When my mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I became her primary caregiver for eight years. At the same time, I was raising my son, managing chronic pain from a car accident, and trying to hold onto pieces of my own life. I quickly learned that caregiving isn’t just a role: it’s a transformation. You become the memory-keeper, the nurse, the advocate, and often, the emotional sponge. Every day brought new challenges: the guilt of feeling overwhelmed, the heartbreak of watching her slip away, and the stress of coordinating everything from medication to safety-proofing her home. I once spent hours trying to calm her after she forgot who I was. Those moments haunted me, but also fueled my determination to show up with love. After she passed, I shifted into caring for my dad, who faced physical disabilities and psychiatric struggles. By then, I had developed a rhythm, one that protected my own mental health while still being there fully for him. I don’t sugarcoat caregiving, but I do know how to help you feel more steady, less alone, and better prepared for each step on this unpredictable path.