Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
Before we began today's episode.
We want to acknowledge that thecontent may be particularly
sensitive for some listeners, aswe discussed themes of mental
health crises including thoughtsof self-harm and suicide.
Please consider whether this isthe right time for you to listen
to such content.
If you were someone, you know,is struggling, we encouraged you
to seek support from mentalhealth professionals, resources
(00:21):
and contact information for helpwill be provided at the end of
this episode.
Your wellbeing is important andwe urge you to take care of your
mental health as you join ustoday.
Welcome back to take care oftime, the tales and exhales of
caregivers.
Where we shared journeys ofcaregivers.
Today we continue the story ofMaria Flores and mother nurse.
As she faces one of the darkestnights and seeks a night of rest
(00:42):
Today's episode, we find me aFlores.
In a hotel room, surrounded bysilence, the weight of her
choices and a pivotal momentthat could change everything.
Yeah.
(01:21):
The room is dimly lit, thecurtains drawn tight against the
intrusion from the outside,world Mia sits on the edge of
her bed.
It stark figure framed.
by the sparse deck or in thehotel room.
On the table beside her.
lay several vials medicationsnot prescribed for her, but
taken from her workplace inmoments of desperation.
(01:42):
Mia picks up a vile, rolling itbetween her fingers.
Her mind racing with theconsequences of her actions.
Both taken and contemplated.
Her thoughts, squirrel withconfusion and fear.
What am I doing?
This isn't me.
This isn't.
Who I want to be.
As a night deepens.
(02:02):
Mia is left alone with theirthoughts.
Each one, a heavy stone in thegrowing wall between her and the
world outside.
I need to find another way.
These.
These are not the answers.
This is not the answer.
With a resolve that feelsfragile.
Yep.
Fears.
Mia sets the vials aside.
(02:23):
She reaches for a note pad, thestark white.
Oh, the paper, a blank canvasfor her turmoil.
She begins to write.
Not a note of despair.
But a letter.
Dear Ken.
She begins.
Her words initially directed ather husband, the partner.
Who she has shared her burdensand joys.
(02:43):
But as she writes, she pauses.
Her eyes filling with tears.
The words feel inadequate,unable to capture the magnitude
of her internal storm.
She takes a deep breath,steadies her head and begins a
new.
Dear God.
She writes her script steadier.
As if the shift in address leadsto a newfound strength.
(03:03):
I don't know where to begin.
I'm lost.
I'm scared.
I reached a point where I don'trecognize myself anymore.
I'm a mother.
A wife, a nurse.
I'm supposed to be strong foreveryone.
But I can barely hold myselftogether.
The words flow now.
More freely than she expected.
Mia pours out her fears aboutJamie, her son who needs her in
(03:27):
ways she fears she can no longerprovide.
Dear God, as I write to youtonight.
My heart is heavy with concernfor my son, Jamie.
You know, his spirit, God.
His challenges and his joys.
Better than anyone.
Jamie, my beautiful boy.
He has autism.
A journey that has shaped bothof our lives in profound ways.
(03:50):
God, you see his struggles.
God, you see how he struggles tomake sense of the world.
That often feels too loud, toobright, too fast for him.
Jamie has such a bright childcurious about the world in his
own unique way.
But his inability to communicatehis needs.
And feelings can leave himfrustrated at isolated.
(04:11):
I watch him every day.
Try so hard to interact with hissurroundings.
To learn things.
That comes so easy for otherchildren, his age.
It breaks my heart.
To see him so distressed.
And he can't express what heneeds or wants.
Or even when he doesn'tunderstand why he can't do the
things other children can.
(04:31):
I worry about his futureconstantly.
Will he ever be able to find hisplace in the world Well, he make
friends who understand andappreciate him for who he is.
Will he be able to liveindependently?
Find a job.
And experienced love andhappiness in his own.
Right.
These questions haunt me God.
Because as much as I want to bethere for him every step of the
(04:52):
way.
I know, I won't always be ableto.
The world it can be unkind tothose who are different.
And my deepest fear is thatJamie will face rejection and
cruelty from those who don'tunderstand him.
I pray that you guide him.
Protect him.
From the harshness of the world.
And surround him with people whowill see his incredible
(05:13):
qualities.
I love him unconditionally.
I asked for the strength.
To be the mother he needs.
