MEET TIERRA

My name is Tierra Stephens, and I am wife, mother, and caregiver. When my husband, JL Stephens, was injured on February 17,2017 from a work accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down I had no idea which way to go. JL was 29 years old, and I was 30, and we were in our 5th month of marriage.

 

At such a young age, JL became fully dependent upon me. As a newly married couple, we struggled and often crying on the inside, but smiling on the outside to prevent everyone from knowing our true feelings. As months went by, I was bursting with so many emotions and I had no idea how to deal with them. This was the most scariest and most challenging time in my life. I nearly lost the love of my life, but when he was returned to me in an unexpected way I was grateful.

 

Being a caregiver, full time or part time, is overwhelming, and it often burns people out, which leads to them walking away! In the midst of me continuing to be a supportive wife and mother, attending therapy, church and working I decided to create a support group for caregivers, Smiling Tears. I want caregivers to be free, open and honest about their lives in a judgement free zone. I wanted to bring something positive into what could be looked at as a negative situation. I want us to talk, listen, be heard, and get resources to assist with maintaining a healthy and balanced life.

 

Let us help each other, will you join me?