The Steady Heart

Practical Self-Care for Family Caregivers (That Actually Fits Real Life)

Why 35-Year-Olds Can’t Afford to Be Unprepared — and What Financial Professionals Must Do Now

Many 35-year-olds—especially caregivers—are being left behind by today’s economy. Watch this short video and read our post to learn practical steps advisors and families can use to rebuild retirement momentum.

Gather, Organize, and Speak Your Heart — Join Our Family Love Letter Retreat

Want a quick guide before the retreat? Reply to this post or email shelly@theperpetualcaregiver.com and I’ll send a short checklist you can start today: three documents to gather and one question to answer that will make your first draft easier.

When Illness Becomes Family: A Conversation with Shelly Grimm

Growing up as my mother’s caregiver—when she was among the very first women ever documented with Crohn’s disease—shaped every part of my life: the childhood I missed, the strength I gained, and the advocacy I eventually embraced. On this episode, I share the untold realities of living in the shadow of chronic illness, the loneliness of uncharted diagnosis, and how I turned silent support into purpose. I hope our conversation helps others feel less alone, and encourages both caregivers and those they care for to claim their stories.

When Parenting Never Really Ends

As the parent of an adult son who is neurodivergent and disabled by it, I felt the truth in this story. The worries, the arguments, the small triumphs — they echo in my own life. Caregiving in adulthood is a landscape few talk about, but stories like this remind us we are not walking it alone.

The Perpetual Caregiver: A Dream Becoming Reality

The Perpetual Caregiver is no longer just a vision — it’s a living, breathing space for caregivers who deserve to be seen, supported, and celebrated. In this post, I share the launch of the official website, my upcoming book Some Asses Just Need Wiping, and my new speaking work with the Family Love Letter. If you’ve ever been a caregiver — or loved one — this is for you.

My Mother’s Silent Battle with Crohn’s Disease Starting in 1956

In 1956, my mother became the first woman diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. At the time, What I do remember now is her silent suffering—the way she carried an invisible illness with dignity, even as it slowly consumed her strength.

The Love That Blossoms Through Caregiving

Caring for a parent or child is a journey filled with a myriad of emotions, from joy and frustration to heartache and deep love. Regardless of whether you support an aging parent or nurture a child, the bond that develops can be transformative.