Bonus Episode: The Crowd / The Fans 🎧💙

Every football team has a crowd. Some show up for a day, some for a season, and some only at the very end.

As a caregiver, I had a crowd too. There were people who prayed, people who checked in briefly, and people who only came near when my son Devon was dying. It often felt like vultures circling, and I wondered — where were they all before, when we needed support the most?

But Devon’s life wasn’t defined by the noise. It was defined by resilience, sunshine, and outliving the odds. Doctors never thought he’d make it to his teenage years, but he lived to be 19. Six years longer than anyone imagined.

And today, this episode marks what would have been his 26th birthday. I reflect on what could have been — who he might have become, the life he might have lived, and the legacy he left behind.

This episode closes Season 1 of The Caregiver Team. I’ll be taking a short break, and when I return with Season 2, I’ll share Devon’s full story — his life, his struggles, his joys, and the love that carried us through.

💙 Thank you for being here, and I hope you’ll join me when Season 2 begins.

#TheCaregiverTeam #CaregiverPodcast #SeasonFinale #CaregiverLife #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocate #PodcastEpisode #PodcastFinale #CaregiverStrong #ParentingDisabledChild

Episode 8: The Cheerleader 🌟💙

Every football team has a cheerleader. They don’t play the game, but they lift the players when they’re tired, encourage them when they’re struggling, and celebrate every victory.

For Devon, I was the cheerleader. From clapping when he held a rattle a few seconds longer, to celebrating a military crawl just an inch farther, I cheered him on every step of the way. Even when doctors reminded me to stay realistic, I kept cheering—through reality, not fantasy.

I called him my sunshine on a cloudy day, because his smile and laugh broke through even the darkest moments. He cheered me up just as much as I cheered him. And people noticed—he grew into such a sweet, joyful, well-mannered child that everyone loved to be around.

Being a cheerleader wasn’t just my favorite role in Devon’s life—it was a reminder that encouragement lifts us both. Because when we cheer for our loved ones, even through hardship, their joy has a way of cheering us right back.

💙 If this resonates with you, share it with another caregiver who needs encouragement today.

#TheCaregiverTeam #CaregiverPodcast #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocate #CaregiverLife #ParentingDisabledChild #PodcastEpisode

Episode 7: The Waterboy 💙🎧

On a football team, the Waterboy isn’t the star. He doesn’t score touchdowns or call plays. But he keeps the players hydrated, wipes their sweat, and makes sure the team can keep going.

For Devon, I was the Waterboy.

I wiped drool instead of sweat. I monitored fluids, diapers, and kidney health. I cleaned up after G-tube leaks, tracked hydration, and stayed vigilant through stones, crystals, and catheter checks.

It wasn’t glamorous, but it mattered. Because without the Waterboy, the players can’t stay in the game. And without caregivers tending to those unseen needs, our loved ones can’t stay in theirs.

💙 If this resonates, share it with another caregiver who needs encouragement today.

#TheCaregiverTeam #CaregiverPodcast #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocate #CaregiverLife

💰 On every team, someone has to foot the bill. In caregiving, we call that person—or system—the Owner or Sponsor.

For us, that sponsor was The United States government -federal and state From Medicaid and SSI to WIC, Medicaid waiver services, and even handicap placards, these programs formed the backbone of my son Devon’s care.

In this longer episode, I take you behind the scenes—sharing not only how these systems worked for us, but also the battles, spreadsheets, and persistence it took to make them work right. I’ll talk about the home health aides that made it possible to keep Devon at home, the red tape that tested my patience, and the gratitude I still have for the supports that truly mattered.

If you’ve ever had to navigate benefits, fight an overpayment notice, or just wish the system would listen, this one’s for you.

💙 Listen now and share with another caregiver who needs encouragement and practical insight.

In this episode of The Caregiver Team, we explore the role of "The Medic"—the healer in every caregiver’s heart. Whether you’re managing medications, dressing wounds, tracking symptoms, or simply offering comfort during pain, you are the front-line medical support. I share my story of learning to care for Devon’s complex needs, from NG tubes to fevers to soothing words that matter more than morphine.

Whether you’re a parent, partner, or professional caregiver, this one's for the medical minds with the tender touch.

🎧 Wherever you are in the world, I hope you find a reason to smile today. Take care.

If you are enjoying this podcast, please like, share, and follow for more. 💙

🎙️When you're the one standing guard—protecting the person you love while carrying the weight of others’ judgments—it's not just caregiving. It's defending.

In this powerful episode, I share one of the hardest moments from my journey: advocating for my son Devon through medical fragility, misunderstanding, and even an unexpected call to child services.

This role isn't just about appointments and medications—it's about standing between your loved one and the world. And sometimes? You have to defend yourself, too.

🎙️ Listen, reflect, and remember: You are not alone.

#TheCaregiverTeam #CaregiverLife #PodcastEpisode4

When everything depends on you to keep the plays moving forward… you're the quarterback.

In this episode, we explore the role of the strategic, emotionally aware caregiver who sees every angle and carries the mental load — often without recognition.

From organizing medical needs to managing emotional landmines, we talk about what it means to be the one calling the shots under pressure — and still showing up with love.

Whether you’re in the game or on the sidelines, this one’s for you. 🏈💙

#CaregiverLife #Podcast #TheQuarterback #ChronicIllness #ParentingWithPurpose #MentalLoad

When you're the one making the decisions, adjusting the plan, and fighting for the best care — you're more than just a caregiver.

You're the Quarterback.

This Monday, join me for Episode 3 of The Caregiver Team as we explore what it really means to lead from the frontlines of love.

🧠💙 For caregivers. For fighters. For you.

🎧 Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts.