"Moving Beyond COVID-19: Compassion for Caregivers"

I am swept away with the desire to achieve something of greater importance to help ease the distresses that family, friends, and neighbors continue to endure, most of  which may be attributable to the pandemic. In February 2021, the idea to launch a fund-raising campaign settled in my mind. During these lingering financial challenging times for this independent one women business owner, I realized that I required operational capital to plan an increasingly necessary and meaningful endeavor – a caregiver's retreat!

“Moving Beyond COVID-19: Compassion for Caregivers” 

The idea resonated in my spirit  . . . The memory filled my mind as I still remember the details of serving as the primary caregiver for my beloved parents. Once vibrant, exuberant, loving people with a deep appreciation for life, recalling the images of their health struggles has left an indelible imprint in my mind that will be with me for the rest of my life. These thoughts have hastened due to the increase of care being offered to those who struggle with COVID-19. The virus, as most are aware and have come to terms with, has exacerbated existing health conditions which have overcome the bodies and minds of our loved ones. Prior to the virus, myriad forms of cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes, morbid obesity, Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia, autoimmune diseases, and more were out of control. While we observe individuals living longer, children find themselves combining care for their 80, 90, even 100+ year old parents and the weight of caring for their children and sometimes, grandchildren can become tremendously prodigious, a.k.a. "caregiving burnout."

Before initiating this blogpost, I asked, just how many caregivers are in the United States? Without missing a step, I performed my due diligence and discovered, The National Alliance for Caregiving posted a recent report citing that, "The 2020 update reveals an increase in the number of family caregivers in the United States of 9.5 million from 2015 to 2020. Family caregivers now encompass more than one in five Americans. The study also reveals that family caregivers are in worse health compared to five years ago." (caregiving.org)

Caregiver.org revealed that, “Caregiving in the U.S. approximates 39.8 million caregivers will provide care to adults (aged 18+) with a disability or illness or 16.6% of Americans.” 

If family members [informal caregivers] have not yet accepted the responsibility of offering care on behalf of others, it is necessary to prepare oneself, sooner rather than later. The change you observe in your loved one may be gradual, but often, the change may be sudden! It is no secret that people will grow older, and some may experience illnesses, basically, our bodies will simply give out!

Self-care, work life balance, FMLA, vacation, “me days,” are all apart of caring for ourselves – mind, soul, and body. In advance of researching statistics, I discerned that people were in crisis, but this reality struck a RESOUNDING chord reminding me of the importance of caring for self while caring for others. You see, not only were my parents experiencing debilitating illnesses, the care I offered was contemporaneous all the while offering contractual services on behalf of clients and traveling over hill and dale and everywhere! 

Twelve months later, following the two-year caregiving journey, my body retaliated, and I found myself in the hospital receiving care from doctors – replenishing blood, nutrients, minerals back into my body, not to mention, shocked by the fact that I dropped 25 pounds in one week! Hair loss, skin that turned leather like due to lack of sufficient bodily fluids overcame my existence. On the contrary, accordingly, as usual, my obstinacy kicked in! Besides, the doctor wrote a prescription for me that read, “NO.” “Say it often,” were his instructions.

Family and close friends consistently suggested that I needed to slow down, take care of you. In my mind, there was no one else who was able or willing to step up and lend a helping hand to offer the care my parents required. So, I readjusted my peepers and mindset – and consistently remind myself to slow down and put my best interest first. This has not been an overnight change, but I am getting there!

Although, since a child, I believed that I was a hypochondriac, not too anxious, but thoughtful about my overall health. It was natural for me -- my beloved mother worked directly with medical doctors and my father was a chef in his own right and prepared wholesome meals using the best local produce from farmers! I read great stories about public figures in the "Upfront/What I Know Now" section of the AARP Magazine . . . I really felt this sentiment from Jackson Browne, singer/songwriter. . .

"Tuning in to heath" 
"I feel pretty good at 72, I do yoga, I eat well. And I pay really close attention: If I have an ache or pain, I try to find out what it is."

It is inevitable that someday, all will be required to care for a loved one, if one possesses the heart to love deeply and consider others in their time of need, caregiving will become a part of your life, eventually. And being cared for is also guaranteed. 

Perhaps, you are thinking, how may I help this worthy cause? Where can I contribute and make plans to attend the Caregiver’s Retreat? By all accounts, the retreat is for you!

You will discover additional information about the fund-raising campaign on our link below. When we exceed our goals, then the plans will be initiated and everyone may begin to save their money, make deposits for lodging, secure airfare and more because we are headed to where healing and comfort may begin! For starters ARUBA! MEXICO! and to other destinations are considered with you in mind. We desire to help rebuild your resolve and countenance to move you toward a healthier mindset, a stronger body, and an enlightened spirit! Plans are on the drafting board!

For now, CLICK the link below and contribute a reasonable amount to support us -- Doing so will help you and others who are caring for loved ones. If you prefer, you may mail your donation to us too! Perhaps you will receive a gift if your donation exceeds $75! 

https://www.gofund.me/541772b7

*Note, you are receiving this post because our paths have crossed somewhere. I know you well as a result of gathering with family and neighbors, attending church, from one of the schools we have attended, we exchanged business cards at a networking event, or we have worked together through our careers/business . . . If this request does not appeal to you, instead of ignoring or deleting it, please consider passing it along to someone who has a heart that cares. 

Thank you to those who have contributed thus 

far and a special thank you for those who will! 

We are grateful for your thoughtfulness and SUPPORT!

1 Timothy 5:3-8

New International Version

"Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need. But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God. The widow who is really in need and left all alone puts

her hope in God and continues night and day to pray and to ask God for help."

"But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives. Give the people these instructions, so that no one may be open to blame. Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."