Today is a big day for me.  Nope, it’s not my birthday (that was yesterday)…tonight is the premiere of Dancing with the Stars.

For many fans of the show this is exciting, however; for me and my Mom it’s an event.  Anyone who knows me understands that when Dancing with the Stars is on the air they need not bother calling or stopping by because I will not be available, not even during the commercials. (We are such fans that we have attended 2 of the Live Dancing with the Stars tours.)

Since the first few seasons of the show my Mom and I call each other during every commercial break to share our assessment of the previous dance routine, song choice, as well as, the judges’ scores and comments.  It’s our thing.

I’ve always enjoyed dancing (some Sue trivia, I even taught ballroom dance for a short time back in my 20’s), however; what I really like is that it is something I can share with my Mom.  Over the past few years through health struggles (see One Word Can Change Your Life ) and loss of loved ones (see For Aunt Josie), watching Dancing with the Stars has given us the opportunity to discuss something that we both enjoy and doesn’t involve doctors, hospitals or any medical jargon.

As caregivers we can sometimes get so caught up in the tasks of caregiving that we forget to find ways to connect with our loved ones.  I am blessed that I have always been very close to my Mom, however; I too can get caught up in the health needs and forget to foster the relationship outside of the health issues.

• Find ways to connect with the person you care for beyond the health care needs. Go to a movie, lunch (not tagged onto a doctor’s appointment).
• Have conversations that do not involve scheduling the next appointment or how they are feeling. If the conversation starts to go in that direction bring it back around by saying something like “we can talk about that more tomorrow, right now I want to hear about blank”
• Schedule “fun time” with your loved ones!

Caregiving is hard and the time we have with those we love goes by so quickly.  Take time today to reach out and connect with those you love.

For more support visit CaregiverLife.com