Others Making a Positive from Loss

The March issue of Thunder Press has an article about my ride - I'm told in Back Roads - not sure because I haven't seen it yet. But I can tell you that it wouldn't be there without the help of Susan Swan (Chewn' The Fat Boy), one of their great writers/editors. Susan helped edit my story and I thank her.

Something else Susan is involved with is called "To Honor". She and some other people are building a retreat for caregivers - like I was for my parents until their passing - like many of us may have already or may yet be similarly entrusted. Caring for and watching a loved one pass drains the heart and spirit - filling it back up by helping others is a gift. And we can only hope we have someone who loves us helping when we need it - more than likely it will be a professional caregiver - who will also need a respite from the responsibility and the loss.

I hope To Honor will not mind me using their words to help describe what they do. I have taken this from the site (please go there):

http://www.tohonor.org/default.php
"To Honor
At this moment, in countless private homes and nursing facilities nationwide,someone is awaiting a drink, a kindly word, medication, or the comfort of another's company. Whether driven by hunger, pain, or feeling isolated from the familiar, in all likelihood, comfort will come from a caregiver.

Caregivers, nurse's aides, nurses, social workers, and hospice workers are the front line protecting the vulnerable. In addition to addressing patient's medical needs, we rely upon caregivers to provide care with compassion.

Home Alone
Family members who become caregivers quickly realize that, although gratifying, care giving is emotionally and physically exhausting. In the absence of adequate support, unforeseen calamities, loss of personal freedom, worry, and fatigue often lead to caregiver depression.

Unless a supportive relief network is promptly rallied, the patient and the caregiver suffer. "

I'm really big on women helping women - but I'm even bigger on everyone helping everyone! I said this site was about helping others and so I hope you find someone here to help, be it me with my ride and Habitat in New Orleans or Grounds for Health, possibly To Honor, perhaps DJ (story below)...the point is - just reach out - it really feels good! Hopefully it will come back to you when you need it.

Keep following your dreams!
Robin