My Good Fortune Today

September 4, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Today I had the good fortune of meeting with people who think that Adopt A Caregiver is a wonderful and worthwhile idea.  They have promised to help me in any way they can, and I thank the from the bottom of my heart.

Even if we can’t wipe away all the caregivers tears, we can make a difference in their lives.

Someone who read my book called her friend and said, “I never knew how much you were hurting, why didn’t you tell me?”

Another said, “I have a caregiver I write to, but since I’ve read your book, I know I have to do more, and I will.”

One person can make a difference, as I’ve said before, with a little bit of help. It looks like I’m going to get some of that help. Thank you.

To those who came to my house today, I want you to know how grateful I am for this chance, and to tell you that I am not only dedicated to this new journey of mine, but I am loyal to those who have stepped up to the plate, and said, “We will help you.”  I will not forget you.

Word of mouth is potent, lets get my word out for Adopt A Caregiver. Lets plant that seed and watch it grow.

Keep love and kisses in you life. Helene

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My New Journey

September 3, 2008 By Leave a Comment

My new journey is Adopt A Caregiver. This too, will be an uphill battle, but with your help it will get easier.

My old journey was devastating, when my husband was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s Disease and we had to keep it a secret.  That seven year journey as I clawed my way out from the desolate darkness back to the magic and miracles in my life, as I learned that love and kisses do heal. And God has his own plans.

That is one reason I self published my book, Behind The Mask, so others could stand in my shoes and understand caregivers feelings. Then, they could go out and Adopt A Caregiver.

Call support group leaders, tell them about my Adopt A Caregiver program, they can give you some names of people who would want to be adopted. They need your help and support.

Give something back, talk about it, get the word out. It does not take much time to write an email, or send a joke.  Make someone smile, let them vent. Let the tears flow.

Caregivers keep their emotions inside, they save their tears for later. They don’t want to talk about it. They also don’t want to be left all alone. Imagine how they feel, especially the younger ones with early onset, they still know what is going on, they understand how their brain feels like a sieve, everything going in at the top, and sifting out through the bottom.That is what my husband always said.

But Alzheimer’s Disease is not contagious. Please help those who are so busy caring for others they have no time to care for themselves.

Adopt A Caregiver.

Word of mouth is potent, let others know about this worthwhile program.

Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene

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Word Of Mouth

September 2, 2008 By 1 Comment

Adopt A Caregiver:

Word of mouth is potent. If I can plant a seed and watch it grow, it will be worthwhile.

One person can make a difference; with a little bit of help. We can’t wipe away all the tears from the caregivers faces, but we can do something to show we care. We can listen. Sometimes that’s all it takes.

Remember that caregivers are men, women, and children. Don’t forget the kids. They are starting to go back to school now, and if they are caregivers or caregivers helpers, they think no one understands what they are going through, and they keep it all inside. Do not leave them alone in their misery.

I know men who are dressing their wives, who have learned how to put makeup on for them, and sometimes they even spritz some perfume on just because they know their wives or mothers or grandmothers like the smell.

Remind caregivers to take care of themselves. Send and email, tell them you are here to listen, to let them vent, send them a list of things you could do for them. An email, or a card goes a long ways to making a caregiver smile.

If you want to Adopt A Caregiver, call the local Alzheimer’s support group in your neighborhood, tell them about Adopt A Caregiver, ask them to let  you adopt one. Or go to the Mayo Clinic, or the Alzheimer’s Association, the Cancer  website, remember a caregiver is a caregiver. They need our help and support. They are too tired, to depressed to go out to support group themselves, especially if they can’t find someone to sit with the patient.

My book Behind The Mask, is every new caregivers story.

Lauren Kessler’s book, Finding Life in the Land of Alzheimer’s looks at life in an Alzheimer’s facility. It’s a marvelous  book, a different perspective. A great gift, something to read and ponder, to talk about at book groups. I loved it and I learned so much from her story. Thank you Lauren Kessler.

When I start my new book, Adopt A Caregiver, do you want me to post some portions of my story here? Let me know, send me an email, or comment at the end of this blog.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers as I try to get the word out about my Adopt A Caregiver program.

Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene

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