In Your Own Words – How one spousal caregiver is using her words to share hope

Hello Keeping It REAL Caregiving family!

Each one of us has a unique and individual journey that has brought us into the caregiving world. This is a space where there is never a ‘one size fits all.’

But, there are typically some bits of information we each have, or words of guidance to be shared that can prove valuable to others.

That is exactly what the woman featured in this week’s ‘In Your Own Words’ is doing – sharing.

Similar to the goal of KIRC, she is using her personal experiences, insight, and knowledge gained along the way, to provide support to others.

Meet Diana Derringer, a fellow caregiver who is using the power of words to help others.

In Your Own Words

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your work?

I’m a former social worker and adjunct professor. My goal now is to spread hope and joy as a writer, blogger, and author.

My devotions, articles, dramas, planning guides, Bible studies, and poems have been published more than 1,100 times in 70-plus publications.

I also write radio dramas and question-and-answer programs for Christ to the World Ministries and share weekly blog posts on Words, Wit, and Wisdom: Life Lessons from English Expressions.

How long have you been a caregiver and in what capacity?

My caregiver journey began when my husband, Tim, was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in 2004. His prognosis was three to five years.

In 2009, he suffered a heart attack, stroke, and fall with severe brain injury. He was not expected to live twenty-four hours. Although he continues to face ongoing challenges. His medical providers remain amazed at his recoveries.

What are three key ‘lessons learned’ or pieces of advice you have for other caregivers?

1. Prepare for the worst but enjoy the best. Worry over what might happen does no good. Making the most of current circumstances does a world of good.

2. Pray for eyes to see and ears to hear needs as they arise. We can get so busy with daily responsibilities that we fail to notice small symptoms as they occur.

3. Keep personal, devotional, and medical supplies packed in case of emergency trips from home. When a crisis arises, every second counts.

Can you share two of your biggest challenges?

Getting enough sleep and juggling multiple responsibilities.

What do you love/dislike most about your caregiving role?

I love having extra time to spend with my husband.

I dislike being on constant alert.

Keeping It REAL Caregiving would like to thank Diana for sharing a small nugget of her journey with us. As I like to say, we are all in this together!

There are so many unique stories and experiences across the landscape of family caregiving. That is one reason KIRC likes to showcase others who are contributing to educating others and lending guidance.

About Diana Derringer: She is the author of Beyond Bethlehem and Calvary: Twelve Dramas for Christmas Easter and More and has contributed to several anthologies. She recently began publishing weekly 30-second Caregiver Tip reels on Facebook and Instagram. You can learn more about her work and commitment to providing guidance for caregivers at https://dianaderringer.com

What are some of your ‘lessons learned’ or practical ‘need to know’ information you believe could help someone else? Keeping It REAL Caregiving would love to hear from you!

Submit your ‘nuggets of wisdom’ for consideration for an upcoming post, leave a comment for discussion, and we would love for you to share!

Remember, you can join the discussion here, or shoot me a message at my Facebook Page – Julia Yarbough Media Group.

Thanks for being on this journey with fellow caregivers. I encourage all of you to chime in – share your feedback, thoughts, bounce ideas, or ask questions!

In the next KIRC post, a few updates on progress on the advocacy front and ways for you to get involved – our voices are about to get a little louder!

Until next time~
Julia