Tag: caregiving

Top 5 Ways to Turn 50

Top 5 Ways to Turn 50
Vacation is over, and Costa Rica was beautiful. But it’s time for a reality check. How about a new month, new season, and a new decade? The half century one if you know what I mean. The big 5.0. There are many ways to turn this chronological age, which is only a baby boomer number, right? I... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
September 5, 2013 at 12:06 pm • 

5 Sure-fire Ways to Honor Your Parents

5 Sure-fire Ways to Honor Your Parents
Honoring parents at any age can be hard or easy as pie, depending on one’s perspective. As a caregiver for my parents in their late 80s, I am the filling between 2 flaky crusts: the “greatest” post-war generation and the millennial generation, of which my teen sons are a part. I try to make the... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
July 23, 2013 at 11:42 am • 

Martha Stewart Writes About Caring for Others--Maybe

Martha Stewart Writes About Caring for Others--Maybe
How soft is Martha Stewart’s post-prison heart? Could she really be caring for others instead of creating things for others? Recently the 71-year-old diva wrote a new book. Ho hum. But it is not a new book about antique china and complicated appetizers. Hmmmm. Martha wants to help those in their 40s on up to live well. And to give caregivers... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
July 16, 2013 at 10:03 am • 
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All Happiness Depends on a Leisurely Breakfast

All Happiness Depends on a Leisurely Breakfast
Few visits are sweeter than taking both of my parents to the Red Apple of Palatine for a leisurely breakfast. For one thing, their attitudes are super sweet in the morning. And for the second thing, my dad is always hungry for eggs and bacon. My dad sometimes says, ‘let’s go to the “Red Barn, or... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
February 26, 2013 at 10:33 am • 

Same Path, Different Season

Same Path, Different Season
Snow on Saturday. Rain on Sunday. Strong 25-50 mph winds this Monday. Really? Could Chicagoland weather be anymore fun? As two creatures of habit, my retriever mix, Lucy, and I, hobbled over the ice through the nearby wetlands this morning. Every day we take the path by the Poplar Creek, in the rain, snow, or 5... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
February 11, 2013 at 3:04 pm • 

Who Says January is Boring? Seven Significant Events

January is a catalystic month. You know, goal-filled, resolution saturated, and exceedingly hopeful. Basically new.  So far, there has been a lot of new in 2013. A couple of new records for goofy winter weather. New compromises from political parties. New developments of gun control debates and laws. New implications for women in India and for women in our military. A new... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
February 6, 2013 at 2:42 pm • 
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Stuff Happens....

Stuff Happens....
There is a lot of STUFF involved in parenting 3 teenage boys. A lot of it is food. Around $1,000 a month of food, at least. Then there are the paper products. There can never be enough tissues for winter. Or paper towels for spills. I do a lot of STUFF for my sons, husband,... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
January 9, 2013 at 9:28 pm • 

Letting Go

Letting Go
One small miracle occurred this weekend. My husband and I spent our anniversary in the Loop. Away from our boys. Away from caregiving responsibilities of our parents. We’ve spent our special day in more exotic locales, like St. Thomas, Hawaii, and Mexico, but it felt good to celebrate close to home this year. Even if... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
December 12, 2012 at 4:08 pm • 

Surviving Celebrationitis

Surviving Celebrationitis
This is where I am: absolutely amazed by a rapid succession of special events with 3 octogenarians and 1 nonagenarian. And, believe it or not, have my home fully decorated for Christmas and even sent cards snail mail. This is where I was: celebrating my father’s birthday, my mother’s birthday, and hosting a Thanksgiving luncheon... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
December 5, 2012 at 11:53 am • 
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View from the Dentist's Chair

After a year-and-a-half hiatus, I laid back in the dentist’s chair. Next, I gasped. And not out of fear. Directly above my head, on the ceiling, was a large poster of the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. I actually had taken many photos of the same view in 2010. Staring at it somehow took... Read more »
By Carole Pye,
November 9, 2012 at 5:59 pm • 
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    Carole Pye

    I’m a freelance writer married to thrill-seeking husband, Jim, and mom to fantastic teenage sons: Austin, (18) Trevor, (16) and volunteer foster son, Chris (18). I am also a proud caregiver for my parents, Bob, a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, 87, and Jean, his wife, 85. In between the shuttling and the shuffling of senior boys and senior parents, you can find me sitting still, enjoying a cup of steaming hot tea while pondering the next thing to do.

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