Overall, I had a good week. I was a bit social this past week (more so than I originally planned). I did a bit of coaching (been a while since I said that word) and it felt really good. I had lunch outdoors (before the smoke) with awesome friends and it was filled with stories and laughter. A great way to spend an afternoon.
I recently joined a local caregiver support group via FB and a few of us met for coffee. The locally owned coffee shop was a new one for me and it was very clean and comfortable. Many in this group became caregivers by necessity to loved ones and are looking for resources and support. We shared a bit of our stories and discussed ways to help each other. In many ways, it's about caregivers understanding and knowing how strong they are and their roles as advocates. It's also about taking the time for an hour cup of coffee with others away from a loved one to care for themselves. Well, you know me I love to connect people and resources...LOL! I was able to provide some good information and posted quite a few resource links via the FB page. I have to admit in many ways it felt good to be useful. I'm sure we'll get together again in the future.
My walks were curtailed a bit as we were under air quality alerts most of the week. I don't ever remember opening the front door to the overwhelming smoke smell (unless it was something close) or when driving the view obscured by smoke cloud/fog. The street lights here came on over two hours early the other night because it was so overcast from smoke. I can't imagine what the people up north are going through.
I met with a physical therapist on Friday to come up with a plan for strengthening and stretching. Although I walk a lot, all the injuries of old have come forth in arthritis. He read my medical history, listened to my story and believes in merging eastern/western healing practices. His story was also quite interesting. We laughed a lot, he used humor to get me through preliminary evaluation and gave me a plan for a few weeks to get me started. Perhaps this body will get it together.
This past week I finished reading: "THE KITCHEN HOUSE" by Kathleen Grissom - Early 1800s in rural southern Virginia. An indentured white orphan is raised under the care of a black slave (illegitimate daughter of plantation owner). "GIRL, FORGOTTEN" by Karin Slaughter - a new female US Marshall investigates a 40 year old cold murder case and also discovers about herself and ties to the case. I watched a couple of documentaries: "THE BEE GEES" (2020) - relived my party days and "THE 2010s" both by CNN.
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
June 11
National Children’s Day
National Corn on the Cob Day
June 12
National Jerky Day
National Peanut Butter Cookie Day
Red Rose Day
June 13
National Weed Your Garden Day
Pigeon Appreciation Day
Sewing Machine Day
June 14
Flag Day
Monkey Around Day
Nursing Assistants Day – date varies
June 15
National Nature Photography Day
National Prune Day
Smile Power Day
Global Wind Day
June 16
Fresh Veggies Day
International Waterfall Day
Take a Road Trip Day – third Friday in June
June 17
Eat Your Vegetables Day
National Hollerin’ Contest Day – third Saturday in June
World Juggler’s Day – Saturday closest to June 17th
This past week would have been my parents 66th wedding anniversary. I found myself comforted in that it was the day I had coffee with other caregivers. I was able to share stories about my time with them and the caregiving aspect (good/bad) of caring for a loved one.
I am leaving it here for today. The sun is up and it's time to get the day started. I hope you have a good day where you are. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
“There are only four kinds of people in the world. Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.” ― Rosalyn Carter
“Be determined to handle any challenge in a way that will make you grow.” — Les Brown