Being a caregiver is difficult. It’s a lot of hard work; it’s emotionally trying; it’s downright exhausting…but also very rewarding. I try each day to come up with at least one thing that I have done, used, seen, or thought about that I am thankful for, and I highlight that on my Facebook timeline. I […]
Thankful to Be a Caregiver Read More »
For the past year, I have excitedly looked forward to this year’s beach vacation. I have dreamed about how awesome it would be, talked about it with anyone who would listen, and looked forward to it like a child looking forward to a Christmas Eve visit from Santa. I was so excited because I thought
Is This It? I Thought It Would Be Bigger Read More »
Before I start this blog, I want to write a disclaimer: I’m very tired and having difficulty this week, so if you are a caregiver, read on—you probably have felt the same way. If you are someone with MS, maybe you better skip this one. It’s not meant to cause you guilt or pain, but
Who Can Afford Respite Care? Read More »
We had a great fortune this year to rent a beach house for our summer vacation that included a handicap-accessible pool. The pool was large enough for our entire family to be in it (seven of us) but small enough that by afternoon the water temperature was around the bath-water range. While some people might
Would Hydrotherapy Be an Option? Read More »
Of all the caregiving responsibilities I do daily, the one I think is most important is inspecting and caring for Lynn’s skin. For most people, getting a cut, scratch, or other skin irritation is no big deal. They get a little Neosporin ointment, slap a Band-Aid, and go about their usual routine. For someone who
The Importance of Skin Care Read More »
Always be Prepared. That was the Scout motto when I was a kid, and I’ve taken it to heart for survival purposes now that I’m a caregiver. The need to always have a “plan B” keeps me on my toes and planning ahead for the “just in case” life I now live. Today is Saturday.
Preparing for the Week Ahead Read More »
With much excitement but a little trepidation, Lynn and I returned to church last Sunday. We had not been able to attend there since he started requiring the use of a wheelchair to get around. When he first came home from the hospital in 2010, he was too weak for almost a year; then as
Just Because It Can Be Done Doesn’t Mean It Should Be Read More »
Occasionally, I get an email from someone who is a new caregiver asking for advice on how to adjust to this new role they have acquired. Here are some of the life lessons I’ve learned from caregiving. I can’t be perfect. Not that I ever was, but I’ve always had the personal philosophy that if
Life Lessons from Caregiving Read More »
People have different ways of relieving stress and frustration, and as Lynn’s condition progressed from independence to total dependency, I think we have used them all. Most provide some relief, but some work better than others. For us, the method that works the best is laughter. Now, when I was a kid, I was told
Sometimes, Ya Just Have Ta Laugh…. Read More »
I recently published a blog (June 26, 2014) entitled “A Short Trip Back Home.” In that blog, I discussed the fact that going away for a weekend required just about the same amount of preparation and packing of equipment as going away for a week. Now, I want to discuss the “lessons learned” from that
Lessons Learned From a Short Trip Read More »
After years of caregiving, I believe I know Lynn’s body and his emotional and physical needs as well or better than my own. Actually, I probably know it better because I don’t pay attention to my own. By becoming familiar with him, I’ve been able to take quick action to prevent minor problems from becoming
Can You Scratch My Leg? Read More »
When Lynn and I were dating, I knew that his father had only lived to be in his forties and that he died from complications of MS. Having a medical background, I had a vague, general knowledge of the condition but primarily just enough knowledge to know that it affected mobility and the eyes and
