A Flood Amidst Caregiving

Roxane Anderson is a registered social worker in Canada and published author whose most recent book "
Moving the Flood
" is a memoir and a promise fulfilled that she had made to her late husband, John.

Roxane had found herself taking on more and more caregiving responsibilities as her husband's health worsened; but she had not expected to take on the caregiving role for her husband. They were a team in all aspects of their lives: working to get answers about John's health as well as experiencing a flood and threats of subsequent flooding; and in earlier days restoring cars.

Roxane faced each challenge (the flood, John's diabetes, mitochondrial myopathy, and the neuroendocrine tumours) with fortitude but not realizing the cost it was having on her own wellbeing until she ended up in a hospital emergency room.

Roxane now recognizes the need for self-care and imparts her wisdom and compassion on others she encounters in their caregiving roles.

She views caregivers as first responders who follow the guidance of the operator at the other end of the phone when calling for help; and reminds us that we need to receive and accept that guidance.

Here's an excerpt from "Moving the Flood" (2022) "During the months that followed, I walked a road that had no end in sight. Yet the scenery along the way was filled with treasured memories. The passage of time did not lessen the grief. Instead, I learned how to keep company with it. I had endless help from my wide support network. When life's problems no longer seemed like catastrophes, I returned to the manuscript. I had made a promise to John to complete this work. 
It is done."

For more about her books or to contact Roxane visit her website Roxane Anderson