I have been a caregiver of my husband since his motorcycle accident in 1999. I had 3 young girls to raise and between caring for him and keeping busy with them I felt needed and my time was full of good things. Now my girls are grown and enjoying their own lives and I feel alone and unecessary. My husbands injury has left him unable to remember things and he functions more at a childlike level so I lost my companion in a way. I relied on being involved in my childrens lives . now I dont know what to do with mine. Feeling lost and lonely.

Jill, I know what you must be feeling at this time. I myself, have 3 children and was widowed for several years. When they each married, a whole new world opened up for me, then grandchildren. How wonderful life could once again be for me; especially where babysitting was concerned. I have spine issues, along with pehiphereal neuropathy which can be a "downer" at times.
Your life my seem bleek. I pray you will be able to cope with all you are going thru at this time and can look to the future. Once again, your children will need you even more. Wishing you a beautiful future.

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!