"...can one ever exercise their heart muscle enough for the rigors of caregiving for an aging loved one? I’ll tell you what: I feel myself aging hand in hand with him. It’s a wild way of growing into maturity." Love this. Love this whole piece.
I love synchronicity. A recent radio interview with a foodie led me to get your book "Group Living" for my neighbor with whom I get as close to group loving with short of being in the same house, but I started reading it and had to tell her the book gift delivery would be slightly delayed. Meanwhile I mentioned the book to another friend who had just told me about Tamara Adler, who could be a bit of an east coast compliment to your writing, and she in turn sent me this post which furthers the synchronicity, as I care for my older than me husband for whom I finally got some help, but really the help is for me because it is fricking hard to be the sole care giver to a loved one without some tough wear and tear on that loving heart muscle. So thanks for all your writing and particularly this one. --Elena. PS Miso Sesame Sauce is a total keeper!!!
What an amazing series of connections that brought you here. I send out warmth and durability to you because you’re so right—that “collaborator” is really for the loved one, aren’t they! To give us some rest and peace of mind, if only for a moment. Thank you so much for writing!
I’m in the midst of reading your beautiful book alongside my wife and the other people we share our house and neighborhood with! What a treat to read your beautiful inspired and honest writing, and then to find this loving and ongoing work. Thanks for all you do and share !
Thanks for sharing, Barak! What a thrilling note to receive. Thanks for finding me here and for continuing to read. I love to know you’re doing so in community!
I relate to so much of this! I am working on a story on the tiny but growing number of worker owned home health care agencies - a true win win. I also think asking about worker retention is a solid question - if the workers like their jobs and are treated well, they’re more likely to stick around. I love the pictures. Caregiving really does age you, but it also clarifies your soul. Sending solidarity.
Thanks so much for this response, Courtney! Reading your writing about caring for your father has been a great source of inspiration for me. And good call on seeking a worker-owned agency! I haven’t found one in Portland yet, but years ago, I heard folks from CHCA of the Bronx speak. At the time, I felt flush with excitement about that model and its power. I’m so glad to have it brought back to mind! I look forward to reading your story and continuing to read your writing! Sending warmth and solidarity back your way.
I love David’s thought process with this. A collaborator? Of course! This post makes my heart smile.
Thanks Sean! <3 Yeah, I was tickled. Collaborator! Haha!
"...can one ever exercise their heart muscle enough for the rigors of caregiving for an aging loved one? I’ll tell you what: I feel myself aging hand in hand with him. It’s a wild way of growing into maturity." Love this. Love this whole piece.
Thanks Kristin! I’m going through such a human experience and wow it’s so raw! Thank goodness for the ridiculous moments of delight
It is such a human experience and never easy for anyone. Despite the fact that millions have already struggled through it.
I want to go back to that place for lunch!
I love synchronicity. A recent radio interview with a foodie led me to get your book "Group Living" for my neighbor with whom I get as close to group loving with short of being in the same house, but I started reading it and had to tell her the book gift delivery would be slightly delayed. Meanwhile I mentioned the book to another friend who had just told me about Tamara Adler, who could be a bit of an east coast compliment to your writing, and she in turn sent me this post which furthers the synchronicity, as I care for my older than me husband for whom I finally got some help, but really the help is for me because it is fricking hard to be the sole care giver to a loved one without some tough wear and tear on that loving heart muscle. So thanks for all your writing and particularly this one. --Elena. PS Miso Sesame Sauce is a total keeper!!!
What an amazing series of connections that brought you here. I send out warmth and durability to you because you’re so right—that “collaborator” is really for the loved one, aren’t they! To give us some rest and peace of mind, if only for a moment. Thank you so much for writing!
I’m in the midst of reading your beautiful book alongside my wife and the other people we share our house and neighborhood with! What a treat to read your beautiful inspired and honest writing, and then to find this loving and ongoing work. Thanks for all you do and share !
Thanks for sharing, Barak! What a thrilling note to receive. Thanks for finding me here and for continuing to read. I love to know you’re doing so in community!
I relate to so much of this! I am working on a story on the tiny but growing number of worker owned home health care agencies - a true win win. I also think asking about worker retention is a solid question - if the workers like their jobs and are treated well, they’re more likely to stick around. I love the pictures. Caregiving really does age you, but it also clarifies your soul. Sending solidarity.
Thanks so much for this response, Courtney! Reading your writing about caring for your father has been a great source of inspiration for me. And good call on seeking a worker-owned agency! I haven’t found one in Portland yet, but years ago, I heard folks from CHCA of the Bronx speak. At the time, I felt flush with excitement about that model and its power. I’m so glad to have it brought back to mind! I look forward to reading your story and continuing to read your writing! Sending warmth and solidarity back your way.
beautiful, relatable, thank you for sharing <3
Thank you Nina! And hi! The whole experience is a complete drain and heartbreak and a complete gift. Whack combo!
Got a little misty reading this. Love to you, and love to your dad!
We feel your love! We send it back!
♡♡♡
Thank you Jeff, I know you know!! <3