Sunday, July 4, 2021

Covid 19...

Supporting a loved one or a friends family.




Most if not all of us now know someone who has had Covid-19 and recovered; (or did not). "How can I support a family grieving the loss of a loved one?" This has become one of the most common questions on loss and grief..... This may help in some small way.

Source:
Matriarchs

"Last week, I lost a special family member to COVID-19. He left behind a beautiful wife and two small children.

I was reminded this week how hard it is to walk through grief. When I lost my dad at the age of seventeen, I didn’t know how traumatizing it would feel to walk out of the hospital knowing that I had to leave my loved one behind in a cold bed. I didn’t know how gut-wrenching it would feel to smell the clothes that he had previously worn. I didn’t know how hard it would be to connect with reality after loss.

I would wake up in the morning and think it was just another day, only to have to realize that someone important was no longer with me. He was gone. I would crawl back into my bed and sink into myself. At times I felt lost, at times I felt complete darkness, but I also felt arms that carried me.

My family carried me through the dark days; my friends walked with me through my grief, our community took care of the orphaned and widowed.

As I walk with a widow and children through grief, I am reminded of what I have learned all of those years ago.
  1. One day - you will be able to crawl out of bed and face the day, but that day isn’t today.
  2. One day - you will be able to laugh with your children and feel like your days are normal, but that day isn’t today.
  3. One day - you will be able to think of your loved one without feeling like your heart is breaking inside of you, but that day isn’t today.
  4. One day - you will move forward and create a new life, but that day isn’t today.
  5. One day - you will be able to cook dinner, clean the house, wash the clothes, make the beds, but that day isn’t today.
  6. One day - you will be okay. It won’t always feel like it does today, but that day isn’t today.
But I promise you that day will come. You will walk out of the darkness, your heart will mend, and you will feel like you can do this.

But for now...
Let your loved ones carry you. Let your community take care of you. Allow yourself to grieve your loss.
Stay in bed under blankets, cry while wearing their clothes, grieve the life that you have lost - because one day - you will be ready to stand again.

One day - you will be ready to pack the boxes, paint the house a new color, experience a new way of living.
But - that day isn’t today, and that’s okay.
If you have lost a loved one to COVID-19 or to any other disease or accident, I am thinking of you today. You are so loved, and you will make it through this.

But today...let someone carry you.

True for so many.... You are not alone.



Monday, December 10, 2018

Grief and the Holidays.... It's Hard!





Hosting an
“All feelings welcome” dinner

For the full story..... (control and click)

For people struggling with grief or other challenges, the holidays—and all the cheer
  that goes with them—can be a painful reminder of what they lost or yearn for. 
There are things we can do to make the holidays land a little more gently—both for
 ourselves and the people we care about. One is bringing everyone together around the dinner table.





If you want to open your home to loved ones who are struggling this holiday season, 
our friends at The Dinner Party are here to help. They’re an organization focused on
turning what can be an isolating experience—like grief—into a source of 
meaningful connection, using the age-old practice of breaking bread. Here, they share
their recipe for planning an event where guests can let their guard down and openly share
whatever they’re feeling—without fear of ruining the mood or not being in the “holiday spirit.” 
For step by step guidelines on how to host...... go to


Also visit:















GRIEF & THE HOLIDAYS

“Holidays are time spent with loved ones” was imprinted on our psyche from a young age. Holidays mark the passage of time in our lives. They are part of the milestones we share with each other and they generally represent time spent with family. They bring meaning to certain days and we bring much meaning back to them. But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how on earth can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died? For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving, when we miss our loved ones even more than usual. How can you celebrate togetherness when there is none? When you have lost someone special, your world loses its celebratory qualities. Holidays only magnify the loss. The sadness feels sadder and the loneliness goes deeper. The need for support may be the greatest during the holidays. Pretending you don’t hurt and or it is not a harder time of the year is just not the truth for you. If it wasn’t harder you probably wouldn’t be here. You can and will get through the holidays. Rather than avoiding the feelings of grief, lean into them. It is not the grief you want to avoid, it is the pain. Grief is the way out of the pain. There are a number of ways to incorporate your loved one and your loss into the holidays.


