I have been the caretaker of my mom for 15 months now and often feel that all of the information out there was about how to help HER feel better. Granted, she needed me. The advice out there said, "don't forget to take care of yourself!". Problem was, by the time I was able to get help and take care of myself, I was too tired to care.
So, I just got slap-happy. It occurred to me that I really could have fun while being in the moment with mom. Some of the things caretak-ees do is amusing. I try to not jump a line of respect but when you tell someone that her scooter does not fit into the bathroom door at Target while you are holding the door open to show her, then she DRIVES right in! That was a grow or die moment for me. I could have become embarrassed or yelled at her but it struck my funny bone and I had to laugh. Laughter is good.
