My husband and I are getting ready to go on a vacation for our ten-year wedding anniversary. As we’ve been preparing things and planning what to do on our trip, I noticed that something feels different this time. I wasn’t quite sure what it was at first, but I was finally able to put my … Continue reading It Feels Good to Be Excited For a Vacation Again
Tag: caregiving
Don’t Give Up On Your Own Life
I did not allow myself to enjoy my own life when my mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. I did not allow myself to enjoy spending time with my husband and friends. I did not allow myself to enjoy going away on a vacation. I did not allow myself to have fun in any sense … Continue reading Don’t Give Up On Your Own Life
Changing Your Perspective Won’t Change Your Circumstances, But It Will Change You
When I was in the thick of my mom’s Alzheimer’s, I often felt down, depressed, and hopeless. I mostly focused on all that I had lost and would continue to lose as my mom declined. I would read things about being positive, finding joy, and hunting the good stuff and I would scoff. How could … Continue reading Changing Your Perspective Won’t Change Your Circumstances, But It Will Change You
Sometimes Grief Just Sucks
The other day I went to Target to get some face moisturizer because I was running out. As I was walking through the store, I saw an older woman looking at a cute crop top in the girls’ section. She pulled it off the rack and held it up, examining it. I’m sure she was … Continue reading Sometimes Grief Just Sucks
Let Go of the Guilt—There Is No Such Thing as Enough
Of all the emotions I dealt with during my mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s—anger, resentment, sadness, grief—I have to say that guilt was probably the most prevalent. It was the one thing I felt every single day of her ten-year journey. No matter how much I did. No matter how much I didn’t do. Whether it … Continue reading Let Go of the Guilt—There Is No Such Thing as Enough
Dementia Careblazers Ultimate Care Course
If you follow me on social media, then you know how much I love Dr. Natali of Dementia Careblazers. She is a board-certified geropsychologist who consistently provides a wealth of information and support to dementia caregivers on Facebook, Instagram, and her YouTube channel. I’m always amazed at how helpful her posts and videos are and … Continue reading Dementia Careblazers Ultimate Care Course
The Story You Are Living Is Bigger Than You Know
“Do you think my book is good enough?” I’m sure my husband is so tired of me asking him that question. Now that all of the words have been written and edited and formatted into an actual book, I’m freaking out. I’m terrified that it isn’t good enough. I keep thinking of stories I didn’t … Continue reading The Story You Are Living Is Bigger Than You Know
There’s a Lot of Grief When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
“On top of the guilt is about ten thousand layers of grief. Your loved one is constantly changing and losing more pieces of themselves. You grieve all of the little losses along the way. The first time your loved one needs help eating, getting dressed, or using the bathroom. The first time they forget your … Continue reading There’s a Lot of Grief When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s
Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Deserves to Be Loved
She got so upset with me for putting up the Christmas tree. She kept insisting that was something she and my dad were supposed to do together. I was just trying to do something nice for my mom and I wanted to keep it simple so my dad didn’t have to worry about taking down … Continue reading Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Deserves to Be Loved
Sitting on the Sidelines to Care for Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s
The photo below was taken four years ago at my niece’s first birthday party—a party I helped plan, set up for, and desperately wanted to be a part of instead of just taking care of my mom the whole time. We knew this would most likely be the only birthday party that my mom would … Continue reading Sitting on the Sidelines to Care for Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s
