Years ago when my dog, Josh, became ill he was diagnosed with several tumors. The initial diagnosis was a UTI, pancreatitis and colitis, but an X-ray taken as part of diagnostics was cloudy. The ultrasound clearly showed tumors and a slow bleed from one of them. It was the last thing I expected. I don’t think there is anything worse than going from a waiting room to a small … [Read more...]
Are You Putting Off Grief or Finally Living Your Life?
2023 was the year when, for the first time, I was able to really concentrate on my business. It feels good to see everything that was accomplished and gratifying to look back at the family caregivers whose lives I was able to touch. It felt like I was finally reclaiming my life. So, if 2023 was such a good year, why was the start of 2024 hard personally and professionally? … [Read more...]
“I’m only leaving this house feet first.”
Recently, I had a conversation with Rosanne Corcoran, past caregiver for her mom and host of Daughterhood the Podcast. Rosanne lost her mom about a year before I did and, like me, is still struggling with grief and trying to answer the questions every caregiver faces at the end of our journey. "What is my purpose? What am I good for now?” During our dinner, Rosann looked at … [Read more...]
Mom is Gone a Year Now.
Some days it feels like yesterday that I got the call she had passed during the night. Other days it feels like it happened years ago. Grief is such a complex emotion that is different for everyone. That is why it feels so complicated to me because there is no formula. I have been surprised this past year by how often the grief I feel at losing mom is doubled by the grief of … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Act of Self-Care.
“How about if we just get really good at practicing extreme imperfection. Could this be the ultimate act of self-care?” Anne Tumlinson, Founder of Daughterhood.org Lord knows I’m imperfect. Like everyone, I’ve made mistakes in my personal and professional life and certainly as a caregiver. Yet, it’s the mistakes as a caregiver that stick with me more than the others. I am … [Read more...]