Just Remember


Holidays are clearly some of the roughest terrain we navigate after a loss. The ways we handle them are as individual as we are. What is vitally important is that we be present for the loss in whatever form the holidays do or don’t take. These holidays are part of the journey to be felt fully. They are usually very sad, but sometimes we may catch ourselves doing okay, and we may even have a brief moment of laughter. You don’t have to be a victim of the pain or the past. When the past calls, let it go to voice mail…it has nothing to say. You don’t have to be haunted by the pain or the past. You can remember and honor the love. Whatever you experience, just remember that sadness is allowed because death, as they say, doesn’t take a holiday.

Even without grief, our friends and relatives often think they know how our holidays should look, what the family should and shouldn’t do. Now more than ever, be gentle with yourself. Don’t do more than you want, and don’t do anything that does not serve your soul and your loss.

Days Leading Up To Christmas, and or the New Year


These are the often the most challenging of all. Rather than attempting to avoid the feelings of grief during this time, I suggest leaning into them, embracing them, sharing them with others.

It is not the grief you want to avoid, it is the pain. Grief is the way out of the pain.



Grief is our internal feelings and mourning is our external expressions.



Embrace your grief by giving it a time and a place

Before the Holiday Dinner

· Share a prayer about your loved one.

· Light a candle in remembrance of your loved one.

· Create an online tribute for them. (i.e.: Face book or YouTube)

· Share a favourite story about your loved one.

· Have everyone tell a funny story about your loved one.

· At your place of worship remember them in a prayer or bulletin.

· Chat online about them with friends or group talk sites.





Ways to Cope

Have a Plan A/Plan B – Plan A is you go to the Christmas Day or Christmas Eve dinner with family or friends. If it doesn’t feel right, have your plan B ready. Plan B may be a movie you both liked or a photo album to look through or a special place you went to together. Many people find that when they have Plan B in place, just knowing it is there is enough. Speak to the Host and let them know you might leave quietly if need be.

Yes, you can cancel the “Traditional Happenings”. If you are going through the motions and feeling nothing, cancel them. Take a year off. They will come around again. For others, staying involved with the Holidays is a symbol of life continuing. Let the Holiday routine give you a framework during these tough times.


Try the Holidays in a new way. Grief has a unique way of giving us the permission to really evaluate what parts of the Holiday Traditions you enjoy and what parts you don’t. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to handle the Holidays in grief. You have to decide what is right for you and do it. You have every right to change your mind, even a few times. Friends and family members may not have a clue how to help you through this period and you may not either.

Do’s and Don’ts

· Do be gentle with yourself and protect yourself.

· Don’t do more than you want, and don’t do anything that does not serve your heart, your soul and honour your loss.

· Do allow time for the feelings to happen.

· Don’t keep feelings bottled up. If you have 1000 tears to cry don’t stop at 457.

· Do allow others to help. We all need help at certain times in our lives.

· Don’t ask if you can help or should help a friend in grief. Just help. Find ways; invite them to group events or just out for coffee.

· Give extra attention to the children. Children are too often the forgotten grievers during these busy times..


Personal Activities that might help

· Write a love letter

· Smile a smile for them (in a mirror if you can)

· Light a red candle

· Tell someone about them.

· Find ways to honour and remember your loved one.


· Think of ways to involve children in all activities of remembrance.

· Donate time or money in your loved ones name.

· Do something you loved to do together on that day.







It isn’t as important how you remember; you honour them and yourself by the fact that you remember…..




BR

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

2018... the year I move forward with my grief

            Good-bye 2017        2018 HELLO!


As some of you may know, during the year I facilitate a group of individuals who come together twice a month to listen or talk about their grief journey…. a journey without end.

 At each meeting we sit in a circle of chairs and discuss a new topic on grief.

The part that amazes me is this:



Total strangers living with the pain of grief so strong that it empowers them to seek out answers. 



Coming together as strangers a miraculous thing happens…. 

Participants leave having found new acquaintances and for some new friendships. Some join us for a few meetings while others will keep attending for years. Together they have created a community, a safe place for sharing their pain, fears or loneliness. With no judgments on what is said; and no limitation on tears or laughter. (We do a lot of both) a new strength is found to carry on with life.

We openly talk about our loved ones who have died; our guilt or anger or our inability to eat; sleep; socialize or take care of our health. We sometimes talk about how we want to leave this world and be with our soul mate or loved one.  The most important part of our two hours together is that when we talk / share our deepest feelings, others listen and “get-it”.  We come to understand that we are not alone; not crazy or losing it. We are normal!!!