Give me the patience to help methrough his difficult moments.
The wisdom to teach him how tonavigate this complex world.
the clarity to make the rightdecisions for him.
Help me support his growth.
To encourage his passions and toadvocate for him And a rural
(05:37):
that might not always see hisworth.
Most of all, I pray for hishappiness.
May he find joy in the smallmoments, comfort in our love.
And achievement in his pursuits.
Help him to know how much he isloved, not just by me.
But by all who meet him?
And how much he enriches ourlives.
(05:58):
Amen.
She continues.
Dear God.
In the quiet of this night, Ifind myself at a crossroads
burden by the weariness.
that seeps deep into my bones,the responsibility of raising
Jamie.
While the privilege has alsobeen a profound source of stress
and exhaustion every day is abattle.
(06:19):
Not against him, but for him.
against a world that is notequipped to understand or
nurture his unique way of being.
I am tired, Lord.
Physically and emotionallydrained from the endless cycle
of therapy sessions.
Educational challenges.
And the daily navigation of hismeltdowns.
Which leaves both of us feelinghelpless and distraught.
(06:41):
There are days when it seemslike no matter how much I pour
into this journey.
It has never enough.
The progress is slow and attimes it feels non-existent.
I fear my exhaustion, my shadow,the love I have for him.
And he might feel.
My fatigue as a lack of care.
(07:01):
The weight of constant vigilancehave always been on high alert.
To interpret his needs andprotect him from harm.
It's sometimes more than I canbear.
It's in these moments that Ifeel my hope faltering.
Wondering if I'm truly capableof being the mother, he
deserves.
Am I enough.
Am I enough for him.
(07:22):
Can I continue to be hisadvocate, his teacher, his
sanctuary.
I confess.
There are moments when thespirit takes hold.
Whispering.
That it will never get easier.
That the dreams I have for Jamiemight remain just that.
Dreams.
In these moments.
I feel my faith waiver, not inyou, God.
Not in you.
(07:43):
But in myself.
I have a scared that my weaknessmight fail him.
Then my human limitations.
We'll be the barrier that keepshim from flourishing.
Please.
I reaching out to you.
Not just for Jamie, but formyself, I need your strength.
I need your strength to feel myemptied reserves.
(08:04):
Grant me resilience to face eachday.
With renewed vigor, patience tocontinue.
Teaching and learning alongsideJamie.
And.
Hope.
To light the path forward.
Help me to remember that eachsmall step he takes, we all are
moving forward to a brighterfuture.
(08:24):
Even in the days when thosesteps are obscured.
By setbacks.
Above all.
Grant me the grace to see beyondthe challenges to remember the
joy that Jamie brings.
Into my life and to the lives ofall who know him.
Remind me that.
At every challenge, there's anopportunity to witness your
work.
To experience love in its purestform and to grow in ways I never
(08:47):
imagined possible.
amen.
Dear God.
As I navigate this challengingjourney.
I often feel misunderstood byfriends and family who despite
their best intentions cannotfully grasp the magnitude of my
challenges, Jamie and I faceeach day.
They see snippets of our livesand offer advice and judgment
(09:08):
without understanding thecomplexities of autism.
And the relentless dedication atdemands.
It pains me, Lord.
To sometimes feel isolated fromthose.
I love.
To, since they're inpatients ordisbelief, when I share our
daily struggles.
They do not see the endlessnights, the tears.
The moments of desperation whenI silently plead for a
(09:29):
breakthrough or a sign that I'menjoying something right.
Their expectations of normalcydo not align with our reality.
And their disconnect sometimesleads to feelings of alienation
and sorrow.
And these interactions, I findmyself needing, not just
patients, but also the courageto educate and advocate.
Not just for Jamie before theunderstanding.
(09:51):
We so desperately need from ourloved ones.
I asked you Lord.
I asked you that to four orfive, my spirit to grant me the
strength.
To face this lack ofunderstanding with grace and to
use these moments asopportunities to bridge the gap
between our world and theirs.
Please also touch the hearts ofmy friends and family.
(10:12):
Help them see with eyes.
Unclouded by conventionalexpectations.
To understand the unspokentrials of our days.
And to offer their support inways that are truly helpful and
empowering.
That's gonna be a source ofstrength, not stress.
