When You're Caring for Everyone...Don't Forget You

SAN Insights  

 The Special Assistance Network (SAN) was forwarded this very interesting article from one of its many resources.  It is provided here for your information.  

When You’re Caring for Everyone… Don’t Forget You  

There’s a quiet kind of exhaustion I don’t think we talk about enough.

The kind that shows up when you’re caregiving on all sides—raising a child with special needs, helping an aging parent, managing medical teams, paperwork, advocacy, and still trying to be a person in the middle of it all.

Sometimes, you will be in that place.  A mother’s or father’s health has declined, and it’s been a full-circle moment—balancing their needs while remembering all the years they did the same for you.  It brings up so much.

Maybe you’re there too?

Some days, you feel strong and steady. Other days, it’s duct tape and deep breaths on a yoga mat. You show up, even when you don’t feel ready.

I want you to know this: You don’t have to do it all. You just have to keep showing up.

We have all at some time in our lives sat in meetings wearing a brave face, wondering if I was getting any of it “right.” I’ve worried about every future possibility—alone, awake, and afraid. 

And I’ve learned that the most important thing isn’t having the perfect plan.  

It’s having support. It’s knowing you’re not alone.   

It’s giving yourself permission to be human—grieving, joyful, tired, hopeful… all in one breath.  Take that breath and keeping moving forward.  It will be tough some days and others will be tolerable, but remember, you are doing the RIGHT thing.  

That’s why our organization was created - for all of us walking this path of layered caregiving, advocacy, and identity.  

Whether you're:

•       Navigating a new diagnosis

•       Caring for a parent while raising your child

•       Grieving someone you’ve lost, or

•       Wondering what your future looks like beyond caregiving  

Whether you are partnering with a special someone or married to that special someone, parenting a special needs child can be challenging.  

Remember, the Special Assistance Network (SAN) is always here for consultation, advice, preparation and/or assisting you and your family in any manner we can.  We have numerous staff always available for your needs because you are a valuable client to the Special Assistance Network.  We hope this information is informative and helpful.