“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 »
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 »