We come together as strangers and leave with a new understanding of our grief; and techniques on how to remember the past and still reach for the future. We leave knowing we are not alone on this life path…. and that we can create a new normal; never forgetting our loved one, but embracing their memory as we carry on.



In a world too busy to understand our pain the group becomes a new home of sorts. A safe place where all can be our true selves.  The fog we live in begins to lift.  




Throughout this I’ve used the word “we” because at the end of each meeting I too have learned. I have been blessed by the gift each participant brings to the gathering. For that I am forever thankful!

BR

Monday, December 18, 2017

Living with Grief During the Holidays






GRIEF & THE HOLIDAYS

“Holidays are time spent with loved ones” was imprinted on our psyche from a young age. Holidays mark the passage of time in our lives. They are part of the milestones we share with each other and they generally represent time spent with family. They bring meaning to certain days and we bring much meaning back to them. But since holidays are for being with those we love the most, how on earth can anyone be expected to cope with them when a loved one has died? For many people, this is the hardest part of grieving, when we miss our loved ones even more than usual. How can you celebrate togetherness when there is none? When you have lost someone special, your world loses its celebratory qualities. Holidays only magnify the loss. The sadness feels sadder and the loneliness goes deeper. The need for support may be the greatest during the holidays. Pretending you don’t hurt and or it is not a harder time of the year is just not the truth for you. If it wasn’t harder you probably wouldn’t be here. You can and will get through the holidays. Rather than avoiding the feelings of grief, lean into them. It is not the grief you want to avoid, it is the pain. Grief is the way out of the pain. There are a number of ways to incorporate your loved one and your loss into the holidays.


Just Remember


Holidays are clearly some of the roughest terrain we navigate after a loss. The ways we handle them are as individual as we are. What is vitally important is that we be present for the loss in whatever form the holidays do or don’t take. These holidays are part of the journey to be felt fully. They are usually very sad, but sometimes we may catch ourselves doing okay, and we may even have a brief moment of laughter. You don’t have to be a victim of the pain or the past. When the past calls, let it go to voice mail…it has nothing to say. You don’t have to be haunted by the pain or the past. You can remember and honor the love. Whatever you experience, just remember that sadness is allowed because death, as they say, doesn’t take a holiday.

Even without grief, our friends and relatives often think they know how our holidays should look, what the family should and shouldn’t do. Now more than ever, be gentle with yourself. Don’t do more than you want, and don’t do anything that does not serve your soul and your loss.

Days Leading Up To Christmas, and or the New Year


These are the often the most challenging of all. Rather than attempting to avoid the feelings of grief during this time, I suggest leaning into them, embracing them, sharing them with others.

It is not the grief you want to avoid, it is the pain. Grief is the way out of the pain.



Grief is our internal feelings and mourning is our external expressions.



Embrace your grief by giving it a time and a place

Before the Holiday Dinner
· Share a prayer about your loved one.

· Light a candle in remembrance of your loved one.

· Create an online tribute for them. (i.e.: Face book or YouTube)

· Share a favourite story about your loved one.

· Have everyone tell a funny story about your loved one.

· At your place of worship remember them in a prayer or bulletin.

· Chat online about them with friends or group talk sites.





Ways to Cope

Have a Plan A/Plan B – Plan A is you go to the Christmas Day or Christmas Eve dinner with family or friends. If it doesn’t feel right, have your plan B ready. Plan B may be a movie you both liked or a photo album to look through or a special place you went to together. Many people find that when they have Plan B in place, just knowing it is there is enough. Speak to the Host and let them know you might leave quietly if need be.

Yes, you can cancel the “Traditional Happenings”. If you are going through the motions and feeling nothing, cancel them. Take a year off. They will come around again. For others, staying involved with the Holidays is a symbol of life continuing. Let the Holiday routine give you a framework during these tough times.


Try the Holidays in a new way. Grief has a unique way of giving us the permission to really evaluate what parts of the Holiday Traditions you enjoy and what parts you don’t. Remember, there is no right or wrong way to handle the Holidays in grief. You have to decide what is right for you and do it. You have every right to change your mind, even a few times. Friends and family members may not have a clue how to help you through this period and you may not either.

Do’s and Don’ts

· Do be gentle with yourself and protect yourself.

