When I was growing up, it was a custom for my family to wave goodbye to anyone that came to visit either at the door, the end of the driveway and even at the airport. We waved till we could no longer see the person, their car, or the plane! With tears in our eyes, we waved and in our hearts we longed to see them again!

Even when we left for school or work, my Mother would stand and wave till we were out of sight. There was something reassuring about seeing her there and knowing she would be there when we returned! I guess that’s the power of the “wave”, it was a physical confirmation of love.

Now, as my Mother is in her final stages of Dementia, she has been in and out of hospice four times. Each time was a goodbye and each time I waved to her. Each time, with tears in my eyes. Each time I relived the grief of losing her.  Each time.

Though she is non-ambulatory, non-auditory and  non-responsive, I can still see her so, I wave. I wave the “goodbye that continues to wave” till the day that I will no longer see her. Most days I’m overcome with emotion, yet I cope thanks to our weekly Support Sessions. With the       kindness and sharing from a Community of Caregivers that share their strength and stories!

It is my hope that by sharing my story, a Caregiver reading this will know that you are NOT alone. We are a Community of Caregivers that is here for YOU and will wave you on!

Take a moment to breathe and connect with us every Tuesday evening at 8:00 HST on Zoom meeting ID 8987543787!

The journey of a Caregiver may be short or long, full or part time, easy or hard yet it is still our journey and we will still continue to wave goodbye, and in our hearts we will long to see them again! Get the support you need!

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