Caregiving – Page 2 – Conversation for Change

Pearl Sized Loss

It’s just a damn goldfish. Pull yourself together. I go to the cupboard and retrieve the net. Tears are streaming down my face, and I muffle my cries. Guacamole is lying at the bottom of the tank. I scoop his lifeless body from the bottom of the tank and take him to the compost bin. “GoContinue reading “Pearl Sized Loss”

Little Things We Take for Granted, are Big to Others

One of the greatest gifts I have received from having a child with developmental and physical delays is that I no longer take things for granted. During my pregnancy with Justin, I devoured the What to Expect books like Crème Brûlée. They were treasured maps and guides. When Justin not only met but exceeded whatContinue reading “Little Things We Take for Granted, are Big to Others”

New Year, Recurring Fear

There is something beautiful about starting a new year. Each year is a recurring clean slate. The past year is behind us, and a new year is ahead. I was extra excited that January 1st fell on a Sunday this year. I love to plan my week on Sunday mornings. I time block my week,Continue reading “New Year, Recurring Fear”

Advocacy Her Way

Learning has always been something I enjoyed. I was the kid that could not wait to go to school. I loved the discovery and excitement in each new day. I continue to study, learn, grow, and be curious. Throughout my educational journey, I have had some pretty wonderful (and not-so-wonderful) teachers, but my greatest teacherContinue reading “Advocacy Her Way”

Not the Sanctuary of My Dreams

Why isn’t the joy bubble refilling faster? I thought we were writing something whimsical and fun this week? What is wrong with you? Snap out of it. (The A side of my chatter) Give yourself a break. November is already a weird month for you. You often get the blues around this time of theContinue reading “Not the Sanctuary of My Dreams”

Whimsy to Woeful

It’s quickly approaching 1 am. I am sitting on the floor in the living room, surrounded by a sea of towels. A stack of clean. A stack of dirty and a stack of—I am not even sure at this point. Emily is leaning her head on my chest, and we are covered in a bigContinue reading “Whimsy to Woeful”

Caregivers Require Care Too

Caregiving is the most stressful and difficult job there is. I remember when my son was born. I delivered him and 24 hours later, my husband and I were sent home to care for this precious human on our own. Our doctor and friends referred us to reference books to guide us. The manuals wereContinue reading “Caregivers Require Care Too”

Hmm, How Can I Help?

Raising children is not easy. Caring for a child with medical needs or physical and intellectual disabilities adds to the challenges. The disease or disability can often take a family hostage, or at least that is how it feels. Your time is not your own. Your needs get kicked down the road. Sometimes they travelContinue reading “Hmm, How Can I Help?”

Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?

Caregiver burnout is defined as a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It may be accompanied by a change in attitude, from positive and caring to negative and unconcerned. Caregiver burnout can occur when caregivers are not receiving adequate support, or doing more than they are physically, emotionally, or financially able to accomplish. OftenContinue reading “Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?”

Stealing Time for ME

I have learned the hard way the value of taking care of myself. I used to believe that self-care was going to the spa for a massage or a weekend away at a retreat. While I do believe these are wonderful ways to refuel and recharge, the result is short term. They will rejuvenate theContinue reading “Stealing Time for ME”