A to Z

Caregiver; a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child, a sick elderly, or disabled, person. 

In my family’s case, we had to find a nanny to care for our 2 young kids. And, for any parent, this is one of the most daunting tasks, out there; finding a nanny. You are entrusting your kids, to someone else.  

If you are reading this and scratching your head, like, “what’s the big deal?”, you either don’t have kids, or, haven’t yet had to pick a caregiver. Let me try to put it into perspective for you. You are trusting another human being with your kids’ lives. 

This person is alone with your kids, all day. Your most treasured babies, are in the care of someone, other than you, every day of the week. It is the ultimate exercise of trust. 

This is why it is a meticulous selection process. Sometimes, you find that person through referral. A referral is the most helpful, and least frightening way, because someone else who you trust, is recommending the caregiver. Other times, you spend hours searching online. And, this search, is the scariest. Because, as you know, people can be whoever they want to be, online. It’s terrifying. I’ve heard stories, and I am thankful we got a referral.

Thankfully, we had the best case scenario for our family. Our first nanny evolved from our sitter into that of our nanny. Then, our second nanny was a referral from a friend. This minimized the worry, the wondering, the anxiety that every parent carries when faced with choosing a nanny. 

People may look at a nanny and think, “wow, they have an easy job, just looking after a kid all day”. Well, that is not the case. 

It is the most important job. A jog of the highest responsibility. I hope all caregivers understand how critical they are. 

I also hope they have someone that thanks them, appreciates them, and reminds them how important they are, every day. 

There is no amount of money, that would really pay what this job deserves. 

Presently, with my changing jobs, we had to move our son into a full day preschool. This was an incredibly difficult move to make, because we couldn’t keep our beloved nanny. Our nanny became family to us. So, changing to preschool felt like moving a mountain, because we had the best nanny. 

When I see how loved my kids are, I am grateful beyond what words can express. It brings tears to my eyes to see it in my kids’ actions, in their faces. All of the nanny snuggles, laughter, artwork, photographs, crafts, and adventures; they’ve absorbed these things. Their experiences with their nanny helped build a solid foundation, further growing their self-esteem, creativity, brainpower and confidence. 

Thank you. I know it’s not enough, but thank you. Thank you for loving my kids as if they were your own. You will be in our hearts and in our lives, just in a different capacity, always. You are stuck with us, imprinted in our lives.

To my readers, that have a caregiver, say a special thank you to him/her, this week.

  
It is a new year. A time for new beginnings, new things. The gyms are packed with people and their new year’s resolutions. Stores are just as busy, as they were prior to Christmas, with folks shopping all of the deals. 

There is a sense of sadness that the holidays are over, the tree is down, decorations boxed-up, we rang the new year in, family members and friends have traveled back to their homes, decorations packed away. 

But, there is also that feeling of excitement, anticipation. It is a new year. For me, it’s a new chapter. An opportunity for which I am incredibly grateful. To open this chapter will require a great deal of change, and some of the change is difficult and emotionally charged; like changing caregivers. But, a necessary change. 

A change fueled with excitement with a hint of anxiety, being this is a bold move. But you know in your heart, when it’s time. This is a change that will improve my life-work balance, my time with my family, my time with friends, and help save lives. 

After 14 years of working in the health care industry, I am leaving for a career more aligned with my heartstrings. Where my passion for writing, will pair with a cause that I am equally passionate about. Where my writing and work, will directly impact lives. 

I will be the Communications Coordinator at the Jordan Porco Foundation (JPF); http://www.rememberingjordan.org. You may not be familiar with their cause and vision, especially if you do not live in the Hartford, CT area. 

I strongly encourage you to visit the website, subscribe to the newsletters and follow JPF on FB and Twitter. You will connect with the mission. 

The mission of the JPF is suicide prevention and mental health awareness in the high school, college, and college entry student population. 

This is a cause that is personal. My cousin died by suicide last year. It had a profound impact on me. His loss, the family’s loss, made me think hard about my career path. 

And, after making a bold move; here I am. I am passionate about JPF’s mission. I hope that you will join me in supporting their mission, and join me in my journey–in my new chapter.