Caregiving can feel heavy, but it’s not all bad. Even on the hardest days, there are moments of joy, connection, and laughter that remind me why this journey is worth it. For me, one of those moments came unexpectedly, years after my mom stopped playing cards with her friends. It…
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Love and Boundaries in Caregiving
Caregiving is one of the most emotionally demanding roles I’ve ever taken on. And as someone living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), it’s more than just an emotional burden—it’s a physical one, too. Stress isn’t just something I feel; it’s something I see reflected in my symptoms. Fatigue, brain fog, muscle…
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Balancing Love, Paranoia, and Urgency
The day started like any other—a moment of calm that I’ve learned not to take for granted. My mom had texted me early, saying she was up and moving around but planned to stay in to do some housework. Her tone seemed positive and normal, which put me at ease.…
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The Silent Signs of Dementia: How I Found the Truth
It’s one thing to realize something is wrong—it’s another to act on it. By the time I decided to talk to my mom’s doctor, the silent signs of dementia were no longer subtle. She wasn’t just forgetting where she’d left her keys or struggling to follow the rules of a…
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Recognizing My Mom’s Dementia While Managing Life with MS
Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has taught me to notice the small things—changes in my energy levels, shifts in my symptoms, and how my body reacts to stress. What I didn’t realize was that this awareness would also come into play as I began to notice the subtle, almost imperceptible…
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Chasing Adventure: Storms, Leaks, and the Journey to Florida
Leaving Paducah felt like the start of an exciting new chapter—our RV journey southward was anything but straightforward! With Hurricane Helene on the horizon, we knew we needed to head south without veering east, which would take us directly into the storm’s path. After strategizing our route, we enjoyed a…
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Stitching Together Inspiration: A Quilter’s Journey in Paducah, Kentucky
Arriving in Paducah felt like stepping into a quilter’s paradise. The National Quilt Museum had been a dream destination for years, and as I crossed its threshold, I felt a sense of wonder wash over me—like I was entering a magical realm where fabric and creativity dance together in perfect…
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Final Reflection: The Road, the Work, and the Joys of the Journey
As we wrapped up the first leg of our journey, I found myself reflecting on everything we’d learned—about travel, family, and living with MS. It wasn’t always easy. There were stressful moments, frustrations, and a fair amount of flack from loved ones who didn’t understand why we needed this trip.…
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What We Learned—and What We Bought!
Every trip is a learning experience, and this one was no different. Along the way, we discovered some must-have items that made the journey smoother and a whole lot easier:
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When the Unexpected Happens: Fixing a Leak
RV life comes with its fair share of unexpected surprises. Somewhere in Alabama, we discovered a small leak in our shower skylight. Not the kind of thing you want to deal with on a long trip, but certainly not a trip-ender either. Instead of stressing out, we quickly ordered caulk…