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Our Story
Mom & Me
As the youngest of three, I never envisioned myself as the primary navigator caring for my elderly mom at this stage of our lives. Yet, here I am, a member of the so-called "sandwich generation," balancing the demands of raising my teenager, supporting my older husband and the unexpected responsibility of caring for my elderly mom. This new chapter began abruptly in early 2024 with the passing of mom's husband, propelling me into a role I hadn't anticipated but have grasped wholeheartedly, even with the many wobbles along the way.
September 2025 Updates: Staying Active, Engaged, and Hopeful
It’s September, and I’m happy to share that Mom is thriving in so many ways. She’s still actively participating in most of the social activities at her assisted living community, which is such a relief to see. Her health has been stable, with no incidents, a blessing that makes each visit a little easier and less worrisome.
I still panic a bit when I see my phone light up with her number.
The first question I ask, "is everything ok?"
I try to visit her every other day, and at least once a week we go out together, whether it’s lunch, coffee, or just a drive around the beautiful mountains nearby. These little excursions are not just enjoyable; they’re also great for her mood, her engagement, and our adult bonding time together.
Something I’ve noticed lately is that Mom’s memory seems sharper on many days. She asks about things we talked about just a day or two ago, which gives me a lot of hope about her cognitive function.
Her daily puzzles continue to be a part of her routine, helping keep her mind active and supporting memory and problem-solving skills.
Seeing her so engaged and mentally active reminds me how much consistency, stimulation, and connection matter for aging adults. Even small routines, daily puzzles, a weekly outing, or simply a conversation can make a real difference.
It’s so encouraging to witness her thriving, and it reinforces for me the importance of balancing health, social engagement, and cognitive activity for our aging loved ones.
Update July 5TH 2025
A Breath of Fresh Air: Celebrating Mom's Thriving Health and Happiness
It brings me so much happiness to share some truly wonderful news about Mom. After a challenging year, we've had over two months without a single emergency, and for those of us on a caregiving journey, we know just how huge that is. It truly gives new meaning to appreciating each day to its fullest.
Mom is not only doing remarkably well, but she's also blossoming! She's been actively socializing, full of happiness, and her health remains stable. It's incredibly heartwarming to witness her thriving with all this social interaction. Studies consistently show that social engagement is one of the most powerful tools for improving cognitive decline, and we're seeing that firsthand. Beyond my immediate family, she's had visitors who have absolutely brightened her life, bringing even more happiness and connection to her days.
*In this photo, mom's even wearing a bracelet she made during the Bracelet Making Class I had the pleasure of hosting for the residents. It was such a fun and incredibly rewarding experience!