13 Comments
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Haley Haddow's avatar

Beautifully written Sarah. Thank you for sharing your letter. I could relate on many levels... also your strength of character and resilience shines through.

Sarah Bain's avatar

Thank you so much. 😊

Dr. Nicole Mirkin's avatar

The way this letter captures the complexity of caring for someone you have a complicated history with is very real. Showing up without certainty, while carrying past loss and present responsibility, is something many caregivers live but rarely put into words. The focus on goodbye as both burden and privilege reflects an experience that reshapes identity long after the role ends. There is also truth in how caregiving changes what parts of you continue forward and what falls away.

Sarah Bain's avatar

Thank you so much. For reading and for commenting. ♥️

Janine De Tillio Cammarata 🖊️'s avatar

Sarah, thank you for this letter. It warms my heart that you were able to be with and say goodbye to your mother. So important.

I love the idea that writing this allows us to remember our resilience. We often forget how much we have inside of us to get through adversity whether it's caregiving or assistance a loved one as they transition. I know I have that tendency to look externally. Then I look reflect back through my journal, listen to my intuition, and realize that I can do this.

Patience is a tough one for me as well so I appreciate your struggle.

Sarah Bain's avatar

Awww. Thank you Janine. It was such a good exercise in both humility and kindness toward ourselves and we sure can use more of that. Thank you for taking time to read and to respond.

Janine De Tillio Cammarata 🖊️'s avatar

Couldn’t agree more. Sometimes it’s very hard to do and needs repeating in different ways. 😊

Jane Dalton's avatar

A heartfelt sharing, Sarah. Thank you to you and Victoria. You eloquently capture the numb exhaustion from caregiving, and the choice you made. Whilst spinning multiple plates as life doesn't stop. Much ❤️. Xx

Sarah Bain's avatar

Thank you so much. I appreciate you taking the time to respond.

Denise Servais's avatar

Beautifully written. Thanks for sharing.

Sarah Bain's avatar

Thank you, Denise, for reading.

Melissa Sullivan's avatar

Dealing with the grief and the loss. I understand. Being the daughter she needed in spite of her not always being the mother you needed. Yes. Exactly. It’s a choice. Thank you for sharing here. 💜

Sarah Bain's avatar

Thank you Melissa. There are so many elements to all of it aren't there?