Writing Amid Caregiving
Becoming a Caregiver
As a senior citizen fiction writer, life has taken a new turn—a path I never expected, yet one that has become my daily reality. My days are now shaped by the rhythms of caregiving for my beloved spouse of fifty-five years. A role filled with both challenges and rewards. There are moments when creativity feels distant, replaced by the pressing needs and routines of caregiving.
Though I dabbled in writing for a few years before my retirement, I got serious about it after I retired. It became my part-time job. I spent most of my mornings writing or editing. This allowed me to finish and self-publish my first novel and to write and self-publish a second.
However, that changed when my wife fell. Christmas Day, 2024, breaking the neck of her femur. Though it didn’t require a hip replacement, she had screws and plates implanted to hold the bones in position to heal. As her hip healed, she suffered a stroke, resulting in aphasia. (Aphasia – Symptoms & causes – Mayo Clinic) A few weeks ago, she fell again and fractured her pelvis, limiting her mobility.
Finding Time to Create
Now, I often stare at a blank page, wishing for the freedom I once had to write for hours uninterrupted. The stories inside me still long to be told, but finding time and energy to write is harder than ever. I have approximately 90 percent of my third novel written, and I’ve learned to celebrate small victories—writing a paragraph in the hospital coffee shop while my wife does physical therapy, jotting down ideas in between tasks, or simply reflecting on the depth of love and resilience this journey has brought into my life.
As a couple, we occasionally ask each other if we even considered being in this position when we married as teenagers. The answer is no, but our love compels us to keep the vows we made that day.
Persistence and Hope
At this time, I don’t know if caregiving has shaped my perspective as a writer and enriched the stories I tell. But each day, I remind myself that creativity doesn’t disappear; it evolves. Even if progress is slower, every word written is a testament to persistence and hope. For those walking a similar path, remember: your experiences matter, and your voice deserves to be heard, both as a caregiver and as a creator.
Find out more
My first two stand-alone novels are available in either e-book or paperback versions. A third novel is in process. I am excited to restart my newsletter soon, and I am preparing the backstory for one of the characters in my first novel as a gift to those who subscribe.