Nancy, Thanks so much for the note. These overwhelming seasons come and go, and this summer is one where we definitely didn’t expect the problems that showed up. Thankfully, we are moving through them, and only the car was totalled, not my son! Take care, and let me know if journaling or reading helps you when you wake up in the middle of the night.

All your strategies for coping are so helpful. I sometimes have great difficulty falling back asleep when I wake up during the night. Generally, I give myself an hour and if I’m not back to sleep by then, I get up or at least move to a different location. I’ll think of you next time! Maybe I’ll consider problem solving, journaling or doing something. My worry is always that if I do get up and start doing something, it’ll become a habit. One I don’t want.

I’m sorry your life has been so stressful of late. Caregiving is unbelievably hard. Parenting doesn’t necessarily get easier, it just changes. And, of course, cancer survivorship is an ongoing forever thing.

Thank you for this honest, helpful piece. I appreciate you. Hugs.