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Caregiver for a Season, Part of Our Lives Forever

As we walked into the store, Emily let out a squeal or a scream. Well, it was a high-pitched reaction that vocalized extreme emotion. Emily doesn’t regulate her emotions the same way we do. She may go from a cry to a laugh in a millisecond. Her squeals told me she was experiencing an emotionalContinue reading “Caregiver for a Season, Part of Our Lives Forever”

Are You Really Just Fine?

Self-reliance is a characteristic that is admired in our culture. People that figure things out and get things done are respected, admired, and emulated. I have always taken pride in the fact that I am self-reliant. I wear the badge with honor. No matter the problem or obstacle comes my way, I will figure itContinue reading “Are You Really Just Fine?”

Concert Connections

A group of people gathered together for the same reason…a concert. The one thing they all have in common is a connection to the group, ensemble, or artist they are all there to experience. If you have ever been to any live show or concert, you have experienced that feeling of connection and belonging. TheContinue reading “Concert Connections”

Going with the Flow

“I turn grass into wool”, said the sheep. “What is your superpower?” Gail Boenning asked this question in a recent 3musesmerge post. What a glorious question I thought. Her writing delights me and at the same time is educational and thought-provoking. It seems to be human nature to list the things we feel we areContinue reading “Going with the Flow”

Grief and Anniversaries

Grief cannot always be predicted and calculated. I have mentioned before that it comes in cycles and often comes to visit when you least expect it. May has been a month where I am experiencing a heaviness in my heart. I have been feeling sad, angry, and anxious. I have not slept well either. IContinue reading “Grief and Anniversaries”

Joy Does Not Mean Happy

I have not been happy these last two weeks. I expected that I would bounce back from foot surgery. I mean, they only cut my toe. It should heal in no time. I had an ablation five years ago. The doctor gave me enough pain medication for two weeks, and I was fine in 24Continue reading “Joy Does Not Mean Happy”

Discovery in Recovery

I was excited to finally have surgery on my right foot. My toe has been causing me pain for over a year. I was grateful to schedule at a time when Todd was able to take off work and help care for Emily. I was encouraged that the recovery was not as long as otherContinue reading “Discovery in Recovery”

Clean Teeth and Kindness

As I take Emily to the restroom to begin her evening routine, I engage in my mental routine to prepare. My inner chatter commences. You can do hard things. You were made for this. You are a caregiving badass. Tonight will go well. You have enough energy left to do this. You are doing thisContinue reading “Clean Teeth and Kindness”

Dogs, Beards, Emily, a Wedding, and God

Looking at all the incredible photographs from this past weekend fills me with gratitude and joy. My favorite nephew (please do not tell the others), Collin got married. The wedding was in Santa Barbara. The weekend included the rehearsal dinner on Friday followed by an incredible cocktail party on the rooftop of the Hotel Californian.Continue reading “Dogs, Beards, Emily, a Wedding, and God”

It’s Just a Tea Towel

I received snail mail this week that filled me with delight. I love to get things in the mail. I am not talking about the countless Amazon boxes, but handwritten notes or cards. Joy mail makes my heart sing. The package was from Zatuilla. She is a friend I have made through the Pause BreatheContinue reading “It’s Just a Tea Towel”