Fertile Ground
April is a time of year when we nourish the seeds (goals) planted earlier in the year.
I remember while living in Wisconsin, during the rainy overcast days typical of this month, we'd say "April showers bring May flowers."
For 18 years I fertilized the seeds of one goal--to run a marathon. On March 20, 2011 I crossed the finish line of the Los Angeles Marathon.
As I reflect upon it now, I'm realizing it was easier to run this marathon despite all the obstacles than it was to be a caregiver.
In case you didn't know, a marathon is 26.2 miles.
Click on the link under "Articles" below.
After working doggedly for the first quarter of this year, I look forward to a month of scheduling moments of FUN instead of work, Work, WORK. I still plan to work in order to nourish the seeds of growth; however, I am looking forward to a few FUN projects and new experiences this month.
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How will you fertilize the soil in which your seeds of effort will grow?
Genuinely Yours,
Brenda Avadian, MA
Editor, The Caregiver's Voice Newsletter
Articles
Click on titles below for more information.
Running a Marathon is Easier than Caregiving
Despite running 26.2 miles in one of Los Angeles' worst storms, I completed this 18-year goal knowing it was easier than when I was a caregiver.
Survive Caregiving - Self-Care for Other Care
Surviving caregiving for brain-impaired loved ones places added strain on caregiving. If you wish to finish the job before it finishes you, follow these 3 Tips.
Need a Good Comeack?
Place the seeds of these five interactions in your conversational soil, till the soil then fertilize your own comeback.
TCV Reviews
Each month The Caregiver’s Voice features a review of one new product and/or book.
TCV Book Review - The Complete Resource Guide for Baby Boomers
A regionally-originated compilation of articles
useful for all caregivers.
TCV Product Review - DinerWear Napkin at your Neck
A dignified green alternative to unnecessary
clothing changes and laundering.
April 1: 18th Anniversary
Saying something stupid will be forgiven by a loved one...but I could have definitely used a better comeback!
My father who never called long distance because it cost too much, surprised me when he called.
"I hope I'm not interrupting anything. I'm calling to let you know Ma died."
"You've got to be kidding!"
"No," came his somber reply.
"C'mon, it's April Fool's Day. Whad'ya trying to pull?"
"I couldn't believe it myself when the nurse called only one hour after I left her."
I remember this awkward exchange with my father 18 years ago today. More is found in "Where's my shoes?"
After 13 years of suffering from congestive heart failure, my mother died on April 1, 1993.
I became a half orphan at age 33.
In May, while looking at Mother's Day cards, my eyes filled with tears realizing I could never buy another card for my mother.
Click for
Excerpts
Testimonials
Click on the book cover for your copy.
The Caregiver's Voice Caregiver of the Month (CotM) Finalists
What I feared came to pass this month with our CotM program. None of our 4 caregiver finalists were able to send photos and additional information by an earlier deadline due to my travel schedule.
As a result, The Caregiver's Voice recognizes 2 of 4 Caregiver Finalists for our Cargiver of the Month of April.
The Steen Family and Patricia Krueger are Recognized as Caregiver of the Month of April Finalists by The Caregiver's Voice. Read more at The Caregiver's Voice Caregiver Finalists of April.
We are accepting nominations for our Caregiver of the Month of May. If you know or are a family or professional caregiver whose efforts reflect a nurturing spirit in honor of Mother's Day, complete the nomination form at: The Caregiver's Voice CotM - Nominate a Caregiver
TCV FAMILY MEMBERS
We will send a GIFT to 1 randomly drawn subscriber between now and April 30th. We will contact you to learn your CHOICE of one of 3 books at
The Caregiver's Voice Books - "Where's my shoes" & Finding the JOY in Alzheimer's series.
Help spread the word!
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Forward this newsletter to a friend, family member, or colleague.
As always, we welcome your comments!
(If clickable link does not work use: TCV@TheCaregiversVoice.com)
In our world of cyber connections that lose the personal touch, we have surprised many of you with a personal REPLY and even a phone call (when you include a tel number).
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