I remember lots of Easters in my youth with new clothes (sometimes a coat), patent leather shoes, bonnet and purse (yes, I even had white gloves). Usually, found a basket in the living room waiting. I do not remember Easter egg hunts. I don't remember pictures with the Easter Bunny, but remember lots of posing for my dad as he practiced his photography. We went to church and came home to dinner (ham or lamb). My mom baked an Easter Bunny cake once when I was 9. I never got to see it or taste it as I ended up with emergency surgery for appendicitis. She never made one again so I think she thought she jinxed the day. We will have a simple dinner today of roasted turkey breast, stuffing and cranberry sauce...enough for leftovers!
I had a busy week at work. Always good to be busy. My clients are needing a bit more care so I agreed to increase my hours a little starting tomorrow. Additional caregivers are coming on board as well. I'll still be part time, just helping out a bit more. I received my first vaccine shot such a great big step in the right direction - no pain or side effects. I have to wait until the end of the month for the 2nd vaccine. I scheduled it for a Friday afternoon so I have the weekend to contend with any side effects. Still practicing safety precautions of wearing a mask and gloves (with clients) and sanitizing and will be for a while.
Over the past several weeks my thoughts have swirled about family and caregiving. Perhaps because I'm working in the business or was part of it myself. When it comes to caregiving blood is not always thicker than water. I know last week I wrote about being valued so perhaps the timing of this para may seem out of sync. I have rewritten this para at least six times since I started as I just can't get the wording down. This is not directed at any one in particular, but from observations and discussions over the past few years. It comes from the heart so it may not make a lot of sense. There are some days I hope and pray that my empathy is strong and my mouth stays shut. Believe me when I say there are no perfect families as there are no perfect people. Being a caregiver is not easy in any way, shape or form and depending on the needs of someone, can be overwhelming. The past year especially has been hard on all involved. My heart hurts when I observe families not visiting (even pre-covid); not checking in or not truly trying to understand what is happening. I try so hard not to judge as I have no idea if there is a history/reason for the distance. It sometimes surprises me if the first response to something minor is it's time to move him/her to a facility. Believe me when I say sometimes the best place for someone is a nursing facility. The best way to hold a facility accountable is to visit often and at various times (again no perfect facility). It's not the decision of home care versus nursing facility that bothers me as I know how hard it can be. It's the family who makes no effort to visit or keep in touch that truly hurts my heart. For those who know me, trying not to show feelings/emotions on my face is very hard, (also hard not to open my mouth), but I'll keep trying. I listen and offer advice/guidance when asked, but it's so hard not to jump into fix it mode as I'm prone to do. I have no allegiance to the company I work for or the family, my main concern is the person. There truly are family members that just can't handle the idea and/or tasks of caregiving for someone else and that's ok. It took me a while to understand it, but I got there. There are no right or wrong answers. As long as it's not forgotten there is a person that needs love, attention and care. That's enough of my soapbox for today.
This week I finished reading: "THE RUSSIAN" by James Patterson and James O. Born the latest in the Michael Bennett series. Also, "THE ORDER" by Daniel Silva a thriller involving conspiracy, mystery and the church. I don't remember reading any of Daniel's previous books, but have added him to my list of authors to catch up on. Both books very good. What are you reading these days?
The daily and wacky holidays for the week...provides something lighthearted to think about:
April 4
Easter Sunday - date varies
Hug a Newsman Day
Walk Around Things Day
School Librarian Day
Tell a Lie Day
World Rat Day
April 5
Deep Dish Pizza Day
Dyngus Day always the Monday after Easter
Go for Broke Day
National Dandelion Day
Read a Road Map Day
April 6
California Poppy Day
National Tartan Day
New Beer's Eve
Plan Your Epitaph Day - a little morbid if you ask me
Sorry Charlie Day
Teflon Day
April 7
Caramel Popcorn Day - Most likely created by a popcorn maker, or an Ecard company.
International Beaver Day
National Beer Day
National Walking Day - first Wednesday in month
No Housework Day
World Health Day
April 8
All is Ours Day
Draw a Picture of a Bird Day
Zoo Lover's Day
April 9
Name Yourself Day
Winston Churchill Day
April 10
Golfer's Day
National Farm Animals Day
National Siblings Day
Safety Pin Day
I am leaving it here for today. I hope you have a good week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
"A rebirth out of spiritual adversity causes us to become new creatures." - James E. Faust
"Easter is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all of your eggs in one basket." - Evan Esar
"Faith makes all things possible... love makes all things easy." - Jeffrey R. Holland