Welcome to My Musings.

I am a middle-aged multigenerational caregiver. I really didn’t know this was a thing, a title, until about a year ago when I was taking some random quiz that asked what season of life I was in and “multigenerational caregiver” was a choice.

You see, I care for my family–which includes my adult child with autism–and I help care for my parents. I also am an empath (INFJ-T), which means I really want to just fix everything perfectly, but I just can’t.

In July 2023, my mother fell and broke her hip which took her out of the home she shares with my father for about four months. They were some of the hardest four months I have been through emotionally and physically. It is not easy to watch your parents age and decline.

My parents have been married for 71 years and watching my dad love my mom is one of the most wonderful examples of Christ I have ever seen. While she was out of the home, he was right by her side, day in and day out. He would go home to get a little sleep and be back the next morning. At 89, this was hard sometimes. Now, she is confined to her bed and he is her primary caregiver. I am there for setting doctor appointments, attending doctor appointments, some cleaning, providing a few meals, running errands as needed, emotional support, anything I can possibly do. Thankfully, it is a 6-minute drive so I can be there quickly if necessary.

In my circle you will find a big, beautiful blended family. Together we have 7 children. 2 of the children (mine) live with us, 3 of the children (his) are with spouses/significant others and the two youngest (his) live with their mother. We also have 5 granddaughters, who make me smile just typing that statement.

My oldest child allows me to experience a myriad of emotions daily, sometimes all at the same time. Living with an adult child with autism is an experience one can never understand unless they have experienced it.

I’m starting this blog for four reasons: 1. I don’t know how many times I’ve been told I should be writing this stuff down, so I’m going to, 2. maybe it will help/inspire someone else, 3. I am so blessed and have so many things for which to be grateful, and 4. I am starting a health journey (again).

I’m here. I get it. I have more experience and knowledge in areas I wish I didn’t, but if I can use any of it to help