While it complicated her care, Mom’s inability to remember the pain or other details had its advantages: she loved taking guilt-free naps with Cinnamon and regularly expressed gratitude for her good health when I tucked her in at night.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Terry, your entries move me. It is admirable that you are using this format not only to share your experiences as a caregiver, but to educate as well. My heart is full for you, your mom, and your family. I was the caregiver for one of my five brothers recently. He lived with me for the last seven months of his life as cancer raged his body and ultimately played a role in his death in January as he experienced a health crisis that he could not fight. Through those months, I experienced so many of the emotions, frustrations and worries that you write about. May you continue on this challenging journey with loved ones at your side and sleep well knowing the indescribable gifts you are giving to your mother and ultimately to yourself xoxo
Andrea, thank you, always, for your insight and support.
Terry… you are doing an amazing job with the care of your Mother!! Most people can’t or won’t take these responsibilities on. But even with my Mom in a care facility… I understand your caretaking responsibilities… just on a different level. UTI’s run a muck in the nursing home… and often present as a change in mood or me wondering if Mom has had a small stroke or something. Even with aides there to monitor… it is often I who suggests a Dr visit or some testing. I guess what I am trying to say is I have great admiration for what you do! I can’t imagine how exhausted you feel. Emotional exhaustion is often way more tiring then physical exhaustion. The strength you are showing your children… and the love your Mother feels that she can’t express… will all be worth it in the end. I think you are amazing!! Thanks for sharing your personal life and experiences so we may all benefit. ❤️
Thank you Karin – I love all the beautiful photos you share of your beautiful Mom and daughters – I’m glad to share this caregiving role with you!
That is a wonderful description of your situation. Love reading the blog.
💜