Hi:

I was a caregiver for 5 years to my 2 grandparents who had dementia and also took care of my son full time (he was 11 when I started taking care of my grandparents). It was an extremely difficult situation. I lost who I was. I was a mom and a caregiver. I had no support from family. When my grandfather passed away 2 years ago, I took care of my grandmother for another year. She is in a home now because of the extent of her dementia. All of this while dealing with my own pain. My son is now 18 and on his own. I felt very, very alone and totally empty. I had no significant other, no job, and friends and family worked full time and were not available.

Hang in there. Dig deep within yourself and find something you like to do. It can be something little or something big. Find yourself. You have been in there the whole time, just buried beneath everything. Enjoy treating yourself. You deserve it! You have taken care of everyone else. It is time to take care of you!

It may take a long while for you to find yourself. Take your time. Push yourself. It is worth it!