You have come such a long way, Janice. I can see your progress in only the few months I have been reading Aging Well News. It is wonderful to watch you grow, to find your feet, to see you reach out and create gifts for us all. You should be very proud of yourself. I am proud of you!
I recently found your substack and I find it to be inspiring and nourishing! I am almost half your age but can relate to your struggle with caregiving. When I was in my teens and early 20s, I became my mother's guardian when she developed a degenerative disease. To say that it was a stressful experience is a huge understatement. I certainly wish that I had something like your writing around at the time to help me keep the focus on the positive.
I think you are probably an inspiration to a lot of people and I thank you for sharing your experiences with the community of substack. Looking forward to reading more from you!
my husband currently has cancer. The prognosis is good, and we are remaining positive, but in the back of my mind I’m fearing a future of fatigue and longevity of illness. I will treasure your words here and lessons learned.
I love how you so clearly outline your purpose, I think very few folks can do that. Perhaps if you (when I say you I mean all of us) keep showing up to live a purposeful life the positive will slowly seep into the cracks.
Hi Donna, I think so . .it just seems to evolve over time into something concrete. After Dan died, I was lost for awhile but my purpose did seep through in bits and pieces.
I appreciate how you articulate all the things we need to think of during grief. To be able to contemplate these things ahead of time before being in the thick of it will be valuable down the road.
Yes. As my father is is bed-bound and dying, I’m trying to stay positive. My purpose is making sure Dad is comfortable during hospice. And I’m writing about it every day: https://reallife82.substack.com/p/diary-14-5-22-23
Ah Michael, My heart goes out to you - it is the hardest of times. That seems to be the perfect purpose - caring for and about him as you are. Journaling helped me enormously through the tough times and I hope it does the same for you.
Janice, if you would be open to sharing, I'd love to know what kind of 'smaller' car you got and why you chose it....and I'd also love to hear about the art work you are cultivating. Drawing, watercolor, acrylic, pottery....so many options. What do you find wonderful to try? 💜
We had an SUV and I bought a used Chevrolet Cruze thinking it would be easier to manage. I had the car for about 6 months. However, I previously had eye surgery for a detached retina and still did not feel comfortable or safe driving - so I sold the car and didn't renew my driver's license.
My daughter has painted and taught art for years. After Dan died she was looking for something we could do together, so she offered to teach me. It had always been in the back of my mind - I couldn't resist the offer.
She lives about two miles away. So, every afternoon, we get together, walk her dogs in the park, and come back here to have a glass of wine and paint - mainly acrylic landscapes, but we also draw, and went through a phase of rock and pot painting. I have learned to enjoy it a lot.
I like Chardonnay (Butter) most often; Prosecco in the hot summer; Red (Cooper & Thief) with steaks. My brother used to travel to Italy quite often for work. He learned about Prosecco and shared it with me.
You have come such a long way, Janice. I can see your progress in only the few months I have been reading Aging Well News. It is wonderful to watch you grow, to find your feet, to see you reach out and create gifts for us all. You should be very proud of yourself. I am proud of you!
Sharron, It has been quite the journey for sure. Thank you ever so much for being there and for your encouragement. It means so much.
I recently found your substack and I find it to be inspiring and nourishing! I am almost half your age but can relate to your struggle with caregiving. When I was in my teens and early 20s, I became my mother's guardian when she developed a degenerative disease. To say that it was a stressful experience is a huge understatement. I certainly wish that I had something like your writing around at the time to help me keep the focus on the positive.
I think you are probably an inspiration to a lot of people and I thank you for sharing your experiences with the community of substack. Looking forward to reading more from you!
my husband currently has cancer. The prognosis is good, and we are remaining positive, but in the back of my mind I’m fearing a future of fatigue and longevity of illness. I will treasure your words here and lessons learned.
Hi Jen, I wish the very best for your husband. You are smart to be prepared just in case, I sure wasn't. Take care of yourself - it can be tough.
I love how you so clearly outline your purpose, I think very few folks can do that. Perhaps if you (when I say you I mean all of us) keep showing up to live a purposeful life the positive will slowly seep into the cracks.
Hi Donna, I think so . .it just seems to evolve over time into something concrete. After Dan died, I was lost for awhile but my purpose did seep through in bits and pieces.
I appreciate how you articulate all the things we need to think of during grief. To be able to contemplate these things ahead of time before being in the thick of it will be valuable down the road.
Yes. As my father is is bed-bound and dying, I’m trying to stay positive. My purpose is making sure Dad is comfortable during hospice. And I’m writing about it every day: https://reallife82.substack.com/p/diary-14-5-22-23
Ah Michael, My heart goes out to you - it is the hardest of times. That seems to be the perfect purpose - caring for and about him as you are. Journaling helped me enormously through the tough times and I hope it does the same for you.
Janice, if you would be open to sharing, I'd love to know what kind of 'smaller' car you got and why you chose it....and I'd also love to hear about the art work you are cultivating. Drawing, watercolor, acrylic, pottery....so many options. What do you find wonderful to try? 💜
Hi Heather,
We had an SUV and I bought a used Chevrolet Cruze thinking it would be easier to manage. I had the car for about 6 months. However, I previously had eye surgery for a detached retina and still did not feel comfortable or safe driving - so I sold the car and didn't renew my driver's license.
My daughter has painted and taught art for years. After Dan died she was looking for something we could do together, so she offered to teach me. It had always been in the back of my mind - I couldn't resist the offer.
She lives about two miles away. So, every afternoon, we get together, walk her dogs in the park, and come back here to have a glass of wine and paint - mainly acrylic landscapes, but we also draw, and went through a phase of rock and pot painting. I have learned to enjoy it a lot.
Thank you for sharing that little slice of your life, Janice. It's a beautiful view through the window.
How wonderful to have your daughter just 2 miles away with a gift that she can share with you. Do you like red or white?!
white how about you?
I like Chardonnay (Butter) most often; Prosecco in the hot summer; Red (Cooper & Thief) with steaks. My brother used to travel to Italy quite often for work. He learned about Prosecco and shared it with me.