Caregivers on the Bench

Like so many of us, I have been enthralled with Kaitlin Clark, the record-breaking women’s basketball star. Watching her navigate an incredible career that now takes her to the Indiana Fever and WNBA has been so much fun and so inspirational.

Some of the most important players sit on the end of the bench, waiting.

I watched an interview with Indiana’s head coach and manager after the draft pick that brings Kaitlin to their team and heard a powerful statement that manager Linn Dunn made. She said “You can never underestimate the value of numbers 10, 11, 12 on your team”, meaning the players  sitting the end of the bench who don’t play as often or even at all during the season. She believes these players are such an integral part of a team’s success. When they stay positive, in shape, reliable, and ready  they can make a big, decisive difference when called upon.

I immediately thought of all those Caregiver Warriors out there who are 10, 11, and 12, sitting at the end of the caregiving bench. Dependable, supportive, ride or die, constant heroes waiting and ready to be there when we need them.

Although they are not always on the frontline, I would have been toast during my caregiving journey if they hadn’t been on my bench. I couldn’t have survived my caregiving journey without them.

When I couldn’t go on, hands reached out.

There were times I was so weary I couldn’t go on and I was subbed out by one of my 10, 11, or 12’s who had fresh legs and a new approach. When I was lost and feeling so alone, I could always depend on my team to cheer me on and lift whatever burden I was carrying. There were hundreds of situations I found myself in that seemed insurmountable and impossible until a hand reached out and pulled me up and through.

All of which was done with extraordinary kindness and love, selflessness, little fanfare, and no need for repayment.

It’s easy to forget the strength and commitment these members of the team have and how much they mean to the overall success during a caregiving journey. Their impact is profound.

I was blessed to have outstanding Caregivers on the bench.

I’m so happy I was reminded of the outstanding contributions of the end of the bench members of my winning team. Their grace and contribution forever changed me and helped me make a difference. I am forever grateful to them.

Take a moment to think about those champions that sit on the end of your bench. Acknowledge them. Be so grateful for them. Let them know that their mere existence makes your world a better place to be in and their loyalty and support are invaluable. Hug them and embrace their grace. Together you will be an unbeatable force.

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Tips for Caregivers: How to ask for help!

 Dear Caregiver Warriors,

As one Caregiver Warrior to another, I offer advice, helpful tips, and strategies based on the experience, strength, and hope I found while surviving my own caregiving journey. It has become my mission to share my stories and the things I learned about being an empowered caregiver. To help spread the word and offer guidance to other caregivers, I have written a new book entitled “Self Care for Caregivers: a practical guide to caring for you while you care for your loved one.”  It’s available at your favorite bookstore. There is even a audio version so you can listen on the go! If you find the book everything you hoped for, please let me know and please leave a review where you purchased the book! Your feedback means the world to me!