If you give a caregiver a break, she may add a pauseIf you give a caregiver a pause, she may take a hiatus.If you give a caregiver a hiatus, she may just go MIA. billie short I am still here caring for Emily. I am still here working my day job. I am still hereContinue reading “If You Give a Caregiver a Break….”
Author Archives: bshort1968
A Gem Shines Her Light on Others
It was January 2022. I was sitting on a Zoom call and interacting with nine perfect strangers. We were on a Quest led by Bobby Kountz to discover more about ourselves, our purpose, and how we could use our unique gifts to impact the lives of others. Some had a clear vision and purpose andContinue reading “A Gem Shines Her Light on Others”
The ABCs of Caregiver Gratitude
Rarely do my days flow without any hiccups. Challenges and obstacles are more the rule than the exception. It is easy to go down the rabbit hole of negativity. The martyrdom life is not a hard sell for extreme caregivers. Because it is easy to complain and wallow in self-pity, I make it a practiceContinue reading “The ABCs of Caregiver Gratitude”
Joyful Celebration With a Side of Worry
I often hear it said that the days go slow, but the years go fast. Those words are hitting me hard today. Emily will be twenty-three this week. I can’t help but reflect on how fast the time has passed. It is hard to believe we have been on this journey for so long. IContinue reading “Joyful Celebration With a Side of Worry”
The Hard Road Led to a Great Team Asset
Why is everything getting harder as Emily gets older? I thought things would get easier. Why is finding caregivers harder? Why is finding medical providers harder? Why is finding a dentist harder? These are the recurring thoughts that cycle through my head. I have loudly shared the long saga of trying to get a new wheelchairContinue reading “The Hard Road Led to a Great Team Asset”
Pismo is Making Waves in Accessibility
There is much we can find each day to complain about. These past few weeks, I have had some bones to pick and axes to grind over so many issues. Health insurance, parking, ADA awareness, and accessibility, just to name a few. Often, when a conversation starts about politics or the government, there are axesContinue reading “Pismo is Making Waves in Accessibility”
Wheelchair Woes and Insurance Blows
The wheels on the wheelchair go squeak, squawk, squeal. As I am walking Emily, the sound of her tires gets louder. They are completely bald. There isn’t any tread left. Huge gashes and complete chunks are missing. As we continue our walk, I begin to wonder if something bad could happen from pushing her onContinue reading “Wheelchair Woes and Insurance Blows”
Your Parking Has Me Fuming!
As a young adult, I remember listening to Earl Pitts every morning on my way to work as he ranted about what was ticking him off that day. It was funny and sometimes offensive, and I laughed at something he said daily. This week, watch out! I’m about to go Earl up in here! DoContinue reading “Your Parking Has Me Fuming!”
Take the Wins and the Losses
Isn’t it funny that we all see things differently? We all have our own stories about any situation. As I planned to write about the week in Vegas with Corry, Justin, and Emily, I was filled with joy as I reflected on the trip. There were bumps in the road. Emily was A LOT onContinue reading “Take the Wins and the Losses”
Ready or Not It’s Vegas Time
“Are you really taking Emily to Las Vegas for the week?” asked Todd. His tone is full of dismay. Is he married to a crazy person about to do something insane? Well, I guess the answer is yes, and I might just be a little crazy, but I will never tell him that. I willContinue reading “Ready or Not It’s Vegas Time”
Conversation for Change 