Finding Joy in the Journey. I'm wondering what you do to stay encouraged while caring for your loved ones?

I would try to get in a local support group for caregivers and try to keep up with interest-I am so glad I had my own idenity during all those years I was caregiver or I would be a mess now but because I had outlets-which he hated- I now am doing pretty good most of the time-even if it is just cooking something you do not have or planting one tomato plant and this site saved my sanity and it is open all night abd someone has been through the same as you or ubderstands-one thing I did and still do is crocet lap robes for the senior center to give to hospitals and nursing homes and I saw a pt. using one of mine just before my husband passed away-do not ioslate yourself you never know what God has planned for you tomarrow or ten years ahead and you need to be your own friend and have friends and be a friend to others,

Hello, I know just how you feel, I spend most of my days the same. I am trying to adjust with Mom here and taking care of all her bills etc.., and all of my Dad's ( he is in al with alzheimers) dealing with all the doctors for both cooking, cleaning, laundry raising kids one ready for college and my I'm trying to help my daughter plan her 16th birthday party!!! I look at the yard and my head spins!!! Thank God for my hubby and kids we worked so hard today to try to get the yard pool and all in shape for a party Imiss those days though, that that was all I had to worry or think about!!! But you know what I say at least I have something to get out of bed for every morning!!! When I read some of the stories here someone always seems to have it worse than me and I am so grateful. I hope you get some relief from this site the people are so amazing. Take care

This site is a sanity saver....its funny how many people do not realize until they have a parent to care for....you never know what you can do until you get there....its like we have everything for the journey but some days you wonder. I never knew I could do so much. I always thought hospice was a sunset patting moms hand saying goodbye and i love you and .......instead its patting and patting and patting...lol........its so different when you get there. You dont realize how much is not covered by insurance, and how much your life will be dominated by discussions about poo. And by how much it means to know that there are so many other people out there. And how wonderful 6 hours of sleep can feel. and how good it feels to cry sometimes. I appreciate this safe place. thanks all.

Austin,
You always make me think and reflect on how lucky we all really are. We are the ones who care and have cared for our family for so many years. I think of you often and hope the days are getting lighter and nights are not so long. Peace to you !! Linda

Secret sister-thank you for your kind words-today was hard but did get a lot done and was able to get out for a short walk which helped and finished a book for my book club.

I stay encouraged by reading all of your posts. Even though my dad is in the ALF, I am still battling daily with all of his financial nightmares that have become mine over this past year. I could go in detail, but it would take hours. But you all are a blessing in this journey, thank you all.

Nauseated, the thought of the bureacratic tangle involving SLF financials makes me cringe. Give yourself a pat on the back! Taking on someone else's financials is very burdensome, no matter how one looks at it, in my opinion. Daily assistive physical care is far easier than adding someone else's financial issues to one's life. Feels like a jail sentence, doesn't it?

This sign hangs by my dresser: Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; It's about learning to dance in the rain. Maybe these words will help to find humor, love, patience and faith.

Today the contractor finally showed up to build a shade structure over the patio!! Mom will be so happy. She loves to sit there, but the sun is to bright!

Well probably not appropriate but I was encouraged yesterday when I went out and bought myself some new UNDIES!!!! Yep I finally did something for me. I was so happy like a kid in a candy store, and the best part of all THEY FIT, Yippee