Reminding me that we are notalone in our fight and that we
can transcend even the mostentrenched misunderstandings.
(10:35):
Grant me the wisdom tocommunicate effectively sharing
our realities with those aroundus in a way that fosters
compassion and support.
Maybe learn from our journeybecoming allies in our quest.
For a better understanding ofautism.
And a more inclusive world forJamie.
Amen.
Mia's running out of paper.
(10:57):
So she begins to write on theback of the notepad.
Dear God.
In this moment of reflection andprayer, I wish to extend my
deepest gratitude.
For the blessing that is myhusband Ken do all of our
turbulence and trials.
He has been my steadfastpartner, sharing the weight of
our challenges with unwaveringlove and support.
Ken has been a pillar ofstrength for Jamie and me.
(11:19):
Tirelessly working to providefor our family.
While also being a nurturing andunderstanding father and
husband.
I see the stress that ourcircumstances have placed upon
him.
The quiet moments of exhaustionthat he tries to hide behind his
reassurance miles.
He carries his burdens with suchdignity.
Always placing our needs abovehis own.
(11:40):
Even when the toll, it takes onhim as evidence.
Lord, I pray that you alleviatehis burdens.
And refresh the spirit.
That you grant him moments ofpeace and joy.
A mist, our hardships, we facedtogether.
Bless him end with theresilience to continue being an
incredible husband and father.
Replenish his energy and Fortifyhis heart with your divine
grace, that he may feel the samecomfort and support.
(12:03):
He so generously gives to us.
Let us know that his efforts areseen not just by me, but by you
and that they are deeplyappreciated.
I am thankful every day for hispresence in our lives.
For this love and thisunwavering commitment to our
family.
Please watch over him, guide himand protect him.
(12:23):
As he has protected us.
May he feel your love andstrengthen every step he takes,
knowing that he is never alonein his endeavors.
Amen.
With each paragraph, Mia feels aweight lifting.
The act of writing becomes aprayer, a meditation, it
catharsis.
She writes of her love of herfamily, her aspirations.
(12:46):
To heal and to be healed.
And her commitment to fightthrough this darkness.
Please help me find the way,help me find the strength again,
not just for me, but for Ken andJamie, they deserve better than
is better than the shell of aperson I have become.
As Mia signs the letter, herhand is steady.
(13:07):
Then I has turned into earlymorning and the first hands of
Dawn creep around the edges ofthe curtains.
She folds a letter carefully.
And places it in her purse.
A private Testament to herstruggle and her plea for divine
intervention.
Mia looks at the vial sitting onthe table and feels a profound
shift within her.
As she thinks over the wordsthat she has just written to
(13:29):
God.
words it's filled with hopedetermination.
And I plead for strength.
She realizes that these vialsrepresent.
A path that she no longerchooses to walk.
With a resolute breath.
She stands up.
And decides to clear her resolvefortified by her heartfelt
prayers and reflections.
Carefully Mia gathers each vialher hand steady as she wraps
(13:49):
them back into the small bag.
She had bought them in.
Each movement is delivered.
Symbolic of her commitment toseek help.
To heal and to face herchallenges with renewed faith
and with reliance on thesetemporary escapes.
She knows now more than ever.
Her strength must come fromwithin supported by her faith,
(14:10):
her family, and the professionalhelp.
She has resolved to seek.
walking to the hotel door Miapauses.
As she glances back at the tablenow clear to the vials.
They sense of peace washes overher.
You start contrast to theturmoil.
She felt just hours before.
She steps out of the room, herspirit lighter As she hits to
(14:31):
the front desk to check out asshe exits the hotel, the early
morning sun peaks through theclouds casting, a warm glow.
That seems to promise newbeginnings.
Mia feels a gentle assurancethat our prayers for guidance
were heard.
And she is not alone in herjourney.
She is ready to return home toface the challenges ahead with
Ken by her side and start thenext day as simple of her
(14:52):
commitment to her life.
To Jamie and to the path ofhealing the lays had.
As we close today's episode.
I want to take a moment to speakdirectly to the stress of
caregiving.
Mia story is a powerful reminderof the emotional and physical
toll that caring for a loved onewith special needs can take.
(15:12):
It's not just the day-to-dayresponsibilities.
But.
The constant emotionalengagement.