· Don’t do more than you want, and don’t do anything that does not serve your heart, your soul and honour your loss.

· Do allow time for the feelings to happen.

· Don’t keep feelings bottled up. If you have 1000 tears to cry don’t stop at 457.

· Do allow others to help. We all need help at certain times in our lives.

· Don’t ask if you can help or should help a friend in grief. Just help. Find ways; invite them to group events or just out for coffee.

· Give extra attention to the children. Children are too often the forgotten grievers during these busy times..


Personal Activities that might help

· Write a love letter

· Smile a smile for them (in a mirror if you can)

· Light a red candle

· Tell someone about them.

· Find ways to honour and remember your loved one.


· Think of ways to involve children in all activities of remembrance.

· Donate time or money in your loved ones name.

· Do something you loved to do together on that day.







It isn’t as important how you remember; you honour them and yourself by the fact that you remember…..




BR

Saturday, December 16, 2017

Our first Christmas without you....

Our first Christmas without you....




A Christmas Message from Heaven.
Posted by Steve Wentworth
  





 'Steve Wentworth' author. 
For most of us, Christmas is a time for joy, laughter and spending quality time with friends and family. But this time of year is often the most difficult and painful for anyone coping with bereavement.

The grief we feel when losing someone close to us is unlike any other feeling. Words cannot even begin to scratch the surface or do justice to the sorrow we endure. Nothing ever prepares us for the utter despair and Christmas just seems to make our loss all the more poignant.

There is nothing wrong with grieving. Grief is a natural process that human beings and many animals need to go through. But why does grief sometimes seem to last so long? 

We grieve because we deeply miss someone who was a big part of our lives. Grief not only happens when someone dies, it also occurs when a relationship breaks down or a person is 
no longer a part of our lives. Whether the person we have lost is physically alive or not, the feeling can be exactly the same and just as intense.

Grief is a feeling unlike any other. It is one of immense incompletion and despair. Our hearts ache with the deep loss we feel for that special person and we long for the emptiness to be filled with their presence again. We long to physically embrace them in our arms once more, to hear their voice, touch their skin and smell their scent one more time.

When they were with us, we loved them so much that they carved a chasm deep in our hearts. But now they are gone, even the thought of beginning to move on without them seems an impossible task and even disloyal to their memory. So instead of looking for peace, we sit on the edge the chasm they carved, staring longingly for them, but instead, all we see is the vast, cold void of emptiness. The chasm in our hearts no longer becomes associated with the deep love we felt for them, it becomes a ‘Chasm of Grief’. This ‘Chasm of Grief’ provides us with constant, painful reminders of the person we lost. But to have a reminder of them, no matter how much it hurts, feels better than having no reminder at all. This is how the Chasm of Grief begins to consume us.

Sometimes, we try to cope with the pain by shutting ourselves away, especially if others seem to be coping better with their grief than we are. But we are all different, and the ways in which we manage our loss are personal and unique to each individual. 

Occasionally, we reach out to others. We want someone to listen to us talk for a while and acknowledge our grief without judgment. However, this is when we hear that oh so familiar phrase, 'Give it time.'  

‘Give it time’, is one of those well-intentioned pieces of advice frequently offered to us whether we asked for advice or not. To be fair, even if the people we turn to have also lost someone close at some point in their lives, most do not know what to say to help you through your time of need. Saying ‘Give it time’, fills up some of that awkward silence. But most of all, it allows them to walk away from the conversation feeling as though they have helped you out, when the only thing you really wanted, was for someone to just sit down with you and listen without saying a word.

But you know what? I hear from so many people who are hurting just as badly as they did when they first lost their wife, son, mother, father, daughter, husband, step parent, nephew, grandfather, grandchild, grandmother, niece, aunty, best friend, uncle, partner... ten, twenty or even thirty years ago and longer. Time does NOT always make things better and time is definitely NOT guaranteed to heal the pain or take away your grief.

So I'm not going to patronize you and suggest that you 'Give it more time'. Instead, I just want to convey one message.
 
What I am about to share with you does not require any faith in God. Whether you believe in an afterlife, or even if you don't, this message is just as much for atheists as it is for believers of all faiths and traditions. While faith provides many billions of people with enormous comfort, the truth is, faith is not the important factor and faith has never been a requirement for coming to terms with your loss. In my experience, there is only one factor that truly matters, and this is the universal key to making the pain of losing someone a little easier to bear.

