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 »
I am feeling so frustrated tonight because my good sense tells me not to do something I want to do, but my heart is longing to do it. Here’s my dilemma. I want to be a caregiver to two different people (actually three), and it’s tearing me up that I can’t. My grandson is very
I got a text message early this morning from my son saying that his fiance’s mother, Leslie, was beginning to transition toward her death. I hadn’t heard dying referred to in that way before, but it made a lot of sense as I thought about it. There are specific changes that occur as our bodies
I am fortunate that almost everyone in my husband’s family likes to cook because I don’t. I enjoy eating, but I eat to live; I don’t live to eat…except maybe for desserts. Early Thursday morning, my wonderful sister-in-law arrived at my house to start the Thanksgiving feast. She did the entire meal, from start to
Hope you Enjoyed Thanksgiving Read More »
One of the rarest privileges I have as a caregiver is quiet time. When I’m awake, I am always listening for his, “Hey, Sweetie,” call that says I’m needed. During my work day, if I’m not taking care of his needs in some way, I’m working. From the moment I get up…no actually, twenty-four hours
Before every big event, there is always the fear that MS will get in the way of its enjoyment. I am pleased (and relieved) to say that did not happen during any of the festivities associated with Lynn’s son’s wedding. For days prior to the event, Lynn would comment on how he hoped his Rebif
They're Married and Lynn was There for it All Read More »
I got a text message from my son this week asking us to pray for him, his fiance, and her family. His fiance’s mother was recently diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer that had spread to her bones. She has had a month of radiation and a couple of weeks of chemotherapy, but she is
There are Worse Things Than MS Read More »
When I tell friends, family, acquaintances, etc. what I’m up to these days (i.e., being a full-time caregiver for my husband while working full-time from home) it’s amazing how many people either have someone with MS in their family or know of someone with MS. What’s even more amazing, however, is how different
“I Know Someone With MS…” Read More »
Today was Lynn’s six-month visit with his dentist. Tonight, after his shower, was time to cut his fingernails and file them. Between the two activities, I began to think about all the small things a caregiver takes over for their charge that are so important to that person’s self-image and feeling of being clean and
Hygiene and Grooming – Sweating the Small Stuff Read More »
I have never been one to find it easy to say “no.” I’m a people pleaser, I guess, but I find delight in making others happy, and I enjoy helping people. However, I guess for my own sake, and, maybe sometimes even for theirs, I should learn to say ‘no,’ but how do you know
One of the many challenges I face each day is how to devote the time needed to meet the obligations of my employment and give Lynn the care and attention he needs. I’ve found that whenever he calls me back to his room for assistance during the day, if he’s tired (and what MS patient
Supporting Lynn in his Work Read More »