Thursday, January 26, 2012

Scratching an itch...


I’ve been troubled for a few months now by the consequences of “dead end” relationships . The fate of young, or not- so-young  lovers who think they’ve got the world by the proverbial tail can be  a slippery downward skid; usually to the chagrin of family members who have been there, done that – possibly more than once - and for naught. 

It’s an undeniable truth that no-one can give advice, solicited or not – it just doesn’t make sense to even try, and there are no gains or brownie points to be accomplished. Everyone has to make their own way and learn, hopefully from youthful errors of their ways. The clincher here is that the “Old Ones” in the teepee have already learned their life’s lessons and hopefully are the better for it.  Myself included.

Yesterday I was at a ladies’ house party, in celebration of a colleague who has, since becoming a single mother, three years ago accomplished immeasurable strides. One of the guests – a married woman - commented that in her younger years, she never anticipated she would have to work so hard, now in her middle-age years, to just keep her head above water.

Sad but too true, even with a long term and loving partner, women are ultimately responsible for their own financial well-being. Who will tend your fire when it burns low?  Give your heads a shake you young sweet peas – when youth betrays you and your looks wither on the vine the one who will ultimately save you is you yourself!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Walk for Memories...




 
On Sunday, January 29th, 2012, the annual Walk for Memories will take place in support of the Alzheimer Society. 

January is Alzheimer’s Month, so log on to http://www.walkformemories.ca to find a walk location near you. Support a Walker by making a pledge.
                                                                                           
This excerpt from the Alzheimer’s Association of Ontario says it all:


The Let’s Face It campaign, launched by the Alzheimer society offers more about dementia and the warning signs and you can download a Preparing for Your doctor’s Visit checklist. http://www.alzheimerletsfaceit.ca.

The Society offers Help for Today through programs and services for people living with dementia and Hope for Tomorrow by funding research to find the cause and the cure.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Starting New Traditions...


I was just reading in our local newspaper an article about the benefits to both caregivers and their loved ones if traditional holiday festivities are tempered by more simplicity and fewer commitments. People everywhere are overwhelmed and over-wrought..and these frustrations create, for the “loved one(s)”, a sense of anxiety that may not be not identifiable. For some households,  dementia has come uninvited and  everyday compromises are a fact of life.

As is the case with anyone whose finances may be so meager that there is simply not enough for the basics of living, a sense of helplessness and hopelessness can be pervasive. Solutions are just not recognizable and the feeling of being mired down is totally suffocating.  Caregivers who are also suffering the woes of coping know that even tidbits of relief are truly valuable.

Last evening, with the tree up and soft Christmas music playing,  my loved one was humming along to familiar carols and classics of yesteryear.  I had a couple of pillar candles, in tall glass cylinders, on the mantle – the atmosphere was peaceful and content. Out of the blue came a real zinger….an observation that “the catholics are lit up”!  It was absolutely a hilarious moment which will be treasured forever .

Don’t be a fool this Yule – do what you can,  enjoy what you have, and know that as the weeks ahead pass Springtime , with all its possibilities, will certainly bring fresh insights and outlooks . Love yourself, love your friends – however few or many they may number, and feel amazed again when you imagine jingle bells.