When you are a caregiver, you learn to multitask and plan ahead… or you don’t survive. Once you get good at doing these two things, then others, especially the one you’re caring for, seem to think that you can do anything…like magic. It mystifies me that I can tell Lynn what’s on my “to-do” list, and […]
Has Anyone Seen My Magic Wand? Read More »
The following Caregiver’s Prayer appeared in a local church newsletter recently. Lynn’s aunt shared it with me, and I contacted Kelly, the author, to see if I could share it with you. She graciously agreed. I have included her bio below, as well as the introduction to the prayer and the prayer itself. I hope
The Caregiver's Prayer by Kelly Combs Read More »
From what I can tell, one of man’s God-given instincts is to protect his family and property. That instinct doesn’t change just because you are in a wheelchair and can’t use your hands very well. Note: If you’re a member of PETA, do not read any further. Okay, now you’ve been warned… Lynn and I live
Protecting Our Home Read More »
I’ve had the opportunity this week to read a few blogs from other caregivers and last week to attend a caregiver support group. Hearing other caregivers’ stories, I started thinking about what it meant to be a caregiver. There’s certainly the obvious answer, “to give care to someone periodically or full-time,” but there is more
What is a Caregiver? Read More »
That question was posed to me yesterday during a get-together with several other caregivers. My first thought when I pondered it was, “What don’t I feel guilty about?” In listening to the others share, I realized that I don’t give myself enough credit for doing the best I can. For example… I feel guilty that
What Do You Feel Guilty About? Read More »
I had a serious disappointment tonight when I got home from work. It’s not about Lynn but something work-related. Once a week, I go to the job site where I touch base with my staff and take care of a few meetings that I feel need to be done with “face time” rather than over
Adjusting to Disappointment Read More »
My first career in life was as a registered nurse. I graduated in 1978 with a diploma in nursing and obtained my BS in 1980. I was fortunate to have a position that allowed me to learn many new procedures that I would teach to others so I had exposure to all types of products,
When is a Nurse Not a Nurse? When she's a Family Caregiver. Read More »
I needed to go to work on Monday. I was supposed to be meeting someone at 12:30, so I had to leave by 11 (an hour to get to work, 30 minutes to walk to the location of the meeting, and time to prepare for the meeting). To leave by 11, I have to allow
Wanted: Caregiver Ten Hours a Day Read More »
I’m having one of those “half-empty” days. It didn’t start out that way. I was excited because Lynn was having his Tram delivered today, and I knew he would be happy to have that. The Tram is a device we bought to help him stand and perhaps even walk one day, so it’s a “hopeful”
Trying to be All Things at All Times Read More »
I have become a “glass half empty” type of person. I’m not sure exactly when that occurred, but it’s true. Whenever something comes up as a possibility, I think about its risks and start preparing myself to deal with those possible traumas and disappointments. It drives Lynn crazy. Lynn is very optimistic. He looks at
Which Half of the Glass Am I Today? Read More »
Following the get-together last Saturday with my family, Christmas was fast upon us two days later. On Christmas Eve, our children always come over for our family time. Since the baby was still recovering from his cold, my daughter brought him to our house before heading in for the Christmas Eve church service. I planned
Yesterday, we celebrated Christmas with my side of the family. Several traveled about five hours to be together. We had a wonderful time, but it almost didn’t happen.Earlier in the month, I posted a blog about how difficult it was to choose between caring for Lynn and helping out my daughter, who was sick and
Warning! I have a Cold! Read More »
