In 2007, Veronica Cordova reconnected with her childhood friend, Josue, an Air Force veteran whose life was changed instantly by a car accident that left him paralyzed. What started as a relationship eventually led to marriage, a blended family, and Veronica naturally stepping into the profound role of caregiver. But as she explains, becoming a caregiver doesn't happen overnight - it happens gradually. Veronica joins Al and Chad today to discuss the honest, day-in and day-out realities of being a caregiver. Together, they unpack the emotional and mental "decision fatigue" that caregivers face, and the struggle of the "caregiver paradox" when balancing the roles of wife and caregiver. They also go on to emphasize the importance of avoiding burnout, and share the beautiful, joyful milestones they've achieved together, from international travel to grandparenting. Three Big Takeaways1. The mental tax often outweighs the physical toll. While most people assume caregiving is purely a physical challenge - like heavy lifting or physical exhaustion - the unspoken reality is the constant decision fatigue. Caregivers are continuously thinking ten steps ahead, monitoring health cues, and managing routines, which carries a heavy mental and emotional weight. 2. Stepping back is essential, not a failure. Combatting caregiver burnout means overcoming the guilt or "FOMO" of letting someone else step in to help. Embracing respite care, finding joy in personal recharge time (like spending time with grandchildren), and recognizing that "it takes a village" are crucial for long-term well-being and maintaining a healthy marriage. 3. Two things can be true at once. It is okay to grieve the life you originally planned and feel overwhelmed at times, while simultaneously being deeply grateful for the life you have now. Caregivers need to give themselves grace, build a supportive community, and allow themselves to just be seen, heard, and understood without judgment. Episode Highlights00:00 - The Unsung Heroes of Veteran Caregiving 00:47 - Veronica Cordova’s Caregiving Journey 03:22 - Balancing Marriage and Caregiving Responsibilities 05:10 - Managing Work-Life Balance as a Caregiver 07:23 - Supporting Independence While Providing Care 08:55 - The Hidden Mental and Emotional Toll of Caregiving 11:02 - Preventing Caregiver Burnout and Finding Respite 13:57 - Planning for Long-Term Caregiving Needs 15:07 - Finding Joy and Celebrating Caregiving Milestones 17:28 - Advice for New Veteran Caregivers Key Quotes"I like to say that it happens kind of like a sunrise. I didn't go to sleep one day and wake up the next day as a caregiver." "What others don't think about necessarily is the emotional tax that it could take on you, but also the mental fatigue, like, almost decision fatigue. I have to think about 10 steps ahead of time." "This life is kind of like a roller coaster. You can be sad about missing opportunities, but grateful for the life that you have together. You know, two things can be true at the same time." "Caregivers like you are the invisible workforce behind every veteran's recovery." — Al Kovach Jr. About the GuestVeronica Cordova is a dedicated caregiver, mother, and career professional at Southwest Airlines. She is the wife of Josue Cordova, an Air Force veteran and National Vice President of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Navigating a blended family of four children and their grandchildren, Veronica balances her professional career with the daily, intensive needs of caregiving. Through resilience and deep dedication, she advocates for the visibility, support, and mental well-being of caregivers everywhere.
