The Negative Space

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The Negative Space

Our mission is to change the way caregivers of all kinds are seen and supported.

12/24/2025

Grief doesn't take a holiday.

In fact, days like these can stir up anticipatory grief (Will she still be around next year at this time?) as well as "typical" grief. Check out this episode of the from a few years back when we dug into what it can be like to experience grief at the holidays.

https://insickness.care/podcasts/grieving-at-the-holidays/

12/24/2025

The Bingo Game You Hate to Win

I'm guessing many of you could already easily cover your Bingo boards this holiday season. Share in the comments below: how many of the 16 have happened to you in recent days?

Supporters: take a moment to read this Bingo board to learn more about what the caregivers in your lives may be experiencing this holiday season.

12/22/2025

Caregivers shouldn’t have to choose between a paycheck and taking care of themselves or a loved one. Starting in 2026, Minnesota’s new Paid Family and Medical Leave program will be here to help.

So when you need time off to care for family, you get part of your pay, and your job will be there when you return.

AARP Minnesota championed this change, and now they want to help you prepare.
Learn more at aarp.org/MNpaidleave and tune in to next week's episode of the where we'll discuss this further.

AARP

12/19/2025

Meet Elizabeth Miller:
♥️ Past caregiver for both parents & primary caregiver for her brother
♥️ Caregiver for 11+ years
♥️ Our 24th caregiver in our Share the Mic initiative

"I know firsthand the challenges & rewards of caregiving. As a sandwich generation caregiver, I cared for my aging parents & mother-in-law while raising my family & working full-time. Today I support my brother, Tom, who has intellectual & developmental disabilities, Autism Spectrum Disorder, & several physical health issues.

My caregiving journey intensified in 2014 when my dad's heart disease, diabetes, & morbid obesity culminated in sepsis. He passed that summer. He was the primary caregiver for my mom & brother, so his passing had a devastating ripple effect on our family.

After his passing, my mom & brother moved to the Atlanta area. My mom lived with COPD, diabetes, severe mobility issues, & sleep apnea. I was her primary caregiver for a few intense years—juggling care while raising kids & working full time was emotionally & physically exhausting. Later, my mom moved in with my older sister & I became a remote caregiver, supporting the care team. My mom passed in fall 2020.

Caring for my brother is an entirely different caregiving season. Resources for adults with disabilities are fragmented with long waiting lists. My siblings & I divide & conquer. My role is "boots on the ground"—appointments, day programs, & helping find a residential community where Tom can thrive.

These experiences led me to create Happy Healthy Caregiver, LLC—a platform helping family caregivers integrate self-care into their busy lives. I continue to create what I wish existed in my early caregiving days.

Now an empty nester living in GA with my husband & two dogs, I serve as a Certified Caregiving Consultant, Certified Senior Advisor, author, speaker, & podcast host. Learn more at happyhealthycaregiver.com."

Join us in thanking Elizabeth for sharing her story!

12/18/2025

We were so touched to receive a recent donation from caregiver, Mies, who included this message with her gift, "Last year I requested a box when I couldn't afford it. This year I wanted to sponsor that gift for someone else. Thank you for all you do!"

We were thrilled that last year, Mies accessed an "I'm Part of the Story" gift box for free as part of our mission to offer every one of our services with a no cost option. And we love that this year she paid it forward so that we can do the same for another caregiver. Thank you, Mies! ❤

🎁If you're a caregiver who is interested in a gift box but find the cost prohibitive, click the link on the gifts page of our website and we'll happily send one your way!

🎁If you're looking for a gift for a caregiver in your life this holiday season, know that we sell gift boxes in two different sizes and price points.

🎁If you'd like to help us be able to continue to provide these gifts to caregivers in need at no cost, consider a donation to The Negative Space today.

Gift Boxes: https://www.thenegativespace.life/gifts/
Donations: https://www.thenegativespace.life/donate/

12/17/2025

Chances are, there will be caregivers and/or people living with chronic illness or other conditions at your holiday gatherings.

Know this: getting to and being at your event may not be easy for them. Thank them for the energy and effort it took to be there and consider these other simple but meaningful ways to be sensitive and supportive.

Caregivers: Do these resonate? What have we missed?
Supporters: Which idea will you try this holiday season?

12/16/2025

Missed the mailing deadline? No problem! Give the caregivers on your list a 3, 6, or 12 month membership to The Storyline, our unique collection of tools designed to provide intentional support to caregivers throughout their caregiving life.

https://www.thenegativespace.life/gifts/

12/13/2025

Meet your new favorite song. ❤🎤

We commissioned the incredible Priscilla Momah to create a song just for caregivers and my goodness did she deliver! "I'm Part of the Story" embodies the caregiver experience and brilliantly weaves in literary terms (for The Storyline!!).

From the first line, "I'm supposed to be the strong one," I felt seen.

LISTEN here and at The Storyline, where you'll find it in both video and audio formats and SHARE with your community so they can better understand what caregiving feels like.

Caregivers, I think we have our theme song!

https://www.thenegativespace.life/storyline/tools/music-and-soundbaths/

Coco Womb Wellness

12/12/2025

Paid leave is coming to Minnesota!

Starting Jan. 1, Minnesota’s Paid Leave gives workers time off to care for loved
ones—without losing their paycheck or job. Learn more today at aarp.org/MNpaidleave and stay tuned for an episode of the on this topic.

AARP

12/11/2025

It doesn't get more grass roots than this! 💌

Sean is getting IVIG today, which takes hours, so we're using this time to work on our end of year mailing. 😅 So if you receive a letter in the mail from us in the coming days, know it was stuffed by us with love in the clinic.

Also... So so so excited that in the coming months, spaces just like this (perhaps even this exact room!) will have signs for caregivers with words of recognition and QR codes to take them to The Storyline so that they can spend infusion days getting the support they need and deserve. 🎉

How do you like to pass the time on long clinic days? Share with us in the comments!

12/10/2025

Join us for a free virtual support group on the topic "The Split Second Decisions Made in Caregiving" on Sunday, December 14 from 6-715pm CT. Caregivers of all kinds are welcome! We hope to see you there.

Register: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/25888

12/09/2025

Episode 122: The Split Second Decisions Made in Caregiving

Caregivers frequently find themselves needing to make split second decisions that are, in some cases, matters of life and death. In this episode, we talk about decisions we have had to make, the role our personality types play in those moments, and how supporters can help.

Listen, share, and join us for a free virtual support group on this topic on Sunday, December 14 from 6-715pm CT.

Listen: www.insickness.care
Register: https://thenegativespace.charityproud.org/EventRegistration/Index/25888

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