And the pressure to provide, notjust basic care, but also a
pathway to thriving for someoneso deeply dependent on you
Caregiving for someone withautism often involves a spectrum
of challenges.
It can range for managingsensory sensitivities to
(15:34):
facilitating communication, toaddressing behavioral challenges
and navigating socialinteractions.
The relentless demand can leavecaregivers, feeling isolated,
exhausted, and sometimesdesperate.
Is crucial for caregivers shouldknow that feeling overwhelmed is
not a sign of weakness.
Nor is it a reflection of theirdedication?
It's a natural response to anincredibly demanding role.
(15:58):
This is why finding support,whether through community
groups, respite care, orprofessional mental health
services is so vital.
Just as Mia reached a point.
Where she knew she needed toseek help.
It's important for caregivers torecognize when they need to step
back and recharge.
To all the caregivers listening.
Please remember taking care ofyourself is not an act of
(16:19):
selfishness.
It's a necessity.
Your wellbeing is just asimportant as that of a loved
one.
You care for.
Seeking help and support is acritical component of sustaining
caregiving.
It not only aids.
In your own health, what ensuresyou can continue to provide the
care that your loved one relieson.
(16:42):
Thank you for joining us on thisjourney today.
If you ever caregiver feelingthe weight of your
responsibilities.
We urge you to reach out, tyingthose moments of respite and
seek the support you deserve.
Remember you are not not in thisalone It's okay to ask for help.
If you were someone, you know,is experiencing thoughts of
suicide.
It is crucial for you to seekhelp immediately.
We recommend the nationalsuicide prevention lifeline.
(17:05):
Their number is 1 802 7 3.
Talk.
Their website, suicideprevention, lifeline.org.
This lifeline is 24 7.
Free and confidential.
They provide free andconfidential support for people
in distress, as well asprevention and crisis resources
for you and your loved one.
For those listening outside ofthe United States, please reach
(17:25):
out to your local mental healthservices and crisis hotlines.
Immediate help is vital andavailable.
Please note, this is episodefeatures, reenactments and
dramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
(17:47):
involved.
Names and some identifyingdetails have been changed.
Are you interested in learningmore about autism?
Here are some facts.
The centers for disease controland prevention reports that
approximately one in 36 childrenin the us were identified with
autism spectrum disorder.
According to their 2020 data.
(18:09):
Most children are still beingdiagnosed after age four.
Although ASD can be diagnosed asearly as age two.
Early diagnosis and interventionare critical and can
significantly improve outcomes.
ESD is four times more commonamong boys than girls.
This disparity.
Has been consistent.
(18:31):
And various studies and reportsover the years.
Families with children with ASDon average, incur significantly
higher medical expenses comparedto families.
Without additionally, there aresubstantial costs associated
with special education.
And care needed for individualswith autism.
Is common for children andadults with ASD do have co
occurring conditions such asADHD.
(18:53):
Anxiety disorders.
Epilepsy or depression, whichcan complicate diagnosis and
treatment.
Diagnosis rates and access toservices can vary significantly
across racial and ethnic groups,these concerns about
under-diagnosis and laterdiagnosis in some communities
potentially due to disparitiesand access to healthcare
(19:14):
services and cultural biases.
These statistics are based onthe most recent data available
from the CDC and other healthinstitutions, reflecting the
prevalence and characteristicsof autism to help inform
policies, interventions, andsupport.
During life storms, finding amoment of pause, give you like a
(19:34):
distant dream.
This is why we've created theTake Care Time Respite Box
designed specifically forcaregivers.
Both give so much of themselvesevery day.
Each Take Care Time respite boxis filled with curated items to
sooth uplift, and reinvigoratefrom aromatic stress where
they've candles to luxuriousbath salts, to herbal teas, to
accustom journals.
(19:55):
For your thoughts, every elementis chosen with care and
intention.
Subscribe today and giveyourself or a caregiver, you
know?
The gift of a well-deservedbreak because taking care of
others begins with taking careof yourself.
Visit takecaretime.com to orderyour respite box.
Because everyone deserves amoment to breathe.
(20:16):
Join us next time on take careof time.
As we continue to explore thelives of caregivers, offering
insights, sharing stories, andproviding resources to help
along the way.
Until next week, take care.
Yeah.
Before we began today's episode.
