Caregiving can test you, body and soul. It can also unlock a new sense of self
Briefly

Amanda Cruz transitioned from her life as a sociable communicator to a patient caregiver for her mother, who was battling cancer and had suffered a stroke. As her responsibilities increased, she adapted by becoming a better listener, striving to understand her mother’s unspoken needs and pain. This transformation led to deeper connections and a focus on nurturing her mother during challenging times. The experience taught Cruz the importance of stepping back to create space for her mother's feelings and comfort, ultimately leading to her personal growth and resilience during the caregiving journey.
"I must pull myself back to put her forward," she said to herself. They sheltered together in this pool of quiet while the world seemed to accelerate around them.
Cruz began to change. She became quieter, and she began to listen more. She was learning to hear beyond the words her mother said to understand what she really meant.
Read at www.npr.org
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