Reflections of a Daughter of the Silent Generation and Mother of Generation Y
My sisters (in-law) may not have been part of my start, still, I was grateful they were part of my present. Although we were from different gardens, I loved our awesome bouquet!
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
For as long as I could remember, exercise had relieved stress and cleared my mind. These days, Mom rebounding, I hoped it would help me get my spark back too.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
When she got into bed, Mom said “I’m sorry” – I’m not quite sure for what. I answered “I’m sorry” back – I’m not quite sure for what for. It broke my heart even as I knew it meant that the part of her that I had feared had shut down for good was back. How lucky am I?
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Listen, just listen…why is it so hard to do, when I know it’s what you need from me most?
I start out trying, and the next thing I know, I’m speaking, advising, wanting to take your pain away.
Listen, just listen…why is it so hard to do?
I don’t want you to feel anxious, sad, or alone, even though I know that’s part of life too.
You’ll be okay, I’ll be okay, if I just let you be, to find your way.
So I’ll try to listen, just listen…as long as you’ll try to let me know, when it’s something different you need from me.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Vacation (noun)(vā-kā′shən, və-) “A period of time devoted to pleasure, rest, or relaxation”(thefreedictionary.com) … the sun on the horizon, the wind in the palms, the waves on the beach, my family in their beds asleep, and Mom at home safe and sound …
“… a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation …”(merriam-webster.com)… exploring new places, reading a book just for fun, closing my eyes – sun on my hat, sand under my feet, enjoying new foods prepared by another, talking and laughing, together, apart …
“… the time during which a person temporarily ceases regular duties of any kind and performs other activities … typically used for rest, travel, or recreation, but may be used for any purpose …” (webster-dictionary.org)… I step away, I unravel, I rejuvenate, I rediscover, and I look forward to returning home to Mom.
—from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Fifteen hundred miles from home and I was still worried about Mom. The wild weather at sea turned out to be exactly what I needed—like Dad was taking care of me from above, dumping water on my head, changing things up, and reminding me to accept when I’m not in control, to ride it out, and to let myself have some spontaneous fun.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
Time with my spouse, when he had my full attention, was rare. It was time to make an effort to find time together in our life with Mom in our home.
—excerpt from Living Is for Living: A Caregiver’s Story
