Journey of a Caregiver

By Dawn Wanser

Everyday we wake up, the thought crosses our mind. "What are we going to do today?" or "Ugh there is a hundred and one things I have to get done." So we gather ourselves up and as soon as our feet hit the ground, it's off to the races. But what if, just what if one day you wake up and everything you've ever known or dreamed of stops. What if life as you know it ceases to exist and everything you have been comfortable doing in your life is no more. Sound drastic to you? Well it is.

"Journey of a Caregiver" gives you a very close encounter of just some, and I do mean some of the things a Caregiver may go through on a daily basis. Have you ever seen someone with special needs in a public place, and then taken a good look at the Caregiver who is with them? Do you ever wonder what that person has gone through, or how they manage to function on a day to day basis?

Throughout my 15 plus years of care giving, my life has been a roller coaster of trials, tribulations, and triumphs. I will warn you - this book is not for the faint of heart. It will bring you through an escapade of emotions. My hope is that at the end of this book you will have a better understanding and appreciation for Caregivers and the sacrifice, dedication and love they give on a daily basis. I pray that you will have a new found hope and faith for your own life, and the strength to endure.

Dawn Wanser, Author
"Journey of a Caregiver"

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dawn Wanser
• Release date: Feb 25, 2013
• ISBN: 9781467539982

Dawn Wanser

I am a mother and Caregiver of my two very special needs angels. My life has been gifted with a special perspective on life. Every day is a miracle, and I am very thankful to have two of the most special souls on earth gracing my life. My faith and my family are the core of my existence and I can only hope to share the courage and faith gifted to me with others who are facing similar trials and tribulations. Apart from reaching those who are facing a similar journey, I dream of the day when all precious souls understand and perceive the value of human life and caring for others as they would care for themselves.

Book preview

Journey of a Caregiver

Dawn Wanser

Smashwords edition, copyright 2013

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My Thoughts

My Prayer

Chapter 1-All Grown Up

Chapter 2-Where Do I Go From Here

Chapter 3-Hot Summer Nights

Chapter 4-What Did I Just Do

Chapter 5-Did I Just Meet God

Chapter 6-Oh Dear God No

Chapter 7-The Diagnosis

Chapter 8-Wedding Day

Chapter 9-Walk By Faith Not Sight

Chapter 10-The Battles On

Chapter 11-Roots In Nebraska

Chapter 12-Colorado Journey

Chapter 13-Why

Chapter 14-Caregiver Times Two

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Well here we are another year beginning, and the last 18 years of my life have passed away within the blink of an eye. I guess most of us can say that very same thing. The desire to write, for me, has always been there. From the time I can remember, I was always writing something or expressing creativity. It could have been poetry, or decorating my room in the most artistic ways! Writing was something I guess I should have pursued, but as most people come to figure out very quickly, your life is not always in your hands. Yes, you may think you’re in control for a time but suddenly you’re swept into a tailspin of events where you are suddenly out of control. As a young girl, I learned very quickly that life will happen regardless of age, race, choice, or simply submission.

While growing up, life conveyed its customary heartbreaks. I had all the issues of youthful mistakes and bad choices. Now that I think about it, I could’ve made my life much worse simply by making the wrong choices. Looking back, I realize now those events didn’t happen as a result of those praying on my behalf. As far back as I can remember I always felt there was something different about

me. Something unique, and clearly opposite of most people I encountered. Now this statement is not to sound too prideful. As a matter of fact, it is the most humble statement from the bottom of my heart. I had this superhero vision that Dawn was going to fix, and save every individual that needed help. I was going to take control and set their lives straight! Hoorah! Little did I know, I was the one who needed to be saved. Through numerous heartaches and events in my adolescent years, I began to question what my life was really for. I had this caretaker, Mary Poppins personality that no one seemed to understand, including myself. It seemed the harder I tried, the more my heart was broken. Yet, there seemed to be this voice in the most inner part of my being that kept me coming back for more. You may call it fate, inner strength, playing of the cards, blah blah blah. The truth is, that voice, was the voice of my faithful God; our Creator who enabled me to continue moving forward despite setbacks.

This book is not your typical fairytale, self-help with politically correct mumbo-jumbo. Rather it is a very close look into the life of just an ordinary lady who’s hanging onto the ship for dear life! My only hope, and prayer, is that you will be encouraged to search out the plan for your life that has always been, and that you find the strength to be content. We also hope you will be moved to assist us in honoring and rewarding caregivers in any way your heart leads.

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Jesus, thank you for saving a wretch like me; thank you my heavenly Father for never giving up on me, and praise be your Holy Name for giving me the beautiful Holy Spirit who has been with me always to guide, teach, reveal and comfort me. Thank you God for my wonderful husband who has stood by my side with all my imperfections, and has allowed my ‘kite tails’ to soar. Thank you for my children Cody, Jacob, & Coleene who have been the best teachers on earth, and who have helped me to be a better person. Thank you for the special friends who have remained by my side through thick and thin.

Love, Dawn.