Stories from Caregivers: Pamela from MARYLAND
MD
Pamela
FROM MARYLAND
My name is Pam, I am the oldest of 6 children, I am the only girl. I grew up watching my Mom (Rosalie) take care of us, work, go to school for nursing and take care of her mother. My grandma was diabetic and eventually unable to walk. Mom would get up, get us ready for school, walk over to "Nannies" house, take care of her, then go to work. When she got off she would go to Nannies, fix her dinner, and take care of any housekeeping that needed to be done, then come home fix our dinner, take care of us and our house. She did this for years. After grandma died, my Mom started her nursing career. She found out she was diabetic and at first it didn't affect her ability to do what she loved, however in time, she became insulin dependent and it took a toll on her heart. She had to have a defibrillator inserted under her skin, then she developed diabetic neuropathy. Diabetes took away her ability to walk, she became wheel chair bound. She also has stiffperson syndrome, which limits her ability to stand. The only thing she's still able to do unassisted is eat, and play on Facebook. It is true children learn what they live. I learned to take care of my Mom, watching her take care of her Mom. It can be challenging, and scary sometimes. Especially in the days before she got the pump, and the defibrillator. I love my Momma, she is my baby. I have been her caregiver for 10 years, I wouldn't have it any other way. I have watched so many of my friends lose their parents. As hard as caregiving can be sometimes, it's a blessing to have my Mommy still with me and I cherish each day... Pamela Daniels