We want to acknowledge that thecontent may be particularly
sensitive for some listeners, aswe discussed themes of mental
health crises including thoughtsof self-harm and suicide.
Please consider whether this isthe right time for you to listen
to such content.
If you were someone, you know,is struggling, we encouraged you
to seek support from mentalhealth professionals, resources
(00:21):
and contact information for helpwill be provided at the end of
this episode.
Your wellbeing is important andwe urge you to take care of your
mental health as you join ustoday.
Welcome back to take care oftime, the tales and exhales of
caregivers.
Where we shared journeys ofcaregivers.
Today we continue the story ofMaria Flores and mother nurse.
As she faces one of the darkestnights and seeks a night of rest
(00:42):
Today's episode, we find me aFlores.
In a hotel room, surrounded bysilence, the weight of her
choices and a pivotal momentthat could change everything.
Yeah.
(01:21):
The room is dimly lit, thecurtains drawn tight against the
intrusion from the outside,world Mia sits on the edge of
her bed.
It stark figure framed.
by the sparse deck or in thehotel room.
On the table beside her.
lay several vials medicationsnot prescribed for her, but
taken from her workplace inmoments of desperation.
(01:42):
Mia picks up a vile, rolling itbetween her fingers.
Her mind racing with theconsequences of her actions.
Both taken and contemplated.
Her thoughts, squirrel withconfusion and fear.
What am I doing?
This isn't me.
This isn't.
Who I want to be.
As a night deepens.
(02:02):
Mia is left alone with theirthoughts.
Each one, a heavy stone in thegrowing wall between her and the
world outside.
I need to find another way.
These.
These are not the answers.
This is not the answer.
With a resolve that feelsfragile.
Yep.
Fears.
Mia sets the vials aside.
(02:23):
She reaches for a note pad, thestark white.
Oh, the paper, a blank canvasfor her turmoil.
She begins to write.
Not a note of despair.
But a letter.
Dear Ken.
She begins.
Her words initially directed ather husband, the partner.
Who she has shared her burdensand joys.
(02:43):
But as she writes, she pauses.
Her eyes filling with tears.
The words feel inadequate,unable to capture the magnitude
of her internal storm.
She takes a deep breath,steadies her head and begins a
new.
Dear God.
She writes her script steadier.
As if the shift in address leadsto a newfound strength.
(03:03):
I don't know where to begin.
I'm lost.
I'm scared.
I reached a point where I don'trecognize myself anymore.
I'm a mother.
A wife, a nurse.
I'm supposed to be strong foreveryone.
But I can barely hold myselftogether.
The words flow now.
More freely than she expected.
Mia pours out her fears aboutJamie, her son who needs her in
(03:27):
ways she fears she can no longerprovide.
Dear God, as I write to youtonight.
My heart is heavy with concernfor my son, Jamie.
You know, his spirit, God.
His challenges and his joys.
Better than anyone.
Jamie, my beautiful boy.
He has autism.
A journey that has shaped bothof our lives in profound ways.
(03:50):
God, you see his struggles.
God, you see how he struggles tomake sense of the world.
That often feels too loud, toobright, too fast for him.
Jamie has such a bright childcurious about the world in his
own unique way.
But his inability to communicatehis needs.
And feelings can leave himfrustrated at isolated.
(04:11):
I watch him every day.
Try so hard to interact with hissurroundings.
To learn things.
That comes so easy for otherchildren, his age.
It breaks my heart.
To see him so distressed.
And he can't express what heneeds or wants.
Or even when he doesn'tunderstand why he can't do the
things other children can.
(04:31):
I worry about his futureconstantly.
Will he ever be able to find hisplace in the world Well, he make
friends who understand andappreciate him for who he is.
Will he be able to liveindependently?
Find a job.
And experienced love andhappiness in his own.
Right.
These questions haunt me God.
Because as much as I want to bethere for him every step of the
(04:52):
way.
I know, I won't always be ableto.
The world it can be unkind tothose who are different.
And my deepest fear is thatJamie will face rejection and
cruelty from those who don'tunderstand him.
I pray that you guide him.
Protect him.
From the harshness of the world.
And surround him with people whowill see his incredible
(05:13):
qualities.
I love him unconditionally.
I asked for the strength.
To be the mother he needs.
Give me the patience to help methrough his difficult moments.
