I felt so guilty living my life while my mom was suffering from Alzheimer’s and my dad was overwhelmed with her care that I just simply stopped living my life. I still feel guilty that I didn’t have to take care of her from the minute I woke up until the minute I went to … Continue reading Punishing Yourself for Your Loved One’s Suffering Won’t Do Anyone Any Good
Tag: self care
It’s Okay to Go Slow and Do What Feels Familiar
I set out to go for a short run in my neighborhood this morning. The weather was pretty gloomy, as it has been for the last few days, but I opted to run outside because I knew I needed it. This year has been heavy for everyone for many reasons, but for me it has … Continue reading It’s Okay to Go Slow and Do What Feels Familiar
I’m Allowing Myself to Feel Joy Again
(The post below was written on May 31, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) Yesterday marked 8 weeks since my mom passed. I received the call from my dad at 7:01am that day and so, it has been my tradition to sit and stare at my phone at 7:01am every Saturday to honor … Continue reading I’m Allowing Myself to Feel Joy Again
I Lost Myself to My Mom’s Alzheimer’s
(The post below was written on May 28, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) “I feel like I’m not myself right now. I don’t even know what that is. I feel like I don’t even know who I am anymore.” I said these words to my husband this morning. And I meant them. … Continue reading I Lost Myself to My Mom’s Alzheimer’s
Isn’t Life Always Uncertain?
(The post below was written on May 15, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) On this day ten years ago, my mom was not only alive, but we didn’t even know she had Alzheimer’s yet. My husband and I were not even engaged yet, let alone married. We didn’t even own a house … Continue reading Isn’t Life Always Uncertain?
Is My Mom’s Death the Hard Reset I’ve Been Looking For?
(The post below was written on May 7, 2020. My mom passed on April 4, 2020.) Several months ago I told my husband that I felt like I needed a hard reset. My life had been on hold for so many years and although I had the desire to start living again, I didn’t even … Continue reading Is My Mom’s Death the Hard Reset I’ve Been Looking For?
We Break, But We Always Rebuild Ourselves
A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to John’s Pass for the afternoon. It’s a fishing village with a boardwalk and tons of shops and restaurants. We went into a little dog boutique and I found this adorable mug. I painstakingly selected the most perfect mug without any nicks or cracks on it … Continue reading We Break, But We Always Rebuild Ourselves
You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence
When I was 12 years old, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was getting ready for basketball practice one night, when I heard her whispering on the phone to my Aunt Diane. It sounded like something was going on, but she was trying to hide it. I asked her what she was talking … Continue reading You Don’t Have to Suffer in Silence
Here’s Why You Should Start a Gratitude Journal
For those who don’t already know, I make a gratitude list after every FaceTime call with my mom and dad. I used to dread FaceTiming with them and I would hang up feeling so depressed. It made me not want to FaceTime with them. I would avoid it at all costs. I knew I had … Continue reading Here’s Why You Should Start a Gratitude Journal
Don’t Let Alzheimer’s Steal All of Your Joy
A few weeks ago, my husband and I went to the beach for a few days. It was a much needed mini-vacay to relax and unwind. I was sitting there on the beach one day, reading a mindless, light book, when it hit me. It had been hours since I thought about my mom and … Continue reading Don’t Let Alzheimer’s Steal All of Your Joy