Search Results for: blog gulp im a caregiver

The Animals Grandma Dorothy Introduced Me To

The last few days I’ve been thinking about my mom a lot. I think it’s because of all that I’ve gone through with Murphy lately. I remember how Murphy was always on my mom’s mind. She thought the world of him. Now with him in his cast and his cone head, I can’t help but think of how she’d react if she was here to see him. She’d be so upset he was going through all this, but she’d also love on him and cater to his every need. I guess in some respects she’d return the therapy he gave … Continue reading →

How Is It Politicians Have So Much Time to Cheat?

I was very disappointed to hear yesterday that John Edwards admitted to having an affair on his wife, Elizabeth. Worse, he did it when she was in the midst of battling cancer. It was just a few months ago when another such scandal forced the then governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer, out of office. Edwards isn’t going to face anything like that, but I think he can pretty much forget Obama naming him as his choice for vice-presidential running mate. I happen to like John Edwards, so I’m really disappointed to hear he’s joined the ranks of cheating politician … Continue reading →

GULP! I’m a Caregiver!

Last month I knew there were going to be big changes to my marriage when my mom’s illness forced me to fly home and we made the decision to move her back with me. But it’s only recently that it dawned on me: GULP! I’m a caregiver! Big Responsibility When I was in Denver and taking her to and from doctor’s appointments, I was helping her out. That’s how it seemed. I knew I was caring for her on some level, but it was different somehow. I guess because it felt more like I was doing a favor than being … Continue reading →

What’s the Spookiest Thing That’s Happened to You on Halloween?

Happy Halloween! I don’t know if it’s the kid in me or what, but Halloween remains one of my favorite holidays. I love decorating and dressing up even though I don’t have any kids and some may think I’m too old for such nonsense. But I don’t care. I still think it’s a hoot. However, this Halloween, even though the decorations are up, I find myself facing something very scary indeed. A trip to the doctor. Dreading the Doctor After having to schlep my mom to and from doctors’ offices this past year, I’ve semi-sort of conquered one fear in … Continue reading →

Confessions of a Stay-at-Home Wife

A couple of months ago I confessed that I was a stay-at-home wife and I explained how that had happened. I also admitted I was embarrassed about it, and laughed at an article that suggested stay-at-home wives were a new “trend.” Oh yeah, for a while there I was on a stay-at-home wife kick. I plan to revisit the issue briefly with some confessions about my life as a stay-at-home wife. As usual, comments are welcomed. I’ll be curious to hear what some of you have to say about this blog. Confession #1: Sometimes I Feel Guilty It’s not like … Continue reading →

Black Clouds

Have you ever seen a cartoon or a comic strip featuring some poor soul who has a black cloud overhead following him (or her) wherever he (or she) goes? They can’t get a break. Everywhere they turn, everything they do, doom awaits. I’ve had days where I’ve felt like that. Days where no matter what I try, I can’t shake the black cloud. I know Wayne has too. Usually we don’t experience it at the same time, though, so whoever’s got the sun on their side tries to stand as close as possible to the other. That way we can … Continue reading →

Rain or Shine, My Pets Are There

This hasn’t been a very easy year for me. In fact, of all my years on this Earth to date, this past one has been the most trying by far. And the most blues-filled. One After the Other It started last summer when we tried to move back to Jacksonville. Thankfully plans changed, but instead of life sailing along unencumbered as I’d hoped, I got sick in November –the same week Wayne moved home and we left to go to Denver for Thanksgiving. Then Wayne got sick, and I had a relapse and fell ill again. Come January and February … Continue reading →

Yes, I Confess, I’m a Stay-at-Home Wife

Jade Walker is proving to be more than a muse to me. To borrow a term often used by one of my favorite literary characters, Anne Shirley, she’s proving to be a kindred spirit. And somewhat of a healer. I’m Not Alone Shortly before my mom died, Jade sent me a link to a new blog about caring for elderly parents with a note that said, “Remember: You are not alone.” She thought I might find it useful since I was in the midst of caring for my mom. It was easy to feel alone back then, but notes like … Continue reading →

The Elderly Teach “The Baby Borrowers” Lessons in Love

I may not have children, but last night’s episode of “The Baby Borrowers” was one I could definitely relate to: The teens had to care for the elderly. Since I’m fresh off my duty of caregiving for my mom, the episode struck particularly close to home. Even more so because one of the ladies was on oxygen and two others had suffered strokes. (Except only one, Hedy, was actually being cared for by a teen. The other, Reggie, was the wife of one of the men, George, who had volunteered to stay with a teen couple.) The only thing missing … Continue reading →

Murphy’s Newest Job: The Waker Upper

When Murphy picked his part in the personal pet therapy project, he did so without complaint –but with much sacrifice. Among other things, gone were his leisurely walks multiple times a day. He’s making up for lost time now. These days Murph wakes up early and with tons of enthusiasm. There’s work to be done, and he needs my help to do it. Company on My Morning Walk I like to start my day with a nice walk. But when I started caring for my mom I rarely got to walk. And therefor neither did Murph. Not the long walks … Continue reading →