The wisdom to teach him how tonavigate this complex world.
the clarity to make the rightdecisions for him.
Help me support his growth.
To encourage his passions and toadvocate for him And a rural
(05:37):
that might not always see hisworth.
Most of all, I pray for hishappiness.
May he find joy in the smallmoments, comfort in our love.
And achievement in his pursuits.
Help him to know how much he isloved, not just by me.
But by all who meet him?
And how much he enriches ourlives.
(05:58):
Amen.
She continues.
Dear God.
In the quiet of this night, Ifind myself at a crossroads
burden by the weariness.
that seeps deep into my bones,the responsibility of raising
Jamie.
While the privilege has alsobeen a profound source of stress
and exhaustion every day is abattle.
(06:19):
Not against him, but for him.
against a world that is notequipped to understand or
nurture his unique way of being.
I am tired, Lord.
Physically and emotionallydrained from the endless cycle
of therapy sessions.
Educational challenges.
And the daily navigation of hismeltdowns.
Which leaves both of us feelinghelpless and distraught.
(06:41):
There are days when it seemslike no matter how much I pour
into this journey.
It has never enough.
The progress is slow and attimes it feels non-existent.
I fear my exhaustion, my shadow,the love I have for him.
And he might feel.
My fatigue as a lack of care.
(07:01):
The weight of constant vigilancehave always been on high alert.
To interpret his needs andprotect him from harm.
It's sometimes more than I canbear.
It's in these moments that Ifeel my hope faltering.
Wondering if I'm truly capableof being the mother, he
deserves.
Am I enough.
Am I enough for him.
(07:22):
Can I continue to be hisadvocate, his teacher, his
sanctuary.
I confess.
There are moments when thespirit takes hold.
Whispering.
That it will never get easier.
That the dreams I have for Jamiemight remain just that.
Dreams.
In these moments.
I feel my faith waiver, not inyou, God.
Not in you.
(07:43):
But in myself.
I have a scared that my weaknessmight fail him.
Then my human limitations.
We'll be the barrier that keepshim from flourishing.
Please.
I reaching out to you.
Not just for Jamie, but formyself, I need your strength.
I need your strength to feel myemptied reserves.
(08:04):
Grant me resilience to face eachday.
With renewed vigor, patience tocontinue.
Teaching and learning alongsideJamie.
And.
Hope.
To light the path forward.
Help me to remember that eachsmall step he takes, we all are
moving forward to a brighterfuture.
(08:24):
Even in the days when thosesteps are obscured.
By setbacks.
Above all.
Grant me the grace to see beyondthe challenges to remember the
joy that Jamie brings.
Into my life and to the lives ofall who know him.
Remind me that.
At every challenge, there's anopportunity to witness your
work.
To experience love in its purestform and to grow in ways I never
(08:47):
imagined possible.
amen.
Dear God.
As I navigate this challengingjourney.
I often feel misunderstood byfriends and family who despite
their best intentions cannotfully grasp the magnitude of my
challenges, Jamie and I faceeach day.
They see snippets of our livesand offer advice and judgment
(09:08):
without understanding thecomplexities of autism.
And the relentless dedication atdemands.
It pains me, Lord.
To sometimes feel isolated fromthose.
I love.
To, since they're inpatients ordisbelief, when I share our
daily struggles.
They do not see the endlessnights, the tears.
The moments of desperation whenI silently plead for a
(09:29):
breakthrough or a sign that I'menjoying something right.
Their expectations of normalcydo not align with our reality.
And their disconnect sometimesleads to feelings of alienation
and sorrow.
And these interactions, I findmyself needing, not just
patients, but also the courageto educate and advocate.
Not just for Jamie before theunderstanding.
(09:51):
We so desperately need from ourloved ones.
I asked you Lord.
I asked you that to four orfive, my spirit to grant me the
strength.
To face this lack ofunderstanding with grace and to
use these moments asopportunities to bridge the gap
between our world and theirs.
Please also touch the hearts ofmy friends and family.
(10:12):
Help them see with eyes.
Unclouded by conventionalexpectations.
To understand the unspokentrials of our days.
And to offer their support inways that are truly helpful and
empowering.
That's gonna be a source ofstrength, not stress.
Reminding me that we are notalone in our fight and that we
can transcend even the mostentrenched misunderstandings.
