When you first suspect your loved one has MS, you tend to find ways to deny it. Lynn kept saying his doctor had ruled it out. I kept saying, “Are you sure you’re telling him everything?” When he said, “Yes,” I would accept that as true because I wanted it to be true…denial. Then, the […]
Stages of Grief: Anger Read More »
One of the greatest struggles I have found in being a caregiver is finding the happy compromise of my husband’s need for independence and control of his life versus my need to control his environment and keep him safe and healthy. Many times, these two needs seem to be in direct conflict with each other.
Independence Battles Protection Read More »
One of the most difficult aspects of caring for someone with limited movement is getting them comfortable in bed; at least, it is for me. When I lie down at night, I know it takes a few moves here and there just to find that right position of comfort that allows me to settle into
Helping Him Get Comfortable in Bed Read More »
During my nursing training, I was introduced to Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross’ five stages of grief and loss related to helping patients and their families as they experienced dying and the loss of a loved one. Since that time, I’ve come to realize that those five stages of grief are not exclusive to death and dying.
If I’m going to be away from home for any length of time, I try to arrange for someone to stay with Lynn for most of the time that I am away. I sometimes have to leave before the person staying with him can get there, or they have to leave before I can get
It’s funny how words or pictures can bring back such vivid memories. The Cultural Arts Department at work sponsored a poetry/prose writing contest recently with the theme “Rhythm.” I don’t usually enter such contests, but when I thought about the theme, it brought back memories of standing next to Lynn’s bed while he was in
Watching, Waiting, Being Strong Read More »
Introduction: I wrote the following story about when I was waiting at Lynn’s bedside to find out if he was getting better or worse. I submitted this story to a writing contest at work and won second place. However, I wanted to share it with you because many of you can relate. Standing Beside His
Standing Beside His Bed Read More »
Connecting with Grandchildren Lynn loves children. He gets such a kick out of watching them play and run around. Some of his favorite commercials are those that have little children running around, getting into things, and acting adorable. When my daughter (his step-daughter) announced she was pregnant, he was happy for her and her husband
Connecting with Grandchildren Read More »
Are you prepared to spring into action for an emergency? Just because you are a full-time caregiver doesn’t mean the world stops sending you other challenges so you can focus on the one needing your care. Most of us have other family members—children, parents, siblings, close friends, or others near and dear to our hearts.
Spring Into Action Read More »
My daughter writes each day about something she is thankful for that day. I was so touched by the following post she had on Facebook last night, that I just have to share it with you. By Sarah Johnson Today, I’m thankful to God that Jesus didn’t quit.Imagine. You’re in the
I’m Thankful to God That Jesus Didn’t Quit Read More »
Life at our house over the past month has been rather challenging. My Mom was just diagnosed with ovarian cancer and lives about two-hundred miles away; so we have moved her and my Dad in with us while she goes through chemotherapy. Lynn’s Mom has myasthenia gravis and suffers from extreme weakness all the time.
Frustrations of Dealing with Limitations Read More »
Lynn and I had to make a very difficult decision this week– whether to cancel our summer vacation or to go as planned. Now, on the surface that might not sound like such a big deal, but it was. Since the children were small, we have been going to the beach in North Carolina for
Letting Go of Unrealistic Plans Read More »