Do you remember the 'Chasm of Grief' we were staring into? Well, the reason why it feels so bad when we stare into this deep, dark void of emptiness, is because there is nothing. It is a lifeless abyss. It is cold, dead and silent. This deathly silence just hurts us even more, reminding us of their death and the silence we have endured every single day since we lost them. Even though it hurts, we still cling to the grief because the pain is such a potent reminder of our loss. But that is what the ‘Chasm of Grief’ does. It tricks us into clinging to the loss, rather than remembering the person. This is why grief feels so empty, lifeless and hopeless. The empty ‘Chasm of Grief’ has the power to fill us with such a dreadful, hollow sadness, that in some cases, the pain of grief can last for years or even decades.

So how do we overcome the power of the Chasm of Grief? Before you feel the pull to stare once more into the ‘Chasm of Grief’, write down some happy memories of the person who is 
no longer in your life. Do it now.

Think of their smile, their face, how you held them, the sound of their laughter or something you did together. Whether the memories make you cry, laugh or smile, write them all down on a piece of paper. Have you done it? Now, fold the paper up and keep it with you at all times.

As you begin to dread the approach of Christmas and your thoughts start wandering ever closer toward the edge of the ‘Chasm of Grief’, unfold the piece of paper and read what you have written on it. Allow your mind to focus on those memories. Allow those memories to fill your consciousness. Let them make you smile, or even shed a few tears. When you do this, it’s important that you connect with the memory of the person, rather than the feelings of loss. Relive those special moments as if they were still with you. Feel the joy and love. As you connect with the memories, instead of the loss, you will begin to feel the universal key to managing grief coming to the forefront of your awareness. So what is this 'universal key'?

When you are grieving for someone, it is because of the love you feel for them. You don’t require a spiritual faith to believe in love. An atheist who is grieving for the loss of a loved one believes in love. Even though they cannot prove their love ever existed, they know that the love they have for that person is without a shred of doubt, absolutely real.

So rather than staring into the emptiness of the ‘Chasm of Grief’ this Christmas, each time you immerse yourself in the happy memories you once shared with the person you have lost, instead of the cold, lonely, emptiness, you feel the strength of the love you shared with this person.

And you know what? The love you are feeling, as you remember your loved one, is just as strong as when they were physically here with you. You see, love is unbroken by death or by distance. It remains intact and even has the ability to continue to evolve and grow stronger.

Love is so immensely powerful that when you recall those happy memories, it is as if someone is physically surrounding you in their warm embrace. When you relive the love you share with your loved one, rather than recalling the loss, the love begins to pour into the void of emptiness left by grief, over time gradually replacing the cold, empty, darkness of loss, with the warmth and light of love.

Unlike the emptiness of the ‘Chasm of Grief’, love is very much alive. As long as your love lives on, your loved one lives on with you.

Love transcends death; it is the bridge that connects us, an unbreakable bond. The love you 
are feeling right now as you remember them, that love IS your loved one. Through your darkest hours, they were embracing you all along with their love... holding you, comforting you, and 
living on in your heart.

Through love, we live forever...

...because love NEVER dies.


Friday, December 15, 2017

Holiday Strategies (2016)




As we head into the holiday season, complete with the bustling activity that traditionally accompanies it; we are reminded that this time of year, although joyous for most, can be difficult for those who are bereaved. We have outlined below some ideas we hope will help you cope during this season.

We need to share our memories...
through photos and stories
by lighting a special candle during the day or at a special time

We need to share and express our feelings...
by surrounding ourselves with people who understand and care
by sitting with our sadness; tears are healing, allow yourself to cry
by accepting good feelings; it is OK to laugh and enjoy yourself, you are not being disrespectful to the memory of a loved one





We need to set limits...
by engaging in activities that will keep us grounded
by choosing to socialize, or not, and to feel free to cancel or leave the event
by letting go of the need to do everything; share activities like shopping and cooking - others will understand
by planning our time to reduce stress - try not to over-commit


We need to be kind to ourselves...
by slowing down the holiday pace, taking one day at a time
by finding a way to pamper ourselves
by eating well (even if it is small healthy snacks), getting enough sleep (go ahead and nap), exercising (even a short walk helps) and limiting alcohol (can lead to depression and alter sleep)
by talking; seek out support through friends, a group or counselling, if you feel you need it

Adapted from: Bay Gardens Funeral Home December 2016

Thursday, December 8, 2016

Christmas.... Anything But Merry...

