Time

trottingalong

About a year or so ago my neighbor referred to me as my husbands caregiver and I was very insulted. Now as I sit here looking at the man I have loved for 35 years, I wonder when exactly I crossed that line and why I am feeling that loss so strongly tonight.

sandwichone123

It's funny how something will hit so suddenly and with no clear provocation. I have no words of wisdom, just an "I understand."

SDianeL

it’s like a gut punch. You are grieving what you’ve lost and grieving what could have been. We understand. Hugs. 💜

Karen711

Sometimes I think we/I stuff the cumulative losses away somewhere “safe” because the difficulty of all this is relentless and there’s no time to process it all in the moment, or emotionally it’s just too painful. But it catches up to you and boom, you just have to let it in and face up to it. And it’s crushing! Sending you a hug!!! Time to go hug one of your horses!!

harshedbuzz

@trottingalong

I'm so sorry. My situation is different in that I am an adult child and should realize it is the natural order of things for me to step into the role of caregiver and yet I reacted to that title the same indignity.

A few weeks later, I came across this article. It spoke to me.

https://www.npr.org/2025/04/01/nx-s1-5336314/caregiver-caregiving-identity-family-support-burnout

HB

cdgbdr

I get it. I'm the strongest person anyone knows until it hits me. Bless you.

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/243958#Comment_243958

Thank you. I believe you defined it perfectly. It did catch up to me and today I am spending time with my horse. That made me smile when you said time to hug one of my horses.

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/243962#Comment_243962

That was a very good article. Thank you for sharing. As a side note, my sister has become a caregiver to our mother and I often feel it’s more difficult for her running between her house and moms, juggling helping kids, grandkids and trying to enjoy her life. At least I live with my husband and there is a more established routine, if that makes sense.

trottingalong

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/243973#Comment_243973

Thank you.

trottingalong

Thank you, very true

trottingalong

Thank you, I appreciate that.

Karen711

https://alzconnected.org/discussion/comment/243974#Comment_243974

💜