Reflections of a Daughter of the Silent Generation and Mother of Generation Y
When I discovered our eleven-year-old bunny rabbit sprawled out in her cage, I was hit with disbelief. Even when death is expected, peaceful, and quick, it can be hard to accept. I’m grateful for my spouse and neighbor Mandy who helped me through.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
When I thought back on a lifetime with Mom (54 years and counting), I recalled her words, like salve to my soul. As reserved as she was, the words she chose stood out – even the ones that stung when delivered, felt like love now.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Stor
In support of a member facing a cancer diagnosis, her team had handed out bracelets with the words No One FIGHTS Alone! Running errands and thinking of this fierce, kind and resilient athlete, I pulled into Dunkin Donuts for an afternoon pick-up. When the guy in front of me bought my cup of coffee, it was the high five I needed, reminding me to reach out to others too.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
In a world with atrocity, apathy, anxiety, distraction and just plain busy-ness, I was touched by all the simple kindnesses that helped me as I helped Mom. Thanks to those simple, and often unexpected, kindnesses, the pieces of our life in Maine were starting to fall into place.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
When a coach at the Not Too Late, women over 50, basketball camp said, “you’re only as strong as your biggest weakness,” her words resonated, giving me reason to keep working on me, on the court and off.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
I learned long ago, in Al-Anon, that when we feel irritable or unreasonable, we need to “HALT” – it may be that we are Hungry, Angry, Lonely and/or Tired. Sometimes HALTing means putting our own feet up, sometimes it means taking a moment to learn from others who are doing just that.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
It hadn’t made sense to get mad at the kids for disrupted sleep, nor did it make sense to get irritated with Mom. I just had to make a plan to get some shut-eye and stick with it.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
According to the sign out front of a local church, “THERE IS A TIME FOR EVERYTHING. BE SURE TO MAKE TIME FOR GOD.” My middle square – “Spirituality and Faith” was a great place to start!
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Earnest 18-year-old you with me in your heart, asks me straight up “What next?”
You don’t want me to miss out on my life making sure that she doesn’t miss out on hers.
“I’m not sure,” I admit – I tell you the truth, cuz I value your two cents, and you’d see through anything else.
“I’m taking it a day at a time, trying to draw out this phase, trusting I’ll know when it’s time for a change.
Seriously, how lucky am I, that in the midst of your world, you see me sitting here, and give me just what I need.
Although I’m still not sure what is next, I promise to take care of me the best I can, in the mix.
All I ask is you do the same…What’s next for you?
Great things, I have no doubt – and I will cheer your every step.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
After a busy spring, I was exhausted. It helped that, when our youngest played Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass on his phone, Mom danced in her chair, from head to toe.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
