In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice from Season 5, Episode 1 — Grace Block returns to share what life looks like after caregiving.

She opens up about the transition from being a full‑time caregiver for her mom, who lived with dementia, to stepping into her next chapter. Grace reflects on the privilege of being able to take early retirement so she could be fully present during her mom’s final months, and how working part‑time in a casual role helped her stay connected to her own identity along the way.

After her mom passed, Grace found herself holding something she hadn’t had in years: time. A gift, yes — but also overwhelming and tinged with guilt. She talks about how the busyness of planning her mom's celebration of life, managing executor duties, and hosting family delayed the arrival of grief… and how she’s now allowing it in.

Grace shares the beautiful ways she keeps her mom close, especially through what she calls her “heart memories” — the photos she regularly sends to family, and the ones they send back.

With caregiving behind her and full retirement ahead, Grace is learning to fill her days with things that bring her joy: volunteering, painting, cross‑country skiing, and spending time with her new pup.

This is a conversation about identity, healing, and rediscovering yourself when the role that once defined your days suddenly falls away. Grace’s story is a gentle reminder that life after caregiving has much to offer as long as we're open to the possibilities.

(Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361)

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A rare gathering of California Sea Lions turned a quiet Vancouver Island shoreline into a living, breathing wildlife spectacle. In this Island Treasures spotlight episode, come along as we get an unusually close look at these massive, captivating mammals as they rest and jostle for space on the beach during the lead‑up to the herring run.

With photos andvideo accompanying the audio version of the podcast on YouTube, this episode brings plenty of coastal atmosphere, offering a refreshing break and a glimpse of the Island’s wild charm—before we return to our ongoing conversations about life after caregiving in the next episode.

My husband's Pexel account

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After eleven years as the sole caregiver for her mom living with young‑onset dementia, Sharon Davis wasn’t prepared for the grief, anger, and loss that followed her mother’s passing. Holidays lost their sparkle, her faith felt fractured, and life paused as she stepped back from work and withdrew - unsure how to move forward in a life no longer defined by caregiving.

Healing felt distant — until an unexpected and unconventional opportunity appeared. It was surprising and exactly what she needed. That experience became the spark that nudged her forward, kick-started her healing, and helped her rediscover herself.

Today, she’s rebuilt her life with purpose. A new home. A new job. A new love. And a renewed mission. Sharon now advocates for caregivers, offers training and guidance, spots those who may quietly be carrying the weight she once knew, and connects them to the resources that can lighten their load. Her path even led her to work in finance as a consultant — empowering caregivers and others to navigate the practical side of life with confidence.

This podcast shares her story of reconstruction — the raw moments, the unexpected detours, and the powerful transformation that followed. It’s a space for caregivers, former caregivers, and anyone searching for their “new me.” A reminder that healing isn’t linear, that support matters and can show up in unexpected ways, and that life after caregiving can be reconstructed with intention, courage, and a renewed sense of possibility.

If you wish to contact Sharon her email is AlzforMom@gmail.com

(Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361)

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