I love it when friends ask what I am doing to take care of myself. And I have learned not to give the pat answer "Fine" when asked how I am. I can say "not good" or "terrible" and I always find a shoulder to cry on.

We're in Arizona, facing our first summer here as my spouse is in Hospice care and wouldn't be able to make the trip back to Minnesota. She is unable to get into the pool until a lift chair is installed, hopefully this month. So I feel guilty going to swim without her, but I have gotten past that and have been asking friends to stay with her so I can swim at night. The water is heavenly!
I am also finding the courage to ask people to stay with her so I can get away for an hour or so every day.

Thanks for listening. Best of luck to every caregiver out there!