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Sep 21, 2020Liked by Cori Carl

This has me crying. Ten years have passed since I willingly and lovingly gave up ‘me’ to become his, and now, their, caregiver. I have offloaded on a random stranger, I’ve said out loud things I think are ‘going to far’ or those thoughts of ‘my life’ after my caring role is over. The oxymoron of paying a carer or support person to be with my mum while I go out and care for someone else’s mum to earn a little money. I now have one entering dementia and full disability and the other at 45 entering palliative care needs. I feel swamped by the emotions, the hugeness of what’s to come and it scares me, but sometimes a get BBC a shiver if anticipation. One, I will be a free solo person, two, the intense chronic pain they both experience is heartbreaking to see day and night. The indignity of needing me to wipe or wash bottoms and no longer be the daughter or wife, but the nurse, the cleaner, cook, feeder, decision maker, carer, responsible person. Every single simple decision, every single day, 360ish days a year, I plan, shop, prepare, cook and clean up after. But hey, I’m not worthy of an income, or superannuation, sick leave or holidays. It’s just how it is, for now.

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Sep 21, 2020Liked by Cori Carl

Perhaps some of us are just private. Perhaps we do share when we are in a "safe space." I wish more caregivers had a safe space such I have - my local Parkinson's Support Group. I thank them every chance I get!

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Sep 21, 2020Liked by Cori Carl

Thank you Cori, for nailing it on the head.

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