FAITH & LAUGHTER

GIVE ME STRENGTH AS A SANDWICH GENERATION’ CAREGIVER

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After her mother was diagnosed with dementia, Shon Lowe was heartbroken, knowing she may have to watch her mother slowly slip away. But relying on her faith and a commitment to make every day matter, Shon discovered a unique way to juggle the care of her own young kids and her mother, while honoring and preserving their lifelong bond.

Shon Lowe couldn't help but grin when her mother walked into the kitchen, dressed and ready for breakfast. "You put your pants on backwards," she said gently to her mother Theresa, 68, hoping that it wouldn't hurt her feelings. Instead, Theresa let out a deep laugh, immediately transforming the moment into something light and joyful. Shon has been caring for her mother since Theresa's dementia diagnosis four years ago, and she has come to rely on laughter to find strength during some of their hardest days. Here, Shon shares more of her caregiving journey in her own words:

"My mom has always been one of the funniest and most positive people I've known, and along with the pure joy of sharing a belly laugh in tense situations, I always feel like her sense of humor is her way of caring for me too. We both love each other deeply. But so much has changed in our lives these past four years.