Hey, y’all. It’s Amie.

I’m not a morning person—not even a little bit. So last week, when I awoke three days in a row before 6 a.m., I felt like I was going to fall over by lunchtime. Day one, our oil heater was being finicky. Day two, I had a before-sunrise coffee date with one of my best friends. Day three, my son asked to sit outside of GameStop for a few hours to wait for the newest Pokemon card release.

Is that caregiving? Well, not in the same way Grace explains below. But it did remind me that caregiving shows up in lots of everyday ways—those small moments when we shift our routine or give a little extra because someone we care about needs us. Whether you’re caring for a parent, watering a neighbor’s plants, or hanging out in the cold waiting for a store to open, I’m so glad you’re here.

Dear Grace,

My mama is going to have surgery soon, and I will be her primary caregiver, so what is the best way for me to handle taking care of my mama, her house, myself, my dog, and still have time for my friends on social media?

— Getting Ready for a Big Change in Jacksonville, Florida

Dear Getting Ready,

First of all, your mama is so lucky to have you as a daughter. Caregiving is a big job, and one that so many women do for their family members across the country while still juggling their own responsibilities, other family needs, and the many tasks that keep a household running, all without pay or much support. It makes sense that you feel anxious about balancing this new responsibility with everything else going on in your life.

I don’t know the details of your situation (how long you will be caregiving or what you have to give up in order to do it), but I do know this: Families and caregivers deserve support. No one who is stepping up to care for a loved one should have to sacrifice their well-being (financial or otherwise) to do so.

Here are some ideas for how to set you up for success…

Maybe it’s a parent. Maybe it’s a nonprofit. Maybe it’s you! This week, we want to know: Who is an unsung caregiver in your community?

Who’s the first person you think of that jumps into action to help? I’d love to hear about them at amie@couriernewsroom.com. I’ll pick a couple of stories to share in our newsletter on Friday.

We’re replacing our Election Day Countdown with something we hope you’ll find just as useful—fun events happening throughout Virginia! We’ll share a quick roundup of neat things to do that week. Have an event you’d like to see featured? Email me the details.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 p.m. (Virtual)

• Empower Your Finances: Navigating the Road to Independence is a free event designed to give you the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to take control of your financial future. From smart budgeting to confident investing, expert speakers will walk you through practical steps toward achieving long-term financial freedom and security. To reserve your spot, click here.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (Richmond)

• Get ready to kick off the season in style at the Richmond Craft Show, a festive weekend packed with unique finds, holiday magic, and local creativity. Dozens of talented artisans will offer one-of-a-kind gifts—from handcrafted jewelry and cozy knitwear to festive decor and original artwork—perfect for everyone on your list. Click here to purchase tickets.

Saturday, Nov. 22, 12-4 p.m. (Virginia Beach)

• A fun fall afternoon awaits with roasted oysters—all you can eat style—at the New Realm Annual Oyster Roast. In addition to the main course, guests will also enjoy a spread of savory snacks and two beers. Ticket information is available here.

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