Celebrating 69 Beautiful Years with My Mom
This past weekend, we celebrated my mom’s 69th birthday — and what a gift it was. Every year that I get to celebrate another trip around the sun with her feels like such a blessing. Ever since her stroke, our time together feels even more sacred. So when she mentioned wanting to go to church […]
Navigating Aphasia, Caregiving, and the Power of Unspoken Love
The Silence After the Stroke The silence that followed my mom’s stroke was deafening. I wasn’t prepared for the quiet that caregiving and aphasia would bring into our lives. I remember those first days after she became fully alert—no tubes, no machines—just silence. She would sit with a blank expression: no greeting, no familiar warmth […]
Reclaiming My Pace: Learning to Slow Down and Breathe
Recently, a friend came over and made a simple observation that landed deeply: they told me I scurry quickly through the house, moving in and out of rooms, always doing something—and then gently encouraged me to sit down and relax. At the time, my mom was in respite care, and I had the space to […]
Why Caregiving Feels So Personal
Caregiving is deeply emotional work. It’s not just about managing medications, appointments, or daily tasks—it’s about navigating a complex relationship with someone who depends on you. And sometimes, that relationship brings up emotions you didn’t expect. For me, I’ve noticed that certain moments in caregiving trigger something deeper—something that goes beyond the present situation. When […]
Resentment in Caregiving: Recognizing the Patterns and Finding Peace
Caregiving is often described as an act of love, but what happens when that love is met with frustration, exhaustion, and—sometimes—resentment? I recently realized how resentment shows up in my own caregiving journey, and it was a hard truth to face. There are moments when I find myself feeling edgy, snappy, or emotionally numb when […]
The Beauty of Respite Care
Being a full-time caregiver can often feel overwhelming, especially without someone to step in and provide relief. Thankfully, respite care has been a lifesaver for me. This invaluable service allows my mother to stay in a nursing facility for a short period—typically at least five days—giving me the time and space I need to recharge […]
Empower Your Caregiver Journey with Affirmations
Being a caregiver is a rewarding yet demanding role, whether you’re looking after a loved one or working in a professional capacity. One effective way to maintain your mental well-being and foster a positive outlook is by incorporating “I am” affirmations into your daily routine. These powerful statements can remind you of your strengths and […]