Caregiving – Page 3 – Conversation for Change

Can We Just Stop Pretending?

This weekend our family went to look at homes a few hours from where we currently live. We are exploring our possibilities after Todd retires in a few years. We scouted out a few areas where we found homes that looked promising for our family. We booked an Airbnb in the community to get aContinue reading “Can We Just Stop Pretending?”

Caregivers Need Care Too

I believe caregiving is the toughest job on the planet. I have had a lot of jobs, and nothing compares. The exhaustion I often feel at the end of the day is brutal. Caregivers often feel like they have no choice or other options. They could relinquish the care to someone else, but they wantContinue reading “Caregivers Need Care Too”

Disability, Communication, and Covid

This week we all tested positive for Covid. This has been challenging for our family. We usually work as a team. If one person is down, another can pick up the slack. (Think Brené Brown’s GAP plan.) Well, we are all down. This would be okay if we could all retreat to our corners andContinue reading “Disability, Communication, and Covid”

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”

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”

Disability is Diversity

I was honored when Jessica Patay invited me to be part of this year’s We Are Brave Together photo session. I started working with the organization last fall. They provide support, low-cost retreats, and resources for moms of children with unique needs. I believe in their mission. If you know me, then you also knowContinue reading “Disability is Diversity”