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
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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 »
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
