It's graduation season and I congratulate all those that finished whether it be high school, college or any other type of schooling. Listening to some of those inspiring speakers, I wonder what someone as ordinary as me would say about life...LOL! Believe it or not, I have thought about this during those long nights of ups/downs. I was such a serious person (and I still am) for most of my life, I think one of the first things I would say is: Be respectful of yourself and others, but have fun! Create awesome memories for you and those around you. Belly laugh when you can and notice how it makes you and others feel. Honor those that came before you and do not dismiss them or their ideas just because they are old or gone. They did the best they could with what they knew and now we can move forward from what we've learned since. Change is a constant, might drive you crazy, but it keeps coming. So if the change becomes too much, take a break and ground yourself. Taking a small break just may be what you need to embrace the change. Remember every decision you make is action and will impact yourself and others. There are consequences to everything you do or don't do so think about what you are sending out into the world. The people you surround yourself with are important and they may not all fit into the dictionary meaning of family, but they are your family, because, to me, family is not defined by blood. I would end with there is no perfection in the world, but there is beauty and understanding in everything. Stop seeking perfection and be grateful for the present. Go forth and make your world a better place. ... I'm sure there could be more that would be a lot more inspiring, but I don't want to bore them...LOL!
Had to take a little break as Lady decided to wolf down her breakfast and then leave it on the dining room carpet. I find it interesting that when she does this it's almost always near the hoyer we use for transferring my mom. Lady has the whole house and leaves it right there.
On 30 May I wrote the following in a Caregivers FB page and thought I would share it with you. It provides a little insight into one of my days. It's amazing what comes into my brain with hardly any sleep. It's a little lengthy, but I hope you take a moment to read.
As I write it's 4:30 am, been up for over an hour. It's beautiful outside as the sky lightens up, the full moon is gorgeous and the birds are singing...yes I heard the birds about 3:30. I feel blessed to be able to enjoy it and exhausted because I need some sleep.
My mom is 84 years old with ALZ and a host of other health issues and is in the ends stages of hospice care. The last time I wrote something long it was about bringing my mom home for this final journey.
I have to say so far it's been quite an experience. I'm glad I was as prepared as I could be and yet are we truly ever prepared? Disappointed in a few people, but I think that's to be expected along the journey. I changed my expectations of people a long time ago, but it does not mean that disappointment does not pop up now and then. Thank goodness for hospice care aides and visiting angels who help provide breaks and such. I still try to do too much include help neighbors when I can.
My mom is still at the stage where somewhere down deep she knows I'm her daughter so she does not want me to change her or assist her in many ways. There are times, like this morning, where I needed to change her and the linens as well and believe me when I say it was a messy job. She does not cooperate, but somehow I get the job done. This morning it only took about 45 minutes.
So now she is sleeping comfortably and I have started the soak cycle of the laundry. The dog has been walked a little so perhaps now is the time for a nap...LOL! Usually once I'm up, I'm up so I'm really trying not to go make a cup of coffee. I'm going to finish this up and go lay across the bed and see if I can at least rest for a little bit.
It's the blessing of knowing in my heart that I am in the right place at the right time that keeps me moving forward. Blessings to all of you in this community.
June is a very busy month between graduations, birthdays, anniversaries, and such. Too many people to congratulate and list so I'll say Happy Happy to all and just know I'm thinking about you and sending love/hugs. I will say my niece and nephew as well as their friends looked absolutely gorgeous for the prom - I saw fabulous pictures - hope to hear about it later today.
I am going to leave it here for today. Have to prepare a shopping list before the aid comes so I can get it done. I may try to squeeze in a haircut while out and about. I hope you have an awesome week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“One’s life has value so long as one attributes value to the life of others, by means of love, friendship, indignation and compassion.” -- Simone De Beauvoir
“If you’re feeling helpless, help someone.” -- Aung San Suu Kyi
“I may not be perfect, but parts of me are pretty awesome.” — Anonymous