Comments on: Jump Right In

By: Donna W

Donna W — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 00:37:28 +0000

To get through another day, yes….welcome, welcome G-J….just treadin water here, trying to stay afloat!

By: Donna Ryan

Donna Ryan — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 23:32:36 +0000

I also would like to say welcome G-J..
I agree with all my friends above…this was a wonderful post. I need to take some advice on this one because I tend to be in a hurry and jump right into the water most of the time. I have to learn sometimes that the bigger the decision the longer the wait… .but on the other hand I suppose my jumping in personality makes it a little easier to deal with the unexpected.
I cared for my 84 year old aunt in our home for five months before she passed away of leukemia in 2006 and then in 2008 my mom jumped in her spot after having a heart attack at 89 and is now 91 living here with us. I have found many life preservers here. It however must be even more difficult losing your dad and then finding out your husband is now sick. I think caring for a spouse must be even harder to be honest than what Im going through. I so look forward to reading more of your story as you post. We all have different tales but have the same goal, to get through another day….

By: Sharon

Sharon — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 21:26:20 +0000

Welcome G-J! We are so glad you joined our caregiving.com family. I can identify so much with your blog. I too prefer to study and plan before jumping into a new situation. Caregiving does not give you that luxury. All of a sudden you are thrown into a world you did not anticipate or seek. Also caregiving seems to keep changing with new challenges and unexpected changes.

My caree is also my husband. My husband has a rare neurological disease called Multiple Systems Atrophy Type C. Basically his cerebellum is wasting away. It affects his balance, small motor skills, speech, response time, and a host of other issues. In four years he has gone from still working to a wheelchair and to now even needing more help in the bathroom and getting into bed. Each new and gradual step down is heartbreaking. My faith is what keeps me going.

Feel free to express your feelings here. We all understand. Once again, welcome!

By: Bette

Bette — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 18:01:55 +0000

Welcome G-J and thank you for your post. I love your reminder that each day gives us a new start. It is definitely hard to “inch in” to caregiving. Many challenges come unexpectedly and need to be processed and attended to right away. I am so sorry about your dad and now all of this with your husband. Take Care of yourself and please know you have support here.

By: Denise

Denise — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:02:27 +0000

Oh, what a beautiful post! I love your analogy to water and the ocean. And, if only, we could have Bewitched moments!

Life certainly can send tidal waves, can’t it? Just as you were grieving for your dad, another situation arrives to grieve over. Although… was the last one more of a tsunami? That’s the news that will shake your world.

I’m so glad you are sharing your days with us! I look forward to reading your posts.