This is a very personal story for me.

Why?

Two reasons - I personally know Rochelle and I was also a carer for my mom.

As I was reading all her words in this excellent read, I just kept saying to myself:
"Same for me"
"Dang! girl I feel ya on that one!
"My heart is breaking for you like it did mine. :( "
"I know how your exhaustion feels like."
"We so need a break."
" I love(d) my mom but I don't know how much longer am I going to be able to do this?"

Being a carer for a family member is harder than you think. It truly is!

It breaks you down completely. Your mind is boggled between caring for your loved one then having time for yourself. And when you do have the time you feel guilty.

We are also given a glimpse of how the person that needs care feels and handles a situation that they are in.

They do not want to have: a carer and all that entails with someone doing everything from doing the dishes, store shopping, etc.

The hurt and frustration of them not being able to do the things that they were once able to do.
The agony of their pain every moment of every day. Thinking, "How much longer can I do this?, "How can I do this to my family?" and ,any more.

Rochelle and I always are there for one another: especially when our moms were ill and we someone
who understands.

My mom passed last year and phrase she send to me in a card was this:
"It Only Hurts This Because You Loved One Of Another So Much.'
This was such the right aspect of what we fell. I love so and had it tattooed on me with her handwriting, to always remember.

Rochelle wove this story to let us know how every single thing in your life as a carer really is. She gave us real emotions. The ups and downs. The love The bravery, that created "Handle With Care" to teach and be in solidarity with each other and families across every range of care/carering.