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”
Category Archives: Special Needs Parenting
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)”
Fasten Your Seatbelt, Turbulence Ahead
We got on the road a little later than expected. Preparing everything around the house for the caregiver who would be with Emily for the weekend took time. She had never stayed over with Emily, and then there were the dogs. We had a scheduled grooming for Coco at 9 am and didn’t want toContinue reading “Fasten Your Seatbelt, Turbulence Ahead”
A Holiday Playlist that Works for Your Family
Once upon a time there was a caregiver that exerted Herculean effort to fit her family into the typical holiday jukebox. After putting her children to bed, she stayed up late checking off names from a 3-page list of Christmas card recipients. She baked cookies to deliver to local family and friends. This caregiver wouldContinue reading “A Holiday Playlist that Works for Your Family”
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….”
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”
The Caregiver Cancelled…Again
Remember a few years back when CANCELLED was heard regularly on social media and on the news? For one reason or another, it was like everyone was getting cancelled. Actors, hosts, comedians, and politicians were cancelled. It was raining cancellations! No one was immune, but in the world of disability and disability care, cancellations haveContinue reading “The Caregiver Cancelled…Again”
Celebrate Doing Less and Connecting More
Sunday, May 21st was World Meditation Day. I had planned to attend Michael O’Brien’s live class on his Pause Breathe Reflect app. I was looking forward to the meditation. There is something magical about meditating live with others and Michael has created an incredible space and community. The collective energy is indescribable. It is fuelContinue reading “Celebrate Doing Less and Connecting More”
Can Caregivers Win the Numbers Game?
Extreme caregivers have more days that can feel overwhelming, stressful, and exhausting than most people. We also know our mind wants to protect us, and it wants the path of least resistance. This can be a challenge. Challenging days are stressful, and our brain wants to relieve our suffering as quickly as possible. As IContinue reading “Can Caregivers Win the Numbers Game?”
Conversation for Change 