A Personal Story: When Life Changes Faster Than You Expect

I never imagined that spinal surgery would change our lives so completely. When my husband’s surgeon told us he’d be in the hospital for just three or four nights, I exhaled in relief. That seemed manageable. The plan was simple: he’d be home by the weekend, get started with some light physical therapy, and in a few weeks, we’d be back to our routine.

But real life doesn’t always follow the plan.

The surgery was more complicated than anticipated and struck a nerve – literally. And while the doctors did everything they could, the aftermath was hard—harder than I was ready for. Suddenly, my strong, independent husband was relying on me and caregivers for everything. As of the moment I’m writing this, it’s day 69 since the surgery. Transferring him from bed to chair, managing medications, trying to keep his spirits up while hiding my own growing concern—it’s been overwhelming. There were tears, quiet ones I shed alone in the laundry room, and loud ones in the car when I thought no one could hear me.

I realized something important during those long, uncertain weeks: it’s not just about caregiving. It’s about adapting to a new reality you didn’t see coming. And it’s about making decisions that you never thought you’d have to make.

That’s why I have such deep empathy for families caring for elderly loved ones—especially those trying to make the tough decision of moving a parent or grandparent out of the home they’ve lived in for decades.

Selling a family home—especially in a place like Florida where memories are steeped in sunshine and holiday dinners and grandkids running around the backyard—isn’t just a real estate transaction. It’s emotional. It’s personal. And it can be deeply stressful.

Families often come to me when they’re juggling a million things: coordinating doctor’s appointments, managing medications, handling their own kids, and trying to figure out how to get mom or dad into a safe, supportive assisted living environment. And on top of that, they’re staring down a house filled with years—sometimes decades—of belongings and memories.

This is where patience matters. So does clear communication and a genuine understanding of what your family is going through. I don’t just show up to list a house. I show up to walk beside you in a transition that can be one of the hardest of your life. I help families sort through options, timelines, and logistics. I work with caregivers, not just clients. Because when you’ve been through something like this yourself, you understand: the sale of a home is just one piece of a much bigger, more emotional puzzle.

So if you’re facing the overwhelming task of moving your loved one into assisted living and selling their home, I want you to know: I see you. I understand you. And I’m here to help you carry the load—with compassion, clarity, and care. Please reach out so you can unload at least one of the burdens on me.