(10:35):
Grant me the wisdom tocommunicate effectively sharing
our realities with those aroundus in a way that fosters
compassion and support.
Maybe learn from our journeybecoming allies in our quest.
For a better understanding ofautism.
And a more inclusive world forJamie.
Amen.
Mia's running out of paper.
(10:57):
So she begins to write on theback of the notepad.
Dear God.
In this moment of reflection andprayer, I wish to extend my
deepest gratitude.
For the blessing that is myhusband Ken do all of our
turbulence and trials.
He has been my steadfastpartner, sharing the weight of
our challenges with unwaveringlove and support.
Ken has been a pillar ofstrength for Jamie and me.
(11:19):
Tirelessly working to providefor our family.
While also being a nurturing andunderstanding father and
husband.
I see the stress that ourcircumstances have placed upon
him.
The quiet moments of exhaustionthat he tries to hide behind his
reassurance miles.
He carries his burdens with suchdignity.
Always placing our needs abovehis own.
(11:40):
Even when the toll, it takes onhim as evidence.
Lord, I pray that you alleviatehis burdens.
And refresh the spirit.
That you grant him moments ofpeace and joy.
A mist, our hardships, we facedtogether.
Bless him end with theresilience to continue being an
incredible husband and father.
Replenish his energy and Fortifyhis heart with your divine
grace, that he may feel the samecomfort and support.
(12:03):
He so generously gives to us.
Let us know that his efforts areseen not just by me, but by you
and that they are deeplyappreciated.
I am thankful every day for hispresence in our lives.
For this love and thisunwavering commitment to our
family.
Please watch over him, guide himand protect him.
(12:23):
As he has protected us.
May he feel your love andstrengthen every step he takes,
knowing that he is never alonein his endeavors.
Amen.
With each paragraph, Mia feels aweight lifting.
The act of writing becomes aprayer, a meditation, it
catharsis.
She writes of her love of herfamily, her aspirations.
(12:46):
To heal and to be healed.
And her commitment to fightthrough this darkness.
Please help me find the way,help me find the strength again,
not just for me, but for Ken andJamie, they deserve better than
is better than the shell of aperson I have become.
As Mia signs the letter, herhand is steady.
(13:07):
Then I has turned into earlymorning and the first hands of
Dawn creep around the edges ofthe curtains.
She folds a letter carefully.
And places it in her purse.
A private Testament to herstruggle and her plea for divine
intervention.
Mia looks at the vial sitting onthe table and feels a profound
shift within her.
As she thinks over the wordsthat she has just written to
(13:29):
God.
words it's filled with hopedetermination.
And I plead for strength.
She realizes that these vialsrepresent.
A path that she no longerchooses to walk.
With a resolute breath.
She stands up.
And decides to clear her resolvefortified by her heartfelt
prayers and reflections.
Carefully Mia gathers each vialher hand steady as she wraps
(13:49):
them back into the small bag.
She had bought them in.
Each movement is delivered.
Symbolic of her commitment toseek help.
To heal and to face herchallenges with renewed faith
and with reliance on thesetemporary escapes.
She knows now more than ever.
Her strength must come fromwithin supported by her faith,
(14:10):
her family, and the professionalhelp.
She has resolved to seek.
walking to the hotel door Miapauses.
As she glances back at the tablenow clear to the vials.
They sense of peace washes overher.
You start contrast to theturmoil.
She felt just hours before.
She steps out of the room, herspirit lighter As she hits to
(14:31):
the front desk to check out asshe exits the hotel, the early
morning sun peaks through theclouds casting, a warm glow.
That seems to promise newbeginnings.
Mia feels a gentle assurancethat our prayers for guidance
were heard.
And she is not alone in herjourney.
She is ready to return home toface the challenges ahead with
Ken by her side and start thenext day as simple of her
(14:52):
commitment to her life.
To Jamie and to the path ofhealing the lays had.
As we close today's episode.
I want to take a moment to speakdirectly to the stress of
caregiving.
Mia story is a powerful reminderof the emotional and physical
toll that caring for a loved onewith special needs can take.
(15:12):
It's not just the day-to-dayresponsibilities.
But.
The constant emotionalengagement.
And the pressure to provide, notjust basic care, but also a
pathway to thriving for someoneso deeply dependent on you
Caregiving for someone withautism often involves a spectrum
of challenges.
