six and a half months later...

My blogging starts today, although my story begins 6 1/2 months ago. I wish I would have started this earlier than today, but I didn't - for so many reasons. Today will be the day that I begin to document this journey that I am on...the journey called caregiver. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be a caregiver for an elderly parent, although, I always thought it was a kind thing to do. My mother was a caregiver. She cared for my dad, every whim and every desire he ever had. She cared for my two brothers and myself. I grew up knowing that she cared for others, after all she had worked as an RN. She even cared for the wounded during WW II. My oldest brother was a sickly child, preteen, teen, adult...and life centered around him and his illnessess/hospitalizations - and my mom lovingly cared for him. She cared for my dad's aunt. Dear Aunt Mae spent many days/weeks at our house recovering from a broken heart when her husband died or when she had cataract surgery or just because. She was in her 80's, lived alone, and we just loved having her there. My mom shared in the caring of her parents when they were ill, and for my dad when he had surgery for his knee and his heart - not that they required the same amount of caregiving! So here I am, my mother's daughter. I too am in a caring profession - that of an occupational therapist. I too have a husband, and two children that I cared for, and still care for with much love. But to this date, this has been my biggest challenge. Changing from my father's daughter to the caregiver of my father is quite a transition. I brought him home from Michigan with me in early September, 2007. I still find it hard to believe that he is living with us. I love to see him every morning. I love to tell him good night at the end of the day. It's the times in between that are the challenge. My time with him makes me smile, laugh, cry...sometimes all at the same moment! I'm hoping this blog will help me to sort my thoughts, maybe get some ideas, and guide me down this road that I have chosen to take. Happy Trails!