The Caregiver Team

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 r...

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 cathet...

💰 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...

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...

🎙️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 standi...

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 ...

Not every caregiver starts with a plan. Sometimes, you're thrown into the role without warning—and you have to figure it out, one moment at a time.

In this episode, I share what it meant to be “The Coach” for my son Devon. No playbook. Just love, instincts, and relentless determination to give him the best care possible—emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

💛 If you’ve ever had to lead with love while learning on the...

This Monday on The Caregiver Team...

I’m sharing what it really means to be a caregiver—

Not just a helper, but a leader. A guide.

I wasn’t handed a playbook.

I had to learn by living it—every seizure, every breath, every sleepless night.

I had to show up, day after day, for someone who couldn’t tell me what he needed…

But still looked to me for everything.

This episode is for every caregiver who’s just figuring it out as they go.

You are...

Welcome to The Caregiver Team, a heartfelt podcast created for caregivers, by a caregiver. Whether you're a parent, spouse, child, sibling, or friend carrying the weight of someone else’s care—this space is for you.

In this short trailer, you'll meet your host Tanette, a devoted mother, writer, and chronic illness warrior who’s lived the highs and lows of caregiving. You’ll get a preview of what’s ahead: honest conversations, emotio...