Yesterday was seven years ago that my dad died. Seven years. Some days it feels like yesterday that we would have breakfast together and read articles to one another while sharing the local paper. Some days it feels like he has been gone forever. I am grateful to have the original 12 letters my dad wrote to me my freshman year in college. There is something about holding … [Read more...]
Caregivers, Touch And Communication Are Intimately Tied Together
I created this video blog three years ago. Mom is now 90 and has slowed down considerably during the intervening years. Now that I’ve moved in with mom to take care for her, I am reminded how an intimate touch opens the door to communication. Disclaimer: The material in this blog is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace, nor does it replace, consulting … [Read more...]
Letters To Our Daughter: The Family Cat
Many of my posts lately have been about mom and adjusting to living with her again while taking on the role of full time caregiver. I've shared how this is really hard, but I also need to remind myself and my readers, why I am willing to to this work. This is another of dads missive's from the "Letters To Our Daughter" series. It made me laugh and reminded me of how much I … [Read more...]
The Hardest Caregiving Lesson To Date: It’s not always about me.
I wonder what other lessons are on their way. Full disclosure here. I’ve been mom’s full-time caregiver since December 30th. That is ten days, seven hours and 14 seconds. I knew it would be hard. It’s one of the reasons I avoided it for as long as possible. I even know it is not forever since we will be getting hourly help during my working hours and eventually mom will be … [Read more...]
Embrace is my touchstone word for 2022.
Like many people I no longer commit to a New Year's resolution. Instead I pick a touchstone word for the year. Sometimes it is based on how I hope the year will go and sometimes it is based on anticipating what is coming. I’m in the anticipation mode this year and the word is ‘Embrace.’ The dictionary defines embrace as: ‘To accept or support (a belief, theory, or change) … [Read more...]