This is a great video shared with me by one of my colleagues. I wanted to share it with all of you as it is and eye-opening reminder of how our society views aging.

The Unexpected Diagnosis: A Family's Journey We never expect a bomb to drop like this one. We are going in for a routine medical exam and walking out with the world's weight on our shoulders. Your family is starting a journey they didn't ask for and don't want – with hospital visits, hospice care, grief, sorrow, and tears. But it doesn't have only be rainy days! You can create beautiful memories to cherish and turn your love and concern into positive actions. Sarah's Story: The Patient Sarah Thompson, a vibrant 45-year-old mother of two from Newport, Oregon, had always been the picture of health. Her world shattered when a routine check-up revealed stage 4 cancer. Sitting in the sterile doctor's office, the words "terminal" and "6 months" echoed in her mind. In the days that followed, Sarah oscillated between disbelief and despair. She worried about her children's future and the burden she would place on her family. Yet, as the initial shock subsided, Sarah found herself determined to make the most of her remaining time. She began to have difficult conversations with her family about her end-of-life wishes and worked with a lawyer to ensure her affairs were in order. Sarah also started a memory book, filling it with letters, photos, and advice for her children's future milestones. Mark's Perspective: The Spouse Mark Thompson, Sarah's husband of 20 years, felt as if the ground had disappeared beneath his feet. He struggled to balance Sarah's primary caregiver role with his job and parenting responsibilities. The physical demands of caring for Sarah took their toll, and Mark often found himself exhausted. He grappled with anticipatory grief, feeling guilty for mourning Sarah while she was still alive. Financial worries plagued him as medical bills mounted, and he reduced his work hours. Recognizing he needed support, Mark contacted a local caregiver support group in Newport. There, he found solace in sharing his experiences with others who understood. He also learned about hospice services, which provided much-needed respite care and guidance in managing Sarah's symptoms.

I don't know about you, but I find it challenging to find the time to sit down and read. Listening to books on Audible has been excellent. Each month, I share a book with you. This month, we are shining a light on Worthy by @Jamie Kern Lima. As caregivers, we often feel like we are not enough or have not done enough. Jamie's book inspired me, was thought-provoking, and lifted me up. Check it out and let me know what you think. https://amzn.to/3YbR5QM

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/caring-our-aging-parents-kelli-bradley-ftuac/?trackingId=LyrycaQUSyiIOTkm62WhCg%3D%3D

This article highlights caregiving during COVID-19, but most still ring true today.https://www.vox.com/22442407/care-for-caregivers-mental-health-covid