As a caregiver, I understand that my role involves providing much physical care. For any caregiver, how much care is provided depends a lot on how significant the limitations of the one for whom you’re caring. The physical demands are many for me because Lynn’s physical limitations are many. But, in addition to providing his […]
The Many Faces of Care Read More »
I have not always been a full-time caregiver. As I look back over Lynn’s journey through the maze of MS progression, I have had different roles. On the Outside Looking In Role For several years before he was diagnosed with MS, I watched his symptoms develop from afar. He would mention an occasional problem with
Stages of Caregiving Read More »
Each of us filters information through our previous life experiences. We evaluate comments made and inferences perceived through those filters and eventually make conclusions based on them. We also tell ourselves stories about what we see and hear based on those filters, and it’s through those stories that our emotions are generated. That being said,
Caregiving From a Different Perspective Read More »
Sixty-two years ago today, my Mom and Dad became husband and wife. He was drafted into the army two months later and served the next two years in Korea. As I listen to the words this young bride wrote so long ago, I look at them now and see that the love they had then
My Mom's Words are Still True Today Read More »
I earn a living by working in a hospital in the department of Human Resources. Hospitals are heavily regulated and one of the most stringent agencies who monitor us is The Joint Commission. One of the standards they have for human resources is that it’s our responsibility to determine if the people we hire are
Am I Competent to Do This Job? Read More »
I have a tendency to feel sorry for myself at times. I also know that I may, at times, play the martyr. What I didn’t realize is that I sometimes threaten others the way I don’t like them to treat me, too. Feeling Sorry for Myself When others are able to go out, make plans
“Giving the gift of receiving” sounds like a contradiction. How can you give a gift that you receive? I think you can and I think it can be the greatest gift you give and receive all year. Here’s why. As a caregiver for someone who is totally disabled with very limited abilities, my world is
Giving the Gift of Receiving Read More »
Sometimes, I forget our life’s impact on the rest of our family. Today, that impact is more evident as I wait for our three children and their spouses to come over to “talk about the future.” I have been having just such a conversation with my brothers and parents but hadn’t thought much about needing
Planning for the Future with Our Children Read More »
For some reason, I have found that when I have a period of peace, quiet, and routine, I can expect a similar period of chaos to arrive in the near future. Usually, the chaos that comes is more than a little disruptive, and what makes it chaos is that it comes from multiple directions all
Managing Caregiver Chaos Read More »
As much as it’s the Thanksgiving season, I was thinking about the impact Multiple Sclerosis has had on our lives and trying to think of reasons why I could be thankful for MS. What comes to mind first, of course, are all the challenges, but if I really focus, I can think of several rewards
I attended a webinar today called “Grief: What Helps When It Hurts” by the Hospice Foundation of America. I was interested in this presentation because I work with many employees who have lost family members and struggle when they return to work. The focus of the presentation was on grieving the death of a loved
Having turned fifty-seven this week; Hope of retirement in eight years seems bleak. Thinking of losing my income somehow; Is much too scary to think of just now. To think of not having two jobs but just one Is a dream a long time in my future to come. For if I step down from
What Happens When It's My Turn? Read More »
