Why can't I remember dad before he got ill? In the ebb and flow of grief, the unexpected new stages amaze me. I didn’t anticipate this third Christmas without dad to be so hard. I dreaded the first and was surprised by the relative ease with which I got through it. Even the second Christmas did not have the all-consuming grief and depression of this one. Maybe it’s because the … [Read more...]
Grief Is A Personal Journey
There is no right or wrong way to grieve. I was so happy when I took this picture and shared it with family and friends. Dad had come through a frightening stay in the ICU and was feeling better than he had in months. Yet underlying that joy, there was a feeling of dread. We had dodged this bullet but another one was coming. We just didn’t know when. It is two … [Read more...]
How Caregivers Can Cope with Their Feelings as Parents Age
What feelings to expect at the first signs your elderly parents need help. Changes in your aging loved ones can be subtle at first. They start to forget appointments or names. They repeat the same story to you over and over again. You notice they are less organized, the house is messy, and their appearance maybe not be as put together. The realization sets in: “My aging … [Read more...]
Caregiver Burnout and Feelings of Anger
Feeling angry is normal and it’s OK. Some days I am so angry with my father - angry and resentful that he died and left me responsible for my mother. (Jump to Lessons Learned) If you are a caregiver, you understand. If you are not there yet, don’t be surprised by these feelings. They are normal and recognizing them is another step in your grieving and for me, part of the … [Read more...]