Things I have learned through this experience…

• how to unclog a really clogged toilet
• how to pull apart a carburetor
• how to work on diesel engines
• how to work on mercury motors
• how to move an entire house by myself 
• how to hook a car on a car trailer and when it breaks half way through the move how to fix it
• how how to light a pilot light
• how to administer more types of meds than I ever thought possible
• how to deal with insurance, medical, hospice people to get what we need
• how to continue to tow a boat when a trailer tire blows
• how to change a boat trailer tire
• how to put together a stationary bike – trickier than you think
• how to change multiple shower heads in order to make them all accessible 
• how to use a Dremel
• how to polish stainless steel
• how to clean boat interior perfectly
• how to replace sub woofers on a mastercraft
• how to replace a heater core on a mastercraft
• …

I’ve also learned that

• life is hard sometimes, but you can always keep going
• life is not fair
• how to be ignored, dismissed and degraded without reacting
• people in times of difficulty can be really mean
• if you don’t forgive, you are only making yourself more miserable
• I have the best sister in the world 
• watching someone die is hard
• it is okay to accept help
• being a caregiver is the hardest thing I have ever done
• saying I’m sorry can fix so much
• not hearing I’m sorry can make you bitter, forgive anyway
• saying I love you everyday is very important
• hugs are magical
• its okay to cry
• dogs really are a girls best friend

– xoxo Victoria