More from Diana Derringer

When I took early retirement from my career in social work, I looked forward to additional time for music, reading, and volunteer mission trips. I began to dabble in writing but only as a hobby. Since my husband and I had worked long hours and remained on constant call for years, our extra time together was a welcome change. Neither of us expected the detour ahead.

In less than four years, free time for personal interests once again became an infrequent luxury, and mission trips halted. From 2004 until today, my husband has suffered a series of physical challenges, all increasingly confining and life threatening. The most noteworthy include a malignant brain tumor, heart attack, stroke, a fall with traumatic brain injury, and seizure activity that did not manifest like the seizures we recognized. The photo here was taken after Tim’s health problems began but before they became as severe as they are now. Every new health event has resulted in decreased abilities and increased responsibilities, a challenging mix for both of us.

However, my writing grew, both as a career and an emotional outlet. It remains possible since I do all my work from home, usually in the same or an adjoining room to my husband. Staying close enables me to hear whenever he needs anything. Writing also opened new doors we never considered.

Although my writing is not focused exclusively on our experiences, neither does it shy away from them. My husband and I have agreed to share our story when writing or speaking opportunities arise. Although I do the up-front work, I get his approval for anything that relates to him and his story. Our experiences have appeared in devotions, articles, poems, dramas, blog posts, and Bible studies. Speaking venues have included churches, conferences, community events, and support groups.

Social media also offers both written and spoken opportunities. Links to online work, weekly caregiver tip reels, and encouraging memes and Bible verses contrast the often ongoing barrage of negativity, insults, and animosity that daily fill those social media platforms. We look forward to any additional possibilities placed before us.

As I expressed in today’s devotion, we want to remain ready to listen when God speaks. We also want to respond as God directs. We pray that the way we use both our positive and negative experiences honors God and helps others who share similar journeys.

If you are a caregiver, receive care, or know someone in either position, I would love to stay in touch with you. I offer a weekly fun-with-words (non-caregiving) blog post on Words, Wit, and Wisdom: Life Lessons from English Expressions. If you subscribe, you also receive a free copy of my collection that offers words of hope. You can follow my 30-second “Caregiver Tip” reels on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest every Thursday. To learn more about my writing and our family’s journey, go to dianaderringer.com. I pray you also discover unexpected opportunities in every challenge on your life’s journey.