I’m Josh and I’m 15.
Every morning before school I make Grandma a cup of tea exactly how she likes it. One sugar, lots of milk, and the biscuit has to be on the saucer before the tea is poured. It sounds silly, but routines make her feel safe.
Grandma has dementia, and some days she remembers everything about my football matches but forgets what day it is. Other days she doesn’t remember where she put her glasses even though they’re in her hand. When I was younger, I used to get frustrated. Now I understand that she isn’t doing it on purpose.
Mum leaves for work really early so I get Grandma her breakfast before going to school. After school I sit with her while Mum finishes work. We look through old photo albums, listen to music she remembers and sometimes just hold hands while she tells me stories about when she was my age. I never realised how much those quiet moments mattered until she started forgetting more often.
Sometimes friends ask why I can’t always come out. I used to make excuses because I didn’t want people to think I was different. Now I tell them the truth. Most people are really understanding once they know.
Being a young carer has taught me patience and responsibility, but it’s also taught me how important small acts of kindness can be.
A smile.
A conversation.
A hand to hold.
Those little moments help keep Grandma calm, and they remind me that caring isn’t always about fixing problems. Sometimes it’s simply about making sure someone knows they aren’t facing things alone.
