What does life look like when caregiving ends — not the tasks, but the identity, the vigilance, the emotional weight you carried for years? In this episode, Breeda Miller returns to Island Treasures Podcast to share an honest, comprehensive look at the chapter that followed caring for her mom.

Breeda talks about the personal programming that didn’t disappear right away, the instinct to stay on high alert long after the role was over, and the clarity that came only after the urgency and immediacy of caregiving fell away. She describes the gradual process of making sense of the many experiences she had lived through.

She also reflects on the meaning she created through storytelling — including her award‑winning one‑woman play, Mrs. Kelly’s Journey Home, and the family story books she now builds to preserve the context behind cherished photos - 'turning tubs of guilt into familiy stories'. These projects became a way to honour her mother, understand her own journey, and to help others preserve their own family stories.

Breeda shares the simple daily practices that support her now: moving her body, taking a restorative 20‑minute nap, and choosing one important thing to do each day. And even though caregiving for her mom has ended, she speaks candidly about the ongoing caregiving she does for her two adult sons, and the concern she carries as she plans for their future.

This conversation offers a grounded, compassionate look at what comes after one season of caregiving — the questions, the shifts, the meaning, and the permission to slow down and give yourself grace. It’s a companion for anyone navigating their own life after caregiving.

(Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361)

"Click Here to Leave a Comment"

In this Island Treasures Podcast adventure, we head out to explore another remarkable gem on Vancouver Island: the Malahat SkyWalk. Perched just off the Malahat Highway, this stunning architectural spiral rises above the treetops and offers sweeping, unforgettable views over the Salish Sea and along the rugged Pacific Coast.

I’m joined by my travel companion, Grace Block, as we share our experiences of wandering the elevated walkways, taking in the breathtaking, panoramic scenery, and talk about our impressions of this unique destination. Grace slid down the iconic spiral slide—yes, the one that sends you swirling down the center of the tower—so we dive into that experience too, along with the surprises and delights we discovered along the way.

Whether you’re planning a visit or simply love hearing about special places across Vancouver Island, this episode brings you along for a scenic, joy‑filled outing to one of the island’s most spectacular treasures.

Some of the details we share about the Malahat SkyWalk come from information provided on the Malahat Skywalk Website and from Trip Advisor - Malahat Skywalk.

Click here to watch the video version of the podcast - complete with extra footage at the end of the video that you won't want to miss!

"Click Here to Leave a Comment"

Caregiving often arrives without warning, and for many families, the weight of responsibility is compounded by not knowing where to turn. In this episode, we sit down with Lance A Slatton, whose plan to help his father recover from a fall turned into a nearly three‑year caregiving journey. His experience revealed just how many resources go undiscovered—and how isolating caregiving can feel when you don’t know what support exists.

Lance shares how that journey inspired him and his wife to build a business called Enriched Life Home Care Services dedicated to guiding caregivers toward the services, tools, and information that can make the road easier.

We also explore the importance of making decisions before circumstances make them for you, and how conversations about future care don’t have to be heavy or ominous—they can be empowering, practical, and rooted in love.

Lance A. Slatton is a Senior Case Manager at Enriched Life Home Care Services in Livonia, MI. He is also host of the award-winning podcast & YouTube channel All Home Care Matters & President of AlzAuthors. Through AlzAuthors Lance is helping expand access to a rich library of resources for families navigating dementia. This episode offers clarity, encouragement, and a reminder that no caregiver should have to walk this path alone and they can learn about the resources they may need during their caregiving journey.

(Thank you to Pixabay Folk Acoustic Guitar 138361)

"Click Here to Leave a Comment"