Barbara Conley is an independent consultant who supports individuals in their active family caregiver role, through coaching and resource navigation. Her caregiving path began over 45 years ago, when her younger sister was affected with bacterial meningitis as an infant, resulting in spastic quadriplegia, cortical vision impairment, and non-verbal communication abilities. Since then, caregiving has remained a strong presence in her life, as she actively assists her parents in caring for her sister, and her husband who is a lower limb amputee and military veteran.

 

“I come from a long line of caregivers. Both my grandmothers were caregivers, my mother, and now myself, so I like to think I'd get to it somewhat honestly,” Barbara says. “There's some connection there through the generations. It's not something that I have to force, as it comes very natural, to me.”

 

Bobbie points out that, “Family takes care of family. The big families that we came from naturally did that.”

 

“Caregiving is a power and gift that has taught me more about life and living than any other experience or any paycheck ever could have. It’s taught me to take each day as it comes and to celebrate the small wins,” Barbara says.

 

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To find out more about Bobbi and Mike or the inspiration behind this podcast, Rodger That, head over to rodgerthat.show.