~ Caregivers Are Angels On Earth ~

<3 Nurturing the Nurturers ~ Caring for the Caregivers <3

Hope, Faith, Peace, Love

~May Hope, Faith, Peace & Love be at your doorstep daily to lead the way.~

~~ Sister Tangle ~~

A Zentangle Inspired Art Design that Jan and I made together. Was our first ZIA that we collaborated on. It was really fun and interesting to see the results. Sharing our Zen :-)

#sisters #family #summertime

To learn more about what Zentangle is visit:

https://www.facebook.com/tangledbee
- OR -
www.zentangle.com

Copyright 2015

~In Loving Memory~

In Loving Memory to those that have gone before us. We miss you, we love you and we daydream about having one more day with you~

~ For The Love Of Caregivers ~

                

                    

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

~ A Caregiver Poem ~

 

Caregiver

Blessed are they who understand
my faltering step and shaking hand.

Blessed are they who know my ears today
must strain to catch the things they say.

Blessed are they who seem to know
my eyes are dim and my mind is slow.

Blessed are they who looked away,
I spilled my tea on the cloth that day!

Blessed are they who, with cheery smile,
stopped to chat for a little while.

Blessed are they who know the way
to bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are they who never say,
“You’ve told that story twice today!”

Blessed are they who make it known
that I’m loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days
of my journey home, in loving ways.

By Elizabeth Clark

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Caregivers are the salt of the Earth!

Have a great week!

Best Wishes,

Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

~ Caregivers Are The Salt Of The Earth ~

                                                              
                                                 ~~Zentangle Inspired Art~~

                            ~~~Where Words Soothe and Art & Ideas Delight~~~

                           ~~Nurturing the Nurturers~~Caring for the Caregivers~~

                                       ~~~Give your best, no regrets & dance!~~~

Best Wishes, 
Carole Brecht & Jan Steinle


http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

~Embracing Grief While Moving Forward~

 

I can see the sunshine even when it's cloudy...restoration always comes, if you look for it.

Can you imagine what's next after the storm you just went through? Or, what will come next once you get through the storm you're in? Can you even stop and think that far ahead?

What's next? 

It takes time to come to terms with death and dying.

This I know. 

My friends tell me so. 

They are wise. They know time is on my side. For time is the healer.

Brain fog, feeling out of sorts, dealing with a loved one's death and resuming a life worth living takes time. Healing is a process. Moving forward is a process. Putting life events in proper perspective is a process. And as we know, life is one big test!

When I went to a grief support group only a couple months after my Mom died, I learned about death and grieving in a way I never heard before. The grief counsellor shared information about how to view death in a healthy way. She said there is no "I wish I woulda, coulda, shoulda; when someone dies, there is no reason to feel guilty that you could have done more or better, that dying is a normal part of the life cycle and everyone has to face it and when it's our time, it's our time." She said "it's a very normal and natural part of life and has been going on since the beginning of time." And she said "time is the healer, give yourself two years and then re-evaluate your life." That is a short version of what I learned. 

She had a very calm manner and a peace about her I don't often witness. Listening to her and internalizing her words of wisdom had a profound affect on me and brought me to a place of peace. She also said in our culture, we don't use "correct" language when discussing and dealing with death. We "fluff" if over by avoiding the words death, died and dying. That delays our healing. We understand intellectually that someone died, but emotionally it may take longer to accept when we don't use or avoid accurate terminology.

It is only recently I can use those words to describe my Mom's death. Some days I can say it without thinking about it and other days I can't utter the word death or died in relation to my Mom because it's too final and I want to deny in my heart of hearts I'll never see her again. The words fall short for how much I miss my Mama.
 

I spoke to a clergyman within the first couple weeks of my Mom's death. I was crying a river. Tears that I never experienced before. She said however many tears you cry is how much you loved that person. Somehow that helped me.

Out of something so dark and sad in my life, something great is happening. I created, with my sister Jan, The Sandwich Woman Community on facebook, Twitter, Instagram and my blog. I'm also in the throws of writing my book and hope to publish before this year is out. 

Our social media have become a global community - your global community. A place where we can come together and feel connected while caring for those we love. During the last several years caring for Mom, I went through extreme feelings of isolation; I was withdrawn and I was full of sorrow. This is what compelled me to reach out to others via social media. To create a space where anyone could visit while going through this difficult journey. A place to connect and not feel so alone.

The Matriarch of our family was slipping away, a day at a time, a minute at a time and there was no stopping it. What a helpless feeling... but that was then and this is now. One thing I am sure of; my Mom wouldn't want us to fritter life away in sorrow. She always wanted/wants the best for us and always encouraged us to be positive and look on the bright side. So, that is how I intend to live my life. She's not gone, she's still very much a part of my day and she goes everywhere I go, for she lives in my heart. 

Keep in mind, grief and loss are not an illness. You don't get better from it. You learn to live with it. You don't have to like it, but you can accept it to the best of your ability.

To learn more from my grief counselor log onto: http://www.barbaracoyne.com/
 

With loss, comes restoration. Keep shining your light. Keep putting your best foot forward. Keep looking up, doing all that you can do to make a difference in your own life and the life of others. Never give up. One step at a time, you are creating a life worth living! 

Best wishes for better days ahead!
Carole Brecht

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

I Love Caregivers!

                                                ~~~Where Words Soothe and Art & Ideas Delight~~~

                                            ~~Nurturing the Nurturers~~Caring for the Caregivers~~

                                                          
http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

~You Are Special~

                                                                ~~Zentangle Inspired Art~~

                                                ~~~Where Words Soothe and Art & Ideas Delight~~~

                                            ~~Nurturing the Nurturers~~Caring for the Caregivers~~

                                                           ~~~Give your best, no regrets & dance!~~~

Best Wishes, 
Carole Brecht & Jan Steinle


http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

~The Father Heart~

This Blog is dedicated to my kind, sweet Father who has been there for me through thick and thin, my entire life. I want to honor him with this Blog and call attention to what a great man he is. He's a strong, smart and loving man. He created a wonderful life for my Mom and family.

He worked hard his whole life and didn't retire until he was 85! He taught us about the important things in life. He was a devoted husband and is still devoted to me and my siblings. Dad was involved in local politics and once ran for Mayor of the borough we lived in when I was in grade school. I helped to campaign for him. He worked six days a week for decades and when not at work, he was home with us. He had a huge wall full of tools and was a good handyman for just about anything. I have great memories of my growing up years.

When my Mom became ill, Dad stood by her at all times. There was never a time he wanted to send her off and have her live elsewhere from him. He wanted to keep a watchful eye on her and look after her, just like always. My parents had a strong, loving marriage for 65 years and were a shining example of devotion and commitment to each other.

I have deep admiration for my Dad. Along with his strong work ethic, his devotion to his family showed me what it was like to have a healthy family life. 

My Dad accompanied my Mom to her doctor appointments with me. He monitored her meds and went to great lengths to research the pharmaceuticals being prescribed, questioning everything, managed his Caregiver crew along with me and did everything under the sun and within his power to give my Mother the best care possible.

My parents have been my best cheerleaders, always believing in me, always encouraging me, always loving me unconditionally. They taught me to believe in myself, reach for the stars, never ever give up and that dreams do come true.

One of the main reasons I wanted to write about Dad is this: so much energy, time and focus was devoted to my Mom the last several years, when she was ill. Not that he got lost in the shuffle or ever complained that we need to dote on him. It was natural for us to rally around Mom and of course when we visited her, he was right there too. Much of our conversations at that time revolved around my Mother and most of our focus was on her.

My Dad is one of my best friends, a great confidante, advisor, mentor, and teacher. He is also the Chief Editor for my Blog!

If your Dad is no longer with you, I hope you have some good memories which warm your heart. And if not a Dad, a man in your life who made you feel special and loved.

May we always remember the good times <3

Best Wishes,
Carole Brecht

This picture was taken Father's Day this year. He's sporting one of his Father's Day gifts from Jan. He's known as Papa to his 9 grandchildren. He has close ties with all of us. His family is still the center of his universe!

http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/
https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015

*Perpetual Motion*

                                                       ~~Zentangle Inspired Art~~

                                                ~~~Where Words Soothe and Art & Ideas Delight~~~

                                            ~~Nurturing the Nurturers~~Caring for the Caregivers~~

                                                       
http://www.thesandwichwoman.com/

https://www.facebook.com/thesandwichwoman
Instagram: @San_Gen_Woman & @tangled_bee
Twitter: Carole Brecht @SanGenWoman

#caregivers #caregiving #eldercare #familylife #love #thesandwichwoman

Copyright 2015