Caring for my mom has been an emotional, physical, and mental journey that’s often taken me by surprise. She’s faced some truly difficult months, yet she remains mostly independent today. On her good days, it’s manageable—I can schedule her appointments, tackle my own tasks, and even take her out for lunch. She can walk short distances and manage stairs, albeit slowly. But when weakness or dizziness sets in, it can feel like we’re caught in a whirlwind, scrambling to keep her spirits (and mine) afloat.

I’m sharing my experiences because caregiving can sometimes feel like being stranded on your own little island. I discovered several online communities of people scattered all over social who are in the same boat, learning as they go. Reading other’s experiences was like finding my people—gaining new ideas to make things easier, and insights into what the future might hold. If their posts helped me, I’m hoping my own ups and downs will help someone else feel less alone.

That’s where my caregiving story begins—full of unexpected twists, persistent challenges to navigate, commiserating with others in online groups, and a determination to figure it all out. But nothing prepared me for the moment my mom shared her simple but powerful Christmas wish in December 2023. Let’s talk about that next.

Who do you care for, and what’s one thing that surprised you about being a caregiver?