Chapter 18

I changed my work life.
No more endless late nights.
No more ignoring calls because meetings felt urgent.
No more assuming calm meant safe.
I started volunteering with an elder advocacy group.
At first, I only donated.
Then I spoke.
Then I helped build a program called Check the Quiet.
It trained families to notice small signs.
Missing medicine.
Changed routines.
Sudden apologies.
Fear around one caregiver.
Unexplained sleep changes.
Trash bags near doors.
I hated that last one.
May you like
But I included it.
Because someone needed to know.