I spend more time thinking about the future and what life will be like after my parents are gone. I may complain about my life as a caregiver. But once they are gone, what will I do. It scares me a bit because I will really be on my own.
I hope I will have the ambition to keep up doing things creative and looking for things that are beautiful.
Every morning, I wonder what my parents will be like today. My biggest challenge is having enough patience to care for my parents. Life as a caregiver is the hardest job I have ever had.
Mom and Dad make leis with pakalana blossoms from our yard.
Do you play in your daily life? What says “playtime” to you?
My playtime isn’t a daily event. It happens when I can fit it in with caregiving duties. But when I can, I try and get a hike in.
This New Year’s Day, I planned it well and went on my annual hike with my cousin, E, to Maili Pillbox. It was a beautiful day, perfect for a hike.
The feral goats were out. Someone brought up a Christmas tree and decorated, too. The blue of the ocean and sky was amazing. I love starting my year with a hike, and Maili Pillbox is always great. It makes waiting for “playtime ” worth it.
How often do you walk or run?
I started walking in the afternoon with six of my girlfriends from high school three times a week. Let me preface the fact that it is our 45 class reunion this year.
What started as something to get me moving has turned into a weekly catch-up on life, food and recipe exchange, and overall fun hour with friends I’ve known from junior high or even earlier.
For me, it gives me a break away from my folks and time to blow off some steam from a day of caregiving. We all are going through some kind of parental situation as we are at that age. It is always nice to have people who understand, give advice, and laugh with you.
I’m so glad we started walking.
What brings you peace?
I’ve started slow stitching to keep my hands while I care for my elderly parents. Caregiving is the toughest job I ever had. It is extremely stressful because of dementia.
I needed something to take my mind off stress and keep me in the present. My on-going project is a slouchy hippie bag that I’m repairing with patches and stitching.
It’s just random stitching, leading itself from one type stitching to another. No big plans, not ever sure when I will know if it’s done. As long as it helps me quiet stressful noise of caregiving.
Princess Hot Flash 