Archives for May 2022

 

The reality of serious illness is messy and discouraging, leaving a caregiver to struggle between the balance of positivity and real life.

Caregiving involves a reality of messy, discouraging, disrupting details. It is true that a positive approach of gratitude and hope can be uplifting. Caregivers often struggle with balancing a positive outlook and the reality they face. Some may believe that positivity is the answer to making the details of illness fade, but as a caregiver, there are times I need you to put the positivity aside and listen to my grim reality.

Nancy shares her latest caregiver lessons:

Caregiving can be overwhelming. It often feels like we have to go big, give our all or give up and go home.

Instead, if we aren’t ready to go all-in, we can try starting small and just showing up. Maybe stop by for an hour, and bring a cup of coffee, or a cookie. Over time, this could work into giving more of our time and bringing a whole meal.

Caregiver Lesson: If getting started as a caregiver or supporting a caregiver is hard, start small and just show up.

 

 

 

While buying a new car, the decision has to be made of whose name should be on the title. Cancer interferes once again.

The last time we bought a car Dan did not have cancer. A few weeks ago it was time to replace my aging car. Today Dan does have cancer. As we finalized the paperwork the question is asked, “whose name is going on the title?” The reality of cancer can impact even the most simple of transactions. Sitting in the dealership we realize, again, how cancer can influence the process of making wise decisions.

 

Cancer touches many lives, including the author of the popular Llama Llama series. Loss leads to sadness and gratitude.

Researching children’s literature, I came across the fact that Anna Dewdney, the author of the Llama Llama series, died of cancer. For over an hour I was sad and angry. To me, this seemed a senseless loss of a talented person. While I do not know her or have a connection to her, I was saddened by the many lives touched by cancer.

The kindness of others can play a part in caregiving. A Little Help from a friend can make a positive difference.

While visiting with my parents, I created a problem that I could not solve on my own. The kindness of a friend turned a challenging situation into a blessing for my parents.