One of the ironic things about being a caregiver is that there is so much to take care of… the ill person’s health needs, of course, but also household and medical bills; phone calls/visits from medical workers; copious amounts of laundry; careful monitoring of their diet; tracking, reordering and picking up of medications-and then urging the person to take those pills; sitting with and keeping them company (which helps to make them feel like a person, not just a patient), informing other family members and friends of how he or she is doing, etc. … that getting on the computer reading other caregivers’ first person accounts seems like a luxury.
After a good, long (doctor-free) life, my 91-yr old mother began to ail during 2009, and like other writers here, reversing traditional mother/daughter roles was not easy. It seems that independence is one of the hardest things to give up. On January 20, 2010 my dear mom passed away. This is why I am now rediscovering your website (I now have time to sit down in front of my computer) and I’m finding it enormously helpful. Thank you.
Since your husband, Dan, performed at my college, St. John’s University in NY (way back in 1978), I’ve been a huge Dan Fogelberg fan. I was so fortunate to have seen him sing, strum and perform at Radio City Music Hall and Westbury Music Fair several more times, always the musical highlight of my year… and I would always bring somebody new (i.e unfamiliar with his music) to hear him with me. I always left the venue accompanied by a new Dan Fan.
I’ve been receiving your Living Legacy Newsletters ever since December 16, 2007, a day I will never forget. Thanks so much, Jean, for continuing your much-needed work, even if caregivers who discover your website come to it a little late in the game, like I did. I’m one of the lucky ones, however, who discovered Dan’s music early in life – Dan’s ethereal voice, soothing melodies and incredibly heartfelt lyrics have been a friend to me for over thirty years and I am grateful.
Warm Regards,
Elaine B.
Elaine – I went to my first Dan Fogelberg concert in 1978 too! He was truly amazing singer/songwriter and performer. Reading your post helps me feel less alone. Thanks.
Marietta
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