An Unexpected Gift: My Caregiving Turning Point

When I was suddenly in the primary caregiving role for my mother, as she was in the final stages of her life, a beautiful and unexpected gift was given to me, to us.  This is my story, what I learned and what I’d like to share today.

When you are faced with dealing with a challenging situation as a caregiver, as an adult child of an aging parent or as someone who is going through a major life transition, here is what this gift provided to us:

1.  Really get clear as to what matters most and what is most important: As your role begins to change and you are now faced with making decisions about how to show up for a loved one who is ill, aging or dying, or you are faced with  making tough decisions about your life, look at your priorities and determine what is most important and what matters most.  Ask yourself what you really need to focus on as you go through this time of your life so that you can be fully present for the people that matter most to you.

2.  Focus on what you and your loved can do and let go of the rest: There will be many losses that you will all experience.  Many things that a loved one used to be able to do and enjoy will no longer be something they can do.  Rather than focus on what you and your loved one can no longer do, focus on what you CAN do.  Make that the focus of your time together so that it remains positive in a way that honours you and your loved ones.

3.  Be there.  Be present. Create your own Popsicle Moments: It will be challenging. It will be tough.  Know that there are precious moments, like my mother & I’s Popsicle Moment, that await you and your loved one(s). If you choose to focus on things that are not important and you do not show up in a way that you can, you will miss some of the most unexpected gifts that this time of your life, and that of your loved one, can give you.  Don’t miss out on them.  Be there for them.  They are there waiting for you.

If you require additional help or support, reach out to me. I am here to help.  I have also started an online group called “Women Living Fully” to help support you and your loved ones during your time of transition, caregiving or through the aging process with your loved ones.

My team and I are also available at Moving Forward Matters if you or your loved one(s) are planning to organize your home or theirs, or if you are planning to downsizing & move.  We can help you from the very beginning of thinking of moving until you or your loved one are fully settled into your/their new home.

If you are going through the downsizing process and you simply need the physical labour to have items brought to local charity, to the recycling depots or to the waste site, our team at 1-800-GOT-JUNK? is here to help.

Remember, you do not have to do it alone.  We are here to help.

Here’s to you creating beautiful and special Popsicle Moments of your own.