Compassion

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   "The dew of compassion is a tear." Lord Byron
   
   

   There are many occasions for tears for those who are caregivers.  Yesterday when I visited my loved one, I knew I was right at meal time, so I went to where he eats.  He was not there.  His food was there congealing at his place at the table.  When I asked where he was, staff ran to get him and apologized.  But this is not the first time he has apparently been overlooked.  There was no one there yesterday with whom I could discuss this, so I will contact them today.  

   
   

   When the assisted living facility gave me notice they could not meet his needs any more, I looked at nursing homes within a 70-mile radius.  This is one of the better ones.  And, still. , , , , ,      Darn I hate this.

Life is Unfolding as It Should

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   "There are no wrong turns, only unexpected paths." Mark Nepo
   
   

   What if it is true that we cannot make a wrong decision?  I think that may actually be correct.  It seems that God or the Universe or whatever word you use for the benevolent energy of the universe, does bring right outcomes out of every decision we make.  That does not mean that it will always be easy.  But, when I have made a decision based on what I think is in the best interest of all involved, it always has brought blessings to me.  Unexpected, but not wrong.

Diwali

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   1. The festival spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, good over evil, ... Diwali

   Last night I went with a friend to a local Diwali celebration.  I had never been to anything that represented the Hindu faith, and it was fascinating.  It has always been important to me to experience and try to understand other faith expressions, since our religion is really chosen mostly by the circumstances of our birth.  The dancing was lovely, the celebration of fireworks, the food.  When was the last time you experienced something that was outside your tradition?

Impermanence of Life

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   "Only when we can accept that we are fragile guests on this Earth, only then will we be at home wherever we are." Mark Nepo
   
   

   Life is impermanent.  We are reminded of that daily as caregivers.  The almost-daily decline of physical life is evident before us.  With the inclement weather some of us in the northern hemisphere are experiencing, we are also reminded of the fragility of life.  Summer has gone.  Fall is abruptly replaced by winter.  So, too, will our own bodies decline and pass away.  It is the natural order of things.  We could be sad about that, . .. . or we can use that knowledge to live more fully in the present moment.  Today let us take some time to look around, take some deep breaths, and appreciate the life we get to live.  

Being True to Who We Are

It is challenging for most of us humans to remain true to ourselves.  From early childhood our behaviors are shaped to "fit in" and be appropriate.  While this is the natural process for civilization, it can cause us to become separate from who we really are.  If this message from A Course in Miracles is right, then it is impossible to become separate from who we truly are.  Even with the tasks of caregiving that can be so overwhelming, we can stop periodically to ask ourselves what we really want.  Right now.  What is one small thing we can provide ourselves that we want?  Considering what we want, and delivering it, is one small way to remain true to who we are.

Being True to Oneself

It is challenging for most of us humans to remain true to ourselves.  From early childhood our behaviors are shaped to "fit in" and be appropriate.  While this is the natural process for civilization, it can cause us to become separate from who we really are.  If this message from A Course in Miracles is right, then it is impossible to become separate from who we truly are.  Even with the tasks of caregiving that can be so overwhelming, we can stop periodically to ask ourselves what we really want.  Right now.  What is one small thing we can provide ourselves that we want?  Considering what we want, and delivering it, is one small way to remain true to who we are.

Robin Williams

1. "Williams, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, was also suffering from Lewy Body Dementia, a common but devastating disease “marked by abnormal protein deposits in the brain that disrupt normal function.”  Lewy Body Dementia is often associated with Parkinson’s, and when the dementia is combined with the Parkinson’s medications there can be severe side effects. Family and medical sources told TMZ that they believe Lewy Body Dementia was a key factor in the Williams’ suicide." online news

I was struck by the suicide of Robin Williams, and I wondered at the time if he knew that his Parkinson's diagnosis also had the element of dementia.  News released yesterday says that his diagnosis not only included dementia, but the diagnosis was Lewy Bodies Dementia.  Having watched the ravaging of this disease over the past decade in my loved one, I can definitely understand the action Robin Williams took.  I pray for a cure for this debilitating, humiliating and costly disease.