Hi, Thanks for approving me to join. I am a caregiver to my mother who has Lewy Body Dementia. If you're not familiar with LBD it is very intense. There is a LOT I could say about it but not now. I am in need of support from fellow caregivers. I am certain that my 5 years of caregiving might be useful to others in the same situation.

There are days when caregiving feels less like a role and more like a split in time —the version of the person you remember, and the version you’re caring for now. I’ve been thinking about my mom today. Not the mom I supported at the end of her life…but the mom who shaped mine. The mom who waited in the car line and waved when she saw me was the best part of her day. The mom who sat in the bleachers at every volleyball game, cheering so loud it embarrassed me — and secretly made me feel invincible. The mom who was my first phone call, my first safe place, my first audience for every story. The mom who always answered when I called her name…or who I searched the whole house for when she didn’t. I miss her. And sometimes that ache surprises me. Caregiving isn’t only about what we’re doing now. It’s also about grieving the “before.”The version of our parents who held us long before we ever held them. If you’re feeling that way today,I want to hear from you. Who was your person before caregiving found you? What’s a memory you hold close — even if it hurts a little? You can share as much or as little as you want. This is a soft corner of the internet —and you don’t have to navigate this part of the journey alone. We’re here. And we see you. Always, Kelli 💕

Most of us don't prepare to be caregivers. We're simply living life—until a phone call, a diagnosis, or a hospital stay flips everything upside down. A dear friend has been battling some health issues since March. At first, it was diagnosed as a pesky tumor that needed to be removed and watched. No harm, no foul, but fast forward to August, and the pain returned with a diagnosis of cancer. Twelve days later, she was gone. My heart, along with many others, is broken. Why should someone be taken so early, so young, so full of life? It makes no sense, and I know many of you have been in this same position. My friend came home with grief, fear of what was next, and a brochure in her hands. Hospice services were arranged, but I don't think she was prepared to see a hospital bed, walker, wheelchair, potty chair—all at once. Her safe space became unrecognizable. Her friends wanted to help but had no roadmap. This is what unexpected caregiving feels like: overwhelming, messy, lonely. But this is why It's Called Life exists. Because here, you don't have to figure it out alone. I know we are just getting started, but please share this space with one person. That is how we build one person at a time. There are 63 million unpaid caregivers who need support. Let's be that lifeline! 💬 What was the most challenging part when caregiving first landed in your lap? Or, if you're in it now, what's one thing you wish others understood about what you're carrying? Your story could be the lifeline another member needs today. Alive, a little undone, and still devoted, Kelli💕

Life doesn’t play fair. This year has been heavy. I’ve said goodbye to one dear friend and watched another face a heartbreaking diagnosis. It’s reminded me—again—that caregiving, illness, and grief don’t follow rules. They come suddenly, they turn life upside down, and sometimes there are no answers. No cure. No clear way forward. And in those moments, I’m struck by two truths:💔 Grief often begins long before goodbye.💔 The only thing that makes it bearable is not having to carry it alone. To anyone walking through the unimaginable right now: your heartbreak matters. Your strength is seen. And your fear, exhaustion, and love are all valid. This is why I created It’s Called Life. Because while we can’t stop the storms, we can stand beside one another and whisper, “You’re not alone.” Please share this community with anyone who might need a little extra support. Alive. A little undone. Still devoted. — The Devoted Daughter

We created this for you. The Awareness Journal is a gentle, yet simple, way to start untangling the emotional, mental, and invisible aspects of caregiving. 📔 8 weekly prompts💭 No pressure, no judgment🖋️ Print or fill out digitally — it’s yours If you’re feeling a little undone, a little lost, or just deeply tired, this is your place to land. Please let me know in the comments: 👉 Which prompt resonates with you the most? Warmly, 💕 Kelli Alive, a little undone, still devoted.