THE BUDDHIST CARER

The fear of maybe. He might fall; perhaps he'll choke. Better stay home.

As weeks go, this has been quite a week. Hubbie was away with a friend at the weekend, and I managed to have a couple of nice days out....

"You deserve a life" the nurse said to me today. I had no idea.

This weekend's respite A glimpse of my life unlived. Reality check!

He's on his way home How do I feel about that? My body tells me.

Browning leaves falling Into the river at lunch. Autumn sun, welcome!

Relaxing takes time A process of letting go Be more Penny-dog.

Oh, what a relief He's away for three nights now. Tea, toast and TV!

Just look at that rain! The washing won't dry today Tumble dryer's on.

Realised today: I don't like accepting help. Tend to self-destruct.

When the carer's ill Who cares for them? Who comforts? And who makes the tea?

My life is not mine. Months of micro-managing ... Not a single day (or night) off. Oh how I yearn to do things Spontaneously!

Dog walker's nightmare: Only the one poo bag left! No-one else in sight.

Yesterday, when we were checking in at our local health clinic for an appointment with the neurologist, I experienced "the look". I was...

Informed and ready To update about his life (with Parkinson's). Nothing can be done.

Lanyard says "consultant." Dementia diagnosis? No time for that. Next! Who's the specialist?

Appointment looming Nothing much we can hope for. Who's the specialist?

If he cannot stand I'll do the standing for him But how my arms ache.

He's watching the golf So, I might just read a book, If I can focus.

Life as a working unpaid carer can present its challenges and today has had its fair share of those. Nothing earth shattering, just a...