by Hope
Many of you who have been following my journey know that my mom has been on hospice care for almost two years now. In fact, two years ago, they told me to come immediately and say goodbye. They didn’t expect her to last much longer. Parkinson’s sucks!
I love seeing my family. But it’s been so hard saying good-bye every time I go back to visit.
The end may be near
This trip was a little different. The signs are there. The end may be nearing. She’s starting to have trouble swallowing or refusing to eat.
But this post isn’t about that. It’s about the awe inspiring care I have gotten to witness every time I have visited. My dad and siblings provide around the clock care. They are relentless in their pursuit of what is best for my mom’s care. They spend HOURS every day getting the most basic nutrition into her. And then adding treats on top of that.
They keep meticulous notes. They bathe her, change her, inspect for any signs of bed sores. Turn her over several times a day. They sit with her. Watch movies with her. Make sure there is moisturizer on her lips and her glasses are cleaned.
The dedication and love my family displays love in action like I have never seen or experienced. So I will make this trip as often as I’m asked. Because the self-sacrifice my family exemplifies every day is inspiring!
But, otherwise, this trip also showed me just how much I am settling into my new phase of life. How much I am enjoying being home. Not chasing the constant adventure travel that I used to crave so much. While I am still pulled to the road on occasion, what I really want to do is stay home and piddle around my house and yard.
Hope is a resourceful and solutions-driven business manager who has spent nearly two decades helping clients streamline their operations and grow their businesses through project management, digital marketing, and tech expertise. Recently transitioning from her role as a single mom of five foster/adoptive children to an empty nester, Hope is navigating the emotional and practical challenges of redefining her life while maintaining her determination to regain financial control and eliminate debt.
Living in a cozy small town in northeast Georgia with her three dogs, Hope cherishes the serenity of the mountains over the bustle of the beach. Though her kids are now finding their footing in the world—pursuing education, careers, and independence—she remains deeply committed to supporting them in this next chapter, even as she faces the bittersweet tug of letting go.
Since joining the Blogging Away Debt community in 2015, Hope has candidly shared her journey of financial ups and downs. Now, with a renewed focus and a clear path ahead, she’s ready to tackle her finances with the same passion and perseverance that she’s brought to her life and career. Through her writing, she continues to inspire others to confront their own financial challenges and strive for a brighter future.
