Coming Back

By Gail Sheehy

At the seventh turning, you begin coming back. It is clear now that your loved one is not going to get well and will become more and more needy and dependent. You are approaching the center of the labyrinth.

This is where you must begin the process of separation. It is a slow and painful process, but the other way is to lose your self and go down with the person you're caring for. That would be a double tragedy.

There is life after caregiving. What were your lifelines before caregiving? You must have some transports to joy? Pick them up again. They will lead you out of the labyrinth.