Blog
Grief. Guilt. Mourning. I’m showing the symptoms, and that’s OK
I needed a friend to help me cope with my guilt about what I was feeling.
‘Nothing new’ is good enough. In fact, I’ve decided it’s very good
‘Nothing new’ is my report for the week, and I’m quite happy to write about it.
I’ve been chronicling the changes without expecting more of them
Accommodating change is our weekly challenge. I know this. Why does it still shock me?
Navigating change is everyone’s challenge, but for me it’s different
We live in an age of constant change, even though our instinct is to resist it. But for caregivers like me, facing change is a weekly challenge.
Pondering the meaning and mystery of who she was and who she is
What is really changing in the deterioration happening before our eyes? And what will never change? A thoughtful question led me to ponder issues beyond what I’m seeing today.
‘Different’ describes our days, including our Christmas this year
Different is the category for every aspect of our life right now. Christmas will simply fit the pattern.
Everything’s the same. Everything’s different. And that’s OK
Another reunion with friends we’ve known for decades prompts so many memories, along with reflection on all that’s changed.
Things continue to be different for us. And really, that’s normal
The small or sometimes not-so-small changes in our routine continue to mount up.
Welcome, old friend! We’re glad you’re here, even with the changes
We’re glad to see her again, but I’ve decided I just can’t give Christmas all she may want from me. And that’s OK.
The denial game I’m playing: Change my focus? Not me. Not yet
I need slowly (or maybe not so slowly) to come to terms with the realization that caregiving is now my primary duty, not something added on or just accommodated.