One of the ways we cope with Lynn’s condition is to deal with what we have “today” and not look too far ahead. That’s especially true for Lynn but not as much for me. My personal make-up requires that I have a sense of control over my life, so I ALWAYS look ahead and plan […]
Fear of What Tomorrow May Bring Read More »
Today is my birthday. I’m a grand ole 56 years young or old, depending on which joint is aching and how much sleep I have had. Usually, I do not pay much attention to birthdays. My children are grown, and no one is in the house, but Lynn and I have no way to buy
Happy Birthday to Me! Read More »
I had to make a choice this week about my own care that turned out well but according to the urgent care doctor I saw, was not very bright. Maybe so, but it was a calculated risk, and one that I felt was the right decision at the time and, as it turned out, was
Choices and Calculated Risk Read More »
I’m supposed to be at my eye appointment right now. Since I’m writing a blog instead, you are correct in assuming I didn’t make it there today. I really wanted to go get my eyes checked but even more, I really wanted new glasses. I wear progressive lenses in very inexpensive frames, and for the
Divine Intervention? Read More »
By far, one of the greatest frustrations I have as a caregiver is that I have no control over what I want to do and when I want to do it. I am sitting here so frustrated now that I can hardly think straight. Today is July 4, my day off. However, I actually planned
The Best Laid Plans…Oh, Forget It Read More »
I’m ashamed of how much I complain to Lynn about the things he asks me to do. If he calls me to cath him and it’s only been 40 minutes, I’ll say something like, “You’ve got to be kidding! You couldn’t possibly need to pee again this soon.” Today, I gripped because he now eats
See Me Through His Eyes Read More »
Ever had this conversation? “How’s (insert family member’s name here)? You know, that if you ever need anything, anything at all, that all you have to do is call….” Really? In my experience most of the time that is a polite way of letting me know the person cares and at that time, they certainly
Call If You Need Anything Read More »
When my role as a caregiver became more demanding, I found myself acting more as a caregiver and less as a wife. In the early stages of MS, Lynn still worked, drove himself around, completed projects, and helped me with things I needed. He shared the responsibilities of the house, and we shared our lives
As winter progressed to spring this year, Lynn was finally beginning to feel less fatigue, his muscles were getting stronger, his reactions to the Rebif injections were becoming less and less, and it seemed that he was finally over the hump of recovering from his hospitalization in 2010, the anemia afterward, and then the adjustment
Life's Precious Balance Read More »
When I was young, no one in my immediate family had any type of visible disability. I grew up in the “country” and all the adults and children were physically active and spent a lot of time in physical labor. I remember helping my parents build the homes of other family members. By the time
Accepting What You Know Read More »
It would seem that as of this week, my daughter has officially become a caregiver thus establishing the second generation of caregivers in our family. In reality, she has been a caregiver for many months now, but with the hospitalization of her son, my grandson, it now seems official. Eli will be one year old
Second Generation Caregiver Read More »
Having just celebrated a great Mother’s Day with my three children and their spouses, I couldn’t help but think that although my kids are all now grown, my mothering days are not over. I’m not referring to my status of “once a Mom, always a Mom,” which is certainly true, but I’m talking about how
