Sitting in our chairs watching television last night, the whole room started to rattle and shake. It felt like the whole building was shaking, and believe me those 16 seconds felt like minutes! Welcome to California. Well, doesn’t matter, I’m here to stay! Family is family, after all and we are closer than ever.
Exciting news: I’ve found a writing buddy. We are exhanging chapters and are reviewing them for each other. Thanks Tamara.
I’m reading a novel called ‘Still Alice’ by Lisa Genova. This book brings back many memories and worries about Alzheimer’s Disease, and about being alone. The caregiver is alone. That’s why Adopt A Caregiver is so important to me. I can’t wait to get started on making some contacts and speaking to groups, this message is meant to be heard.
There is a caregiver in your community, and he/she is scared, lonely, feels alone and deserted, and is overwhelmed by the responsibilities she has inherited. All it takes is one friend, send an email, explain that you understand/you want to understand, and you will not desert her as so many do. Let her vent, do not judge, encourage her to journal, to open up and talk about what’s on her mind. She won’t want to, but if you stay and become her friend, she/he might open up to you.
If you want to know what it’s like to be in a new caregiver’s shoes, read my book, Behind The Mask, available at Amazon, and on my website. It was my secret journal that I wrote, when my husband was suddenly diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease. Because we were the lucky ones, (seven years later, the doctors changed the diagnosis, and today my husband is fine) I’ve decided to spend the rest of my life supporting caregivers.
Give the gift that lasts forever, and costs nothing. Adopt A Caregiver, and tell them your friend Helene sent you.
Keep love and kisses in your life. Helene
