Next week is Carer’s Week
Go HERE
Time to think about those who look after a loved-one full-time.
I am a full-time Carer.
I gave up my career when Rainer was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2006.
I finished the Semester in June 2006 and haven’t worked a day in a classroom since.
I threw out all my Units of Work, my planners; my textbooks (which amount to hundreds of dollars) are in boxes – I just can’t give those away…too precious.
The lesson I’ve learned???
LIFE IS FLUID
What you expect your life to become sometimes is not under your control.
You WILL sacrifice your dreams for the benefit of others.
You goals will change, almost weekly.
You will grieve, anger, take self-pity, gather to action, force awareness and change, piss a lot of people off in the process, lose “friends”, learn to NOT RELY ON ANYONE to help you get where you need to go.
You need to drive it, others can simply fill the tank of wellness and support to keep you moving….
But ultimately
YOU DRIVE THIS VEHICLE OF CARE.
Ironic that in Queensland, Monday is a pupil-free day, just to remind us Carers of these things … LOL.
“But what can I do??” I hear you ask.
Be a good friend.
Listen.
Empathise.
Grieve with her/him.
Break into their house (just kidding) and steal one week’s worth of washing.
Send a frozen dinner every so often.
If you ASK them how you can help, they’ll say, “Oh, nothing. Everything’s alright.” because that’s what I say, and I say it because I’m so overwhelmed some days, I go into ‘COPING MODE’ and can’t think beyond the next phone call and argument/discussion I need to have to fight for my child.
Go armed with this question….
WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TODAY?
Give her a minute or two…and she’ll tell you.
xx
time to nourish her and her family with love and wellness
Giovanna Scott artist 
Well said, Gigi!! I totally agree with you and relate to this in so many ways. Take care x
Too true, Gigi, too true. I had my bottle outfit on yet again today so I do know what you're going through!Hats off to you my sweet!xxJ
You are one AWESOME, AMAZING, INSPIRING and gorgeous lady!!! and I can tell you now if I lived closer I would break in and steal your washing lol!!!I have many friends who are carers and I take my hat off to them all for what they do everyday… true love will do make you do amazing things!!!Huge Hug to you Miss Gigi!!!
Oh Gigi Thank you for sharing this…you just validated all my feelings in your beautiful post and your words have surely lightened the load of baggage i sometimes carry around. Hugs to you and your sweet family.
that was a great read Gigi, bought tears to my eyes, keep smilingAngela
Go Gigi!!!! Love your passion!!I can't even one small iota imagine what it is that you and many others battle with everyday but you are inspiring and brave people!!! I would love to give respite to the carers in the world and one day when I am in the position to do so I will make it my business to do so, I only hope it can be enough to someone who has to bear so much!!!!