom, and Sunday Supper”
Crossing a Caregiver Threshold
My nose alerts me to what awaits on the other side of the door before my hand ever reaches the knob. Before opening and crossing the threshold, I stop and make a choice. It can be a Manic Monday or Easy like Sunday morning. Taking in a long pause, hold for a beat (or two),Continue reading “Crossing a Caregiver Threshold”
Comfort in a Silent Sunset
As I was driving to pick up Emily, I glanced in my rear-view mirror. The late afternoon sky was putting on quite the show. The swirl of colors and subtle changes from yellow, orange, and purple delighted my senses. Southern California sunsets in January are always spectacular. The memory of that day comes back. WeContinue reading “Comfort in a Silent Sunset”
Letting Go With Clarity (and Data)
What a difference a day makes. How about a year? Last year, I was grappling with fear and anxiety as the new year unfolded. Worries of aging and maintaining my ability to care for Emily swirled in my mind on a loop. Days fueled by fear and worry perpetuated my anxiety. Fortunately, I am endingContinue reading “Letting Go With Clarity (and Data)”
Fasten Your Seatbelt, Turbulence Ahead
We got on the road a little later than expected. Preparing everything around the house for the caregiver who would be with Emily for the weekend took time. She had never stayed over with Emily, and then there were the dogs. We had a scheduled grooming for Coco at 9 am and didn’t want toContinue reading “Fasten Your Seatbelt, Turbulence Ahead”
A Holiday Playlist that Works for Your Family
Once upon a time there was a caregiver that exerted Herculean effort to fit her family into the typical holiday jukebox. After putting her children to bed, she stayed up late checking off names from a 3-page list of Christmas card recipients. She baked cookies to deliver to local family and friends. This caregiver wouldContinue reading “A Holiday Playlist that Works for Your Family”
Caregiver Truth Discovered On a Boat One Day
Caring for my daughter is the hardest thing I have ever done. Her care is ever-present. Emily does not possess the ability to assist in her care. Every day, I prepare her meals, feed her, dress her, give her medication, and handle her personal hygiene. The moment the last item is checked off the list,Continue reading “Caregiver Truth Discovered On a Boat One Day”
Conversation for Change 