I have never kept a journal. I recently began jotting down my perspective following some experiences. Here I will do what I said I never would; share some of those personal moments, though they may divulge occasions where I lacked understanding and perhaps show that I have reacted instead of responded. I look forward to witnessing some of my growth through this writing.

I have had tremendous challenges navigating the health care system to access appropriate services for my loved one with substance misuse and for us. As a nurse, I would have expected this to be fairly straight forward. What I have unearthed is a disarray of options that continue to leave me to not only discover, mostly on my own, but to explore and determine whether they are relevant or even helpful. This has been a frustrating process taking so much time when in various situations, the urgency felt paramount. I am hoping that some of these discoveries may benefit anyone who happens to come across what I present here.

I am contemplating a consistent approach to offer kindness and words of support. I have not yet begun a newsletter but will consider this in the near future.