Candace Kay Blogs

Blog Six

Navigating the Storm: My Journey as a Caregiver:

I’m writing this blog as a way to process my emotions and share my experiences with others who might be going through similar challenges. As a caregiver, I’ve been dealing with a perfect storm of difficulties that have left me feeling overwhelmed and uncertain.

My 1.5-year-old son is struggling to cope with the absence of his father figure. They were incredibly close, and he misses the cuddles and attention. He’s become clingy and cries more often, and I can see the pain in his eyes. I feel helpless, wanting to shield him from this hurt. I’ve been doing my best to provide extra comfort and reassurance, but it’s hard to know if I’m doing enough.

My 5-year-old daughter is also feeling the weight of loss. Her father figure, who had become a steady presence in her life, is no longer there. She’s expressing her emotions in ways that are both heartbreaking and challenging. Some days, she’s angry and resentful; others, she’s sad and withdrawn. I’ve been trying to be patient and understanding, but it’s exhausting.

And then there’s my 2-year-old son, who might have autism spectrum disorder (ASD). His behaviors are changing, and I’m worried about his development. He’s hitting himself when he’s upset, and everything seems to scare him. Im working on getting him in to see his Doctor to find ways to support him, but it’s a learning curve.

Meanwhile, our newborn baby boy is just starting his journey in life, unaware of the challenges we’re facing. At 3 months old, he’s too young to understand what’s happening, but he’s bringing joy and love to our family.

Conclusion

 As I navigate these challenges, I’m learning to prioritize self-care and seek support when I need it. I’ve realized that I don’t have to do this alone and that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Some days are better than others, but I’m taking it one step at a time.

If you’re reading this and going through similar struggles, know that you’re not alone. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed and uncertain. But with time, patience, and support, we can get through this together.