It can range for managingsensory sensitivities to
(15:34):
facilitating communication, toaddressing behavioral challenges
and navigating socialinteractions.
The relentless demand can leavecaregivers, feeling isolated,
exhausted, and sometimesdesperate.
Is crucial for caregivers shouldknow that feeling overwhelmed is
not a sign of weakness.
Nor is it a reflection of theirdedication?
It's a natural response to anincredibly demanding role.
(15:58):
This is why finding support,whether through community
groups, respite care, orprofessional mental health
services is so vital.
Just as Mia reached a point.
Where she knew she needed toseek help.
It's important for caregivers torecognize when they need to step
back and recharge.
To all the caregivers listening.
Please remember taking care ofyourself is not an act of
(16:19):
selfishness.
It's a necessity.
Your wellbeing is just asimportant as that of a loved
one.
You care for.
Seeking help and support is acritical component of sustaining
caregiving.
It not only aids.
In your own health, what ensuresyou can continue to provide the
care that your loved one relieson.
(16:42):
Thank you for joining us on thisjourney today.
If you ever caregiver feelingthe weight of your
responsibilities.
We urge you to reach out, tyingthose moments of respite and
seek the support you deserve.
Remember you are not not in thisalone It's okay to ask for help.
If you were someone, you know,is experiencing thoughts of
suicide.
It is crucial for you to seekhelp immediately.
We recommend the nationalsuicide prevention lifeline.
(17:05):
Their number is 1 802 7 3.
Talk.
Their website, suicideprevention, lifeline.org.
This lifeline is 24 7.
Free and confidential.
They provide free andconfidential support for people
in distress, as well asprevention and crisis resources
for you and your loved one.
For those listening outside ofthe United States, please reach
(17:25):
out to your local mental healthservices and crisis hotlines.
Immediate help is vital andavailable.
Please note, this is episodefeatures, reenactments and
dramatize details.
While in most cases, the exactverbatim dialogue may not be
known.
All dramatizations are groundedin research.
To respect the privacy andconfidentiality of individuals
(17:47):
involved.
Names and some identifyingdetails have been changed.
Are you interested in learningmore about autism?
Here are some facts.
The centers for disease controland prevention reports that
approximately one in 36 childrenin the us were identified with
autism spectrum disorder.
According to their 2020 data.
(18:09):
Most children are still beingdiagnosed after age four.
Although ASD can be diagnosed asearly as age two.
Early diagnosis and interventionare critical and can
significantly improve outcomes.
ESD is four times more commonamong boys than girls.
This disparity.
Has been consistent.
(18:31):
And various studies and reportsover the years.
Families with children with ASDon average, incur significantly
higher medical expenses comparedto families.
Without additionally, there aresubstantial costs associated
with special education.
And care needed for individualswith autism.
Is common for children andadults with ASD do have co
occurring conditions such asADHD.
(18:53):
Anxiety disorders.
Epilepsy or depression, whichcan complicate diagnosis and
treatment.
Diagnosis rates and access toservices can vary significantly
across racial and ethnic groups,these concerns about
under-diagnosis and laterdiagnosis in some communities
potentially due to disparitiesand access to healthcare
(19:14):
services and cultural biases.
These statistics are based onthe most recent data available
from the CDC and other healthinstitutions, reflecting the
prevalence and characteristicsof autism to help inform
policies, interventions, andsupport.
During life storms, finding amoment of pause, give you like a
(19:34):
distant dream.
This is why we've created theTake Care Time Respite Box
designed specifically forcaregivers.
Both give so much of themselvesevery day.
Each Take Care Time respite boxis filled with curated items to
sooth uplift, and reinvigoratefrom aromatic stress where
they've candles to luxuriousbath salts, to herbal teas, to
accustom journals.
(19:55):
For your thoughts, every elementis chosen with care and
intention.
Subscribe today and giveyourself or a caregiver, you
know?
The gift of a well-deservedbreak because taking care of
others begins with taking careof yourself.
Visit takecaretime.com to orderyour respite box.
Because everyone deserves amoment to breathe.
(20:16):
Join us next time on take careof time.
As we continue to explore thelives of caregivers, offering
insights, sharing stories, andproviding resources to help
along the way.
Until next week, take care.
Yeah.
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