It has been ages since I posted!
My grandmother Connie passed away October 2012. I am no longer a family caregiver, and it could not be a more strange world.
I joined an amazing website called AfterGiving that is specifically designed for former family caregivers. The support on that website is incredible! Please check it out.
As you may know, San Francisco is incredibly expensive. Right after my grandma passed, I freaked out thinking I would have to move to Oakland or to the suburbs outside of San Francisco. Luckily, a family friend of one of my best friend is renting their in-law apartment to me. Whew. I now reside in the OuterLands of SF, a beautiful beach community of young surfers and old hippies. <3
Caregiving for family members is such a complex way of life. Post-caregiving is even harder, I think, because you are left with deconstructing your emotions all by yourself. Even with seeing a therapist twice per week, journaling, and participating on the Aftergiving.com forum, I still feel deep in my grieving process. My mood is unpredictable, random songs will make me cry, and I never know when the thought will really hit me that I have no family left.
I hope to post more often. Until then, take care my friends.