The following is a presentation I created and delivered for 
Bereaved Families of Ontario - Midwestern Region 
in 2016.  The presentation is old, but the content isn't. 



















Monday, November 28, 2016

Adrienne's Journal - 5 Years have passed...


"We move on in our own time, in our own ways. There is no cut-off date for grieving or feeling sad. There is no timetable for when to start dating. It’s all about doing what feels right and authentic to whoever you are."

Posted by Adrienne Gruberg 

Adrienne's Journal
It’s five years since Steve died. March 19, 2011 at 6:45p.m. But who’s counting? Even with five-plus years of anticipatory grieving, when the real thing comes along, you’re sideswiped.
Every year, at this time, I run the “last days of Steve” scenario in my head, over and over again. The three weeks leading to his death are still very much etched in my memory. The quick downward progression. The emergency room visits. The hospitalizations. No, the end was definitely not fun. It was an emotional roller coaster that still has me reeling to this day, which is why I’ve come to limit the days I revisit that time.
But, five years is definitely a milestone. I went from counting the days, to the weeks, to the months, to the years—it’s amazing that it’s come to that, since he’s so present in my thoughts and daily routine.

There is life after caregiving. I can attest to that. One month after he died, I went to open our summerhouse full of its memories—it was a great space to grieve, reminisce and heal. By the end of the season, I was ready to take on the mission of creating The Caregiver Space. As tinged with Steve, illness and melancholy as the task may have been, it was my way of reinventing myself and getting on with life. Something that began as a pipe-dream and a way of staying in touch with women who had been in my spousal care cancer support group, became instead a way of touching all caregivers in need of emotional support.
So, creating the website was my way out of the darkness and into the light—the website and Broadway theatre. I’ve never been one who had a problem doing things alone—restaurants, museums, movies and plays—and I hoped I’d begin to meet people doing things I like to do—to populate my new life with people who had common interests. Didn’t happen. But that was never the reason for going out. I relish cultural expeditions on my own. It was getting to be the time, however, for me to “fish or cut bait,” so to speak. I was, much to my surprise, ready to date.

Well, I had a few bites but nothing that intrigued me—so I started prospecting myself. It sort of felt like “Goldilocks”; this man was too short, that man lived too far away and eventually I found someone who was just right. Steve had let me know he wanted me to find someone to be with after he was gone—but he had his list of people I could not date. What’s really funny is that the first two people who were “suggested matches” for me in my daily notifications were on his list of candidates not to date. And I was going to respect his wishes.

My capacity for reading people paid off. I’ve been dating the first man I went out with—someone I found for myself—for almost two-and-a-half years. I DO know myself and have learned to set boundaries in my life. I’m not a kid anymore. I’ve learned to make my feelings known. After years of caregiving and what sometimes felt like bowing to my husband’s every whim, what “I” wanted was paramount; being direct, honest and caring has allowed me to be in a loving relationship where my limits and my person are respected.

In no way do I feel disloyal to Steve or his memory. My “boyfriend” (in quotes because it feels so silly saying girlfriend or boyfriend when we’re both over 65) lets me speak about my past. There are photos of Steve everywhere and that’s fine and how it should be.I was with Steve for over thirty-five years—he is still a big part of my life—and he still comes up in conversations with people who knew him. There’s no way I could be with someone who didn’t understand that.
Moving on doesn’t mean you have to leave your past behind you—sometimes I feel mine is like a friendly, cozy, favorite sweater I wear that keeps me safe and grounded. It’s made me who I am. Your past is part of who you are. It doesn’t go away. Carrying it around with you is unavoidable.

We move on in our own time, in our own ways. There is no cut-off date for grieving or feeling sad. There is no timetable for when to start dating. It’s all about doing what feels right and authentic to whoever you are. If you stay honest with yourself, you’ll know what to do when. It’s all about being an individual again vs. part of a unit. Find your new comfort zone—sometimes it’ll be just a little out of your old comfort zone. Be brave. Be happy.

Bloggers Note: I have joined the group http://thecaregiverspace.org/  I strongly endorse this resource for all providing caregiving to a loved one, a friend or as a professional.