Somewhere Between Progress and Patience

I realize that I have been quiet on these pages for a little longer than I would have liked. Sorry friends. I realize that the days of caregiving and the same old routine wear on me in ways that are somewhat new to me. The weight of the worries, the weight of the responsibilities and the pressures I put on myself do get to me. I am human despite my desperate attempt to be SuperWoman.

Things are stable here. My person had a PT evaluation and we were able to see measured progress. Just because it's there doesn't mean we're any more patient. We're 11 months in and wish we could snap our fingers and get "normal" back.

Instead, we sit here with this new normal. Our anxieties creep in. I'm stuck between wanting to take care of everything or being the ostrich with its head in the sand, while my person continues to come to terms with what normal may look like when we're past 18 months.

On the latest recording of The Caregiver Circle Podcast, we interviewed a Home Health Care Manager who's been in Nursing and Patient Advocacy for many years. What was amazing about the conversation, beyond her sharing the wisdom of what she sees and experiences regularly, was that she SEES caregivers and the challenges we faced. I'm lucky that I feel seen with my community of friends. But the way our guest shared insights, it was an honest reflection that made me feel normal. All the thoughts, especially at the beginning, were validated. It was incredible and I can't wait for you to hear it next week.

I'm going to try to get better at writing again. It does ground me when I pour out my thoughts. Maybe someday I'll turn this into my own inspirational book of strength! Never say never!