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”
Category Archives: Caregiving
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”
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”
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)”
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”
If You Give a Caregiver a Break….
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….”
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”
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”
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 