Love the idea of writing poems to remind yourself. I often write myself letters about things like reminders to get up and not work so hard. But never thought of doing it with a poem. Great idea.
"Being a Carer is not for everyone, nor would I want anyone to 'sleepwalk' into it, which is a common phenomenon these days. Intentional consideration and choice are something I hope and wish everyone has." ... I really value this part of your share. So often we do wander into it and while that's sometimes a result of suddenness, more often it's because the hard conversations weren't had in advance. Intentionality around the choice makes it better for everyone, difficult though that can be. <3 <3
I find, too, that it's often different for each parent, even when parents have stayed married. My dad was ill most of my life and I always played some kind of caretaking role (mostly emotional) and it was complicated until the end of his days. My relationship with my mother is completely different and time will tell ... We are currently in early stages of caring for my partner's father and trying to navigate that which is also all new. He's an only child which is very different for me since my siblings and I are very close and leaned on each other a lot with my dad.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathryn. Yes, I've heard many examples of caregiving being VERY different for each parent.
The early stages are always challenging. Everyone's trying to figure out their role, boundaries, and how to connect. I feel for you both.
It's really good to hear that you're close with your siblings and that you could lean on each other to care for your Dad—slight envy here, as an only child and single! But I've heard many stories of fraught, difficult family situations with siblings too.
These days, with Mum I feel blessed. I know that may surprise some, but we're very close after everything we've been through!
Love the idea of writing poems to remind yourself. I often write myself letters about things like reminders to get up and not work so hard. But never thought of doing it with a poem. Great idea.
Thanks, Carol
"Being a Carer is not for everyone, nor would I want anyone to 'sleepwalk' into it, which is a common phenomenon these days. Intentional consideration and choice are something I hope and wish everyone has." ... I really value this part of your share. So often we do wander into it and while that's sometimes a result of suddenness, more often it's because the hard conversations weren't had in advance. Intentionality around the choice makes it better for everyone, difficult though that can be. <3 <3
I find, too, that it's often different for each parent, even when parents have stayed married. My dad was ill most of my life and I always played some kind of caretaking role (mostly emotional) and it was complicated until the end of his days. My relationship with my mother is completely different and time will tell ... We are currently in early stages of caring for my partner's father and trying to navigate that which is also all new. He's an only child which is very different for me since my siblings and I are very close and leaned on each other a lot with my dad.
Thanks for reading and commenting, Kathryn. Yes, I've heard many examples of caregiving being VERY different for each parent.
The early stages are always challenging. Everyone's trying to figure out their role, boundaries, and how to connect. I feel for you both.
It's really good to hear that you're close with your siblings and that you could lean on each other to care for your Dad—slight envy here, as an only child and single! But I've heard many stories of fraught, difficult family situations with siblings too.
These days, with Mum I feel blessed. I know that may surprise some, but we're very close after everything we've been through!