Caregiver: Where Did My Life Go?

For twenty-one years now I have lived with a man who daily reminds me he is dying.

This has led to a split life for me. I find myself constantly in conflict, constantly questioning my priorities. What should I do next? Spend time with him? Or get on with my work—whether it be writing, housework, or bookkeeping. Or time with friends.

I talked with clinical counselor, Alma Vaugeois about the frustration of constantly having to forego choices unrelated to the caregiver role.

Having to constantly focus on the person being cared for can mean giving up aspects of one’s own life, Alma explains.

Because all of your energy is going into him, there will be a sense of loss for yourself.

This rings true with me. I do feel that I have somehow lost ‘me’ somewhere in that deep chasm between the immutable ‘now’ and the looming ‘then’.

Somewhere between “life with Chris”and the looming future of “life after Chris” my own life seems to have slipped away.

It is ironic that even as delicate as his health is, he can travel with his children without his timelines being affected by any aspect of my life, whereas I have put off a number of trips in consideration of his next procedure, or his present fragile condition.

And I ask myself, are these the ‘fear based’ decisions that self-help gurus preach against? Or are they merely practical considerations in light of his medical history and current situation?

I need to figure out how to carve out time for me, to see some aspect of myself as blooming, even if only in inner space.

I need to find a way to feed my passions while still caring for him to the best of my ability.

Because if I toss my entire life to the wayside in my intent to care for him, I will become resentful and bitter.

I will fester in the role of caregiver. And me festering? It ain’t a pretty picture!

To learn more about Alma Vaugeois, go to www.almavaugeois.com

Yours truly,

Margaret Jean.

One thought on “Caregiver: Where Did My Life Go?”

gurlgonwild says:

January 25, 2015 at 7:46 pm

This is the question that plagues every caregiver as they walk the tightrope between giving and giving up. Personally, i think that for most of the 21 years you have made a lot of great choices. It’s harder now, because he needs so much of you, and that often leads to self-doubt and reflection. You will do the right things, though. i have faith in you. 🙂

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Caregiver: Where Did My Life Go?

For twenty-one years now I have lived with a man who daily reminds me he is dying.

This has led to a split life for me. I find myself constantly in conflict, constantly questioning my priorities. What should I do next? Spend time with him? Or get on with my work—whether it be writing, housework, or bookkeeping. Or time with friends.

I talked with clinical counselor, Alma Vaugeois about the frustration of constantly having to forego choices unrelated to the caregiver role.

Having to constantly focus on the person being cared for can mean giving up aspects of one’s own life, Alma explains.

Because all of your energy is going into him, there will be a sense of loss for yourself.

This rings true with me. I do feel that I have somehow lost ‘me’ somewhere in that deep chasm between the immutable ‘now’ and the looming ‘then’.

Somewhere between “life with Chris”and the looming future of “life after Chris” my own life seems to have slipped away.

It is ironic that even as delicate as his health is, he can travel with his children without his timelines being affected by any aspect of my life, whereas I have put off a number of trips in consideration of his next procedure, or his present fragile condition.

And I ask myself, are these the ‘fear based’ decisions that self-help gurus preach against? Or are they merely practical considerations in light of his medical history and current situation?

I need to figure out how to carve out time for me, to see some aspect of myself as blooming, even if only in inner space.

I need to find a way to feed my passions while still caring for him to the best of my ability.

Because if I toss my entire life to the wayside in my intent to care for him, I will become resentful and bitter.

I will fester in the role of caregiver. And me festering? It ain’t a pretty picture!

One thought on “Caregiver: Where Did My Life Go?”

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This Caregiver’s Journal began in August of 2014. Although the first blog article was actually written on New Year’s Day, 2015, the rest are in chronological order from August 5th, 2014. What is written here has gone before.

For twenty-one years now I have lived with a man who daily reminds me he is dying.

This has led to a split life for me. I find myself constantly in conflict, constantly questioning my priorities. What should I do next? Spend time with him? Or get on with my work—whether it be writing, housework, or bookkeeping. Or time with friends.

I talked with clinical counselor, Alma Vaugeois about the frustration of constantly having to forego choices unrelated to the caregiver role.

Having to constantly focus on the person being cared for can mean giving up aspects of one’s own life, Alma explains.

Because all of your energy is going into him, there will be a sense of loss for yourself.

This rings true with me. I do feel that I have somehow lost ‘me’ somewhere in that deep chasm between the immutable ‘now’ and the looming ‘then’.

Somewhere between “life with Chris”and the looming future of “life after Chris” my own life seems to have slipped away.

It is ironic that even as delicate as his health is, he can travel with his children without his timelines being affected by any aspect of my life, whereas I have put off a number of trips in consideration of his next procedure, or his present fragile condition.

And I ask myself, are these the ‘fear based’ decisions that self-help gurus preach against? Or are they merely practical considerations in light of his medical history and current situation?

I need to figure out how to carve out time for me, to see some aspect of myself as blooming, even if only in inner space.

I need to find a way to feed my passions while still caring for him to the best of my ability.

Because if I toss my entire life to the wayside in my intent to care for him, I will become resentful and bitter.

I will fester in the role of caregiver. And me festering? It ain’t a pretty picture!

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One thought on “Caregiver: Where Did My Life Go?”

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This Caregiver’s Journal began in August of 2014. Although the first blog article was actually written on New Year’s Day, 2015, the rest are in chronological order from August 5th, 2014. What is written here has gone before.