Conversations will not be canceled

Relationships will not be canceled

Love and self-care will not be canceled

Our work as caregivers will not be canceled

Hope will not be canceled

Reading will not be canceled

Learning will not be canceled

Our lives are challenged in a way never before experienced.

Among many other things, it will make us more of who we already are.

For some, it will mean more gratitude, dedication, and compassion. 

For others, their self-absorption will amplify.

If people are incapable of being alone or content in the quiet,

we will see their desperation and indulgence. 

~

Be still and let them be

Our kindness will not be canceled

Let us lean into the good stuff that remains

(Dear readers: I had an argument with Siri and Grammerly about the word "cancelled" vs "canceled," one "l" or two? Both acceptable, but 1 "l" seems preferred, or is it prefered? kidding)

LAUNCHING SOON

RECOMMENDED PODCAST

STRICTLY FOR SMILES

"Pure Bred"                              "High Stakes Poker"

THE BEST I'VE HEARD

POTENTIAL CURE DISCOVERED

PERSONAL NOTE

Just like everyone else, I am struggling with our circumstances and quarantine. I am running out of toilet paper just like everyone else. . .

well, maybe not everyone. 

My emotions ebb and flow every day, every moment.  When I have a meltdown, I allow it to run its well-deserved, full course. Frank, my pup, quietly leaves the room, while Marco, his brother, tries to crawl

into my lap (at 85lbs).

I have admitted to you many times how I mess up every day as a caregiver.  Every. Day.  Yet the skills I am learning with caregiving help me handle

the assorted emotions COVID-19 has unleashed.

For example, my fear, anxiety and overwhelm is kept in check by cutting back on documentaries and books on dementia, support group, meetings, etc. With COVID-19, I have cut back on watching the news, the politics behind it, the images of New York, the backlash and consequences.

Practicing acceptance and holding space for the unpredictable is a way of life as a caregiver.  I find no difference with COVID-19. I see the same skill set we learn as caregivers to be useful outside the caregiving arena,

even in this pandemic.

So, let us be grateful for the lessons we learn as a caregiver

and carry with us the same understanding with COVID-19 :

*Be kind. 

*Have extra compassion and extra patience. 

*Remember that a smile, a nod, or a wave speaks volumes in every language.

*If the gesture isn't returned in kind, don't take it personally. They may be having a rough time or a rough moment, just like I had yesterday or three hours ago. It has nothing to do with you.

*Give others space, literally and figuratively.

*Above all, keep your sense of humor.  I have seen the human spirit sparkle and glean in the darkest mist of caregiving as well as in this time of calamity, heartbreak, and crisis with COVID-19.  

With all my love and encouragement,