Caregiving is like a snowflake—no two experiences are the same. Every family’s situation has its quirks, personalities, and plot twists. Sometimes the experience can knit families closer; sometimes it highlights tensions you didn’t know were there. Real talk: it’s complicated.

For me, becoming an unpaid family caregiver wasn’t really a choice—it was just the most logical step. Thankfully, my husband and dad were both on board, which I know isn’t the case for everyone. They took shifts, cooked meals, and even tackled housework—my dad finally learned how to do laundry! Still, even with their support, caregiving has been eye-opening: the highs, the lows, the “Are we all just winging this?” moments—it’s a lot.

Right now, my mom is stable. Fewer appointments, more time to breathe. We’re savoring the calm while keeping an eye on her second heart valve, which also shows signs of stenosis. The challenges ahead aren’t lost on me, but for now, I’m grateful for the breather.  Anyone else living in that in-between?

I’ve read how caregiving can bring families together—or drive them apart. But when I started caring for my mom, no family dynamic could’ve prepared me for what I discovered about my mom’s health. In the next post, I’ll share that eye-opening moment

Have you ever landed in a caregiving role with no clue where to begin? How did you handle it?