Dear Caregiver, It does not matter what stage we are in, in our caregiving journey. The holidays are emotionally and physically difficult. This brief newsletter is dedicated to you and your tireless perseverance every minute of every day. It is also dedicated to love and memories ~ |
|
|
"Daddy Don't You Worry, I'll Do the Remembering" This incredibly touching song was written by Ashley Campbell for her father, Glen. When you watch this, don't miss the audience' response. It is powerful. Grab a Kleenex. It's worth every note. -Vic ...when finished, click the tab above to return to this Newsletter | | |
|
|
FOOD FOR THOUGHT This photograph is from our family collection, mainly of Berkeley year books, dating back to 1888. Jeez, this newsletter has turned incredibly nostalgic for me today. The following article has been added to Member Resources Please LOG IN to read more New Study: Sleep Is Literally a Deep Clean For Your Brain Click READ MORE, then LOG IN | | |
|
|
"What's True For Me" Thanksgiving Blog |
|
|
This Holiday Eve Written December, 2017 Because a photo needed to be placed here, I chose this one. It has zippo to do with the Blog I am featuring, but it is one of my favorite photos of Mom. This was taken in 2013, she insisted on wearing "Minnie Mouse" ears in an attempt to keep the mood light while signing important documents due to her Alzheimer's decline. The Blog I chose for today, This Holiday Eve, is a click away. Click the Log In button below, go to our Blog section and use the super fancy search bar to type in the blog's title. It is a 2 minute read and relevant to our feelings, challenges, sadness, strength and tears this Holiday Season ~ | | |
|
|
A Personal Note from Vic The picture to the right is the sunrise that greeted me this morning. Pretty darn ethereal, eh? The picture at the top of this Newsletter is my set table for Mom and me for Thanksgiving, a Thanksgiving that didn't happen. When I arrived at her Residence to pick her up, she was in a blurry state of confusion, sadness, and curled up in bed. I took my coat and boots off and laid down beside her. She had no idea it was Thanksgiving, no sense of our plans, and certainly couldn't remember the dozen phone calls she made to me this morning and every day this past week anxiously asking what we would be doing for the Holiday. We laid there quietly as I spun a few tales that lifted her spirits. I even cracked her up so hard that she scurried to the washroom, scolding and swearing at me for making her almost piddle her pants! I have my talents. Story-time continued, but as her eye lids began to fall and she drifted off to sleep, I gathered my things to leave. She opened her eyes when I kissed her twice on the forehead and squeezed her hands. I assured her I would call in a short while. This marks the first Thanksgiving we will not be together, although there's always tomorrow or the next day. I will leave our table set for another day or two. With dementia, rules, traditions and expectations collect dust like forgotten toys in the attic. What matters today is our visit. What matters today is the love. What matters today is I am here for her. Be present, don't miss the moments, smile, breathe and go slow~ -Vic | | |
|
|
Last but certainly not least, Happy Birthday Pops! My Dad, (left) Dean Donnell Railton: November 28, 1932 - April 28, 2016 (right) Ted Von Reitzenstein, our wonderful Tahoe neighbor. Ted passed away in 2012. You both are loved, super cherished and sooo missed ! |
|
|
I will be here with and for you always at Forgive and Forget, especially throughout this holiday season. Feel free to email me ~ My sister, Susan Dean Railton, Mom, and Me, Victoria Lee Railton,1964
|
|
|
Community Chat-Room Forum, Brick by Brick: Developing personally with downloadable guides, a full list of new articles and resources, over 100 blog articles, an updated list of books, audiobooks, films, and documentaries, and access to our Founder, Vic, in "Just Ask." Please join us, we're a great bunch! Membership is $29.99 per year As much as 6 1/2 pints of Ben and Jerry's ice cream :) |
|
|
|
|
