When you become an unexpected caretaker.

Five years ago, I found myself caring for my mother, recently diagnosed with dementia. There is no way I could have anticipated all the adjustments I would have to make, not just because of a myriad of medical problems that came with her but also I was now face to face with all my childhood issues and I could no longer pretend they didn't bother me. I learned a lot about how the mind works and doesn't, but mostly I learned a lot about myself.

I was born and raised in Minnesota, lived several places around the country before settling in New Mexico 25 years ago. I earned my Master's Degree in psychology at age 45 and worked as a clinical counselor first with clients with substance abuse problems and then with abused children and their families. I share a home and five acres with my youngest daughter and her family about fifty miles south of Albuquerque.