Yes, it’s true that when I clean the kitchen after dinner I do a better job of it. Now that we’ve agreed on that, time to fess up - I don’t often clean the kitchen after dinner, my hubby usually does. So really – who am I to criticize how he does it as long as it gets done? I like to believe that on most days I respond appreciatively. Occasionally I do comment on the food bits left in the drain plug (I swear it’s a man thing), which are inconsequential in the grand scheme of things.

Truth be told, it’s taken me a while, like the decade of my 30s, to realize that there are many routes to one destination. This thinking is captured in the Seven Principles of the Share The Care™ model of care now being promoted in our region. Principle #4 states: “There’s no one right way to do it. If there are ten members (on a care team) there will be ten ways to do it. It’s okay to disagree. Agree on basics, then follow the rules. You may learn some amazing things.”

It’s true. When we stop thinking that our way is the only way, we open ourselves to new opportunities. If someone offers to help you with caregiving, try to be open to it. As comedian Joy Behar is known to say, “so what, who cares, whatever” as long as it gets the job done, that’s what really matters.