My baby is not quite 4-weeks-old when my sister sends an email that simply states, “Mom has Parkinson’s disease.” I’m instantly choked up. I try to read the email a 2nd time thinking that maybe I misread it. Before I realize it, I can’t see the screen anymore; there are too many tears silently rolling down my face. My baby is nestled in my arms without an ounce of fear, yet a gush of terror is flowing throughout my entire body.

My parents have just reached retirement age and now this? I stumble onto the web for information on what to do next and I get frustrated, really frustrated. Competing against dietitians along the western states, I was awarded the “Clinical Dietitian of the Year” for 2003 and 2005. I’ve cared for seniors for over a decade and right now I can’t find simple direction to help my ailing parents.

With determination I think, “I will make a difference.”

I pluck out my bucket list – you know, the list of things you want to do before you kick the bucket – and I scribble on the bottom:

  • Own a business.
  • Have freedom to help my family.

It’s time for this ball of fire to pool all of her resources and experiences together. I will create a senior resource website that makes sense of all this “stuff.” That way, any baffled adult child out there will be able to care for their aging parents without doing it alone. They’ll have me now.

I decide that whenever I nurse my baby, I will use the pockets of time to work on my business. I’ll call it “rockin’ and writin’” and use the phrase as a constant reminder to help my mom. Thinking to myself, “There’s no reason I can’t succeed with this,” I decide that I will launch my website when my baby turns one.

I gather my strength and pour my energy into what I do well. I willingly accept the position as a juggling caregiver for my two sons and now, my parents. I live out of my comfort zone for a year … on purpose. I have an epiphany regarding my negative naysayers, the people who don’t believe in me: none of it matters as long as I know that my parents and my kids have faith in me.

I wonder whether I can be a role model then I realize that I already am.

For years I would consult up to 200 seniors at any given time. I conducted hundreds of family meetings, I knew exactly what the families wanted, and I gave them the information and support they needed. I have the experience and the know-how to pursue this new endeavor and am inspired by the fact that I have the potential to touch more families through my business than I could ever accomplish at any of these meetings.

Now, I have this incredible opportunity to help other people who may find themselves in a similar situation to myself.  I have the ability to share my experiences and answer questions.  I have the ability to support you while you are going through the caregiving process as well.

 

 

Free Caregiver’s Q&A Teleclass

During this pre-recorded teleclass, I’ll be answering your questions on being a caregiver and moving into the caregiving process.  I may not have all the answers but I know exactly where you are and exactly what you are going through and I can be your support.

Join us for this free teleseminar recording where I’ll share a bit about my experience.  You’ll hear answers to questions covering:

  • How to maintain balance in your own life, when you are caring for your aging parents
  • What to do when your parent or loved one needs to transition from their current experience to a new one
  • Why you shouldn’t carry around so much guilt and how to alleviate some of it
  • The best ways to set your aging parents up for success inside of their own homes
  • Or whatever other burning question you may have…

 

Yes! Please Send me the Recording!

 

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