Balancing caregiving and relationships can feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle—except the torches are your responsibilities, and the unicycle is your sanity. In this post, I share my personal journey of caregiving, the emotional weight it carries, and practical lessons learned along the way. From setting boundaries to accepting love and support, these insights can help you navigate the delicate balance of caring for others while maintaining meaningful relationships—including the one with yourself.

In July 2024, our family faced a turning point when we learned of Papaw’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis, just two months before Nana's passing. This journey taught us invaluable lessons about caregiving. We discovered the importance of taking control when needed, leaning on each other, and not being afraid to ask for help. Caregiving is never a one-person job; it's a collective effort that requires support and teamwork. Most importantly, we learned the value of self-care—understanding that we cannot care for others unless we also care for ourselves.

10% of caregivers are grandchildren.