Why did you decide to write Confessions of an Imperfect Caregiver?
I have always been an avid reader and I started writing stories when I was eight years old. One thing I learned over the years is that writing helps me deal with my feelings. Being a caregiver is one of the hardest things I have ever done and the emotions that came with it were extremely powerful. This is a book I had to write not only for myself but for other caregivers who are coping with the same feelings.
What feelings are you referring to?
Although we become caregivers out of love, knowing it isn’t going to be easy, I doubt many, myself included ,know how really difficult it can be or what a long road we will be traveling together. Over time coping with Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia or mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, or life-long disabilities and family dynamics take a huge toll. At some point feelings of anger, resentment, isolation and despair can creep in. These feelings lead to enormous guilt and a sense of failure. I experienced every one of them.
Read more of this interview.