Life over the last near few years has been through its downfalls. There can be many reasons to throw a pity party about my life. My life has changed drastically. I have had to spend many days in places I never dreamed I would. At first, I would complain about things I felt were unfair to me. But I eventually accepted reality. I followed through with things and learned to adapt along the way.

Over the last few years, many changes have occurred. Additionally, my father had a traumatic injury. Then, another family member had a serious health issue. These events have been nothing small. But for the most part I have held myself through it all. For countless days, I put my own wants aside. I did this to be there for my family and support them in some of their most trying moments. I also had to understand that I need to care for myself. I need to care for them. I also want to let them know that I am doing well in my own regard.

There have been times that things were good. At other times, I was a selfish person to those I loved. I shouldn’t have been like that. We have gone through significant changes. These include multiple visits to emergency rooms, hospitals, and care facilities. Each had its own challenges. But then my mother had to shift to being a caregiver for my father. She had dedicated a majority of her life to my needs. I had to begin the process of untethering from her little by little. Then, I had to be willing to depend on others to a degree.

Being in this dynamic environment has also helped me see that nothing is ever guaranteed from day to day. Things can change in a matter of minutes. When the phone rings, I must be ready to jump into action. I strive to be the helping hand that I need to be. I am willing to switch my plans to do what is needed for myself. I am also ready to help those that I love. I trust and have more faith in others than I had in the past. I am willing to step outside of my comfort zone more frequently. This helps protect the integrity of my mother. I know that I can carry myself well and have my needs met at times when she can’t do so.

There has been certainly much to carry over the past few years. I have become more resilient than ever. I am willing to help and be the person I need to be for my family. This extends to those who look to me for my knowledge and help when I can provide it. It has made me more of an independent person. I am working to live in a better mindset that life is going to be just fine.