Unexpected Retirement

[Roselynne]

When it's a spouse plus a family friend plus family, well, that does mean that all life -- including the social aspect -- now revolves around caregiving. As it should. Finding a new social circle is not an option for me, practically or morally speaking -- and no, I'm not talking about s*x here.

What I'm slowly coming to realize is that this is my permanent retirement choice, and always has been. While I would have made different choices under other circumstances -- as it stands, THIS is truly all I need or want to do (with a few little breaks, of course). Hopefully, that will never change, or need to change.

[antmary]

Hi Roselynne,

The people I know who are caregivers seem to be some of the kindest, most focused, and strongest souls I know. I met them in various support groups; in my mid-life years, I took care of my parents, and my disabled son. My siblings come to me for help - pretty often lately.

When I was in my 30's I never dreamed that I would be called upon in life to help others. I dreamed of a life of traveling, meeting interesting people, and simply enjoying my life - I wanted my life to be filled with fair weather, including friends. But, looking at my current life, I must say that the most valuable "thing" in my life today is to cultivate and maintain loving relationships - with my family, close friends, and creator.

It really helps to have an outside interest. For me, it is art and reading mysteries. When things seem too oppressive, I retreat to my "healing sanctuary" and read for awhile, or simply take a nap. That does it; I can re-charge and re-enter that river of life. Best of luck to you and yours