Lutgard Musiime
Some dreams quietly disappear, not because they weren’t important but because providing care demanded everything.
There’s someone out there who chose not to apply for that promotion because no one could stay with their child. Declined to go to her friend’s wedding because she was worried people would stare when her 7-year-old child drooling during the meal. Church service has long become a tale because someone always asks, “Why is your child still like that?” Friendships have slowly faded because leaving home has become too difficult, and nature has a way of dimming those that are constantly absent. The marriage that gave promises has since grown silent under the weight of exhaustion, hospital visits, and uncertainty, and the sleep that walked out the door has never quite returned.
The version of themselves is blurred, and they can’t remember anymore.
When we talk about disability, we often focus on the child. We celebrate every milestone, discuss therapies, look for treatments. But more often than not, the caregiver disappears somewhere in that conversation.
I’ve met caregivers who know every medication their child takes but can’t remember the last time they sat down for a peaceful meal themselves, or washed their hair, sat with family or friends without looking over their shoulders. Caregivers who love fiercely but carry that love alone, and have been hardened by life that seems to have lost all its color.
My work overtime and my interaction with many of these caregivers have taught me to look twice at the caregiver, take a minute to ask them how they are. Not their child, them. One thing is as sure as daylight: when we support the caregiver, we also support the child.
That’s why I’ve created The Caregiver Collective.
Not just to talk about food. But to create a place where caregivers can learn from each other, receive trusted guidance, find encouragement, and connect with people who truly understand this journey. A place where they can begin to believe that they don’t have to choose between helping their child thrive and keeping themselves whole. Because they deserve both.
If you are a caregiver, I hope you’ll join us.
If you know one, please share this with them.
Sometimes the greatest gift we can give someone isn’t advice. It’s reminding them that they are no longer walking alone.
❤️ The Caregiver Collective is open, and I’ll be honoured to welcome you.
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Written by
Public Health Nerd, Nutrition disability specialist, Nutrition master trainer, Author, Nutrition blogger, Speaker, entrepreneur
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