MY INSPIRATIONS

I was blessed to witnessed my parents' care for my grandparents. I was a frequent visitor to their homes growing up, which were among the best places to be. Over time, my visits shifted from socializing to providing assistance, which my grandparents appreciated. Three of my four grandparents had Dementia and Alzheimer's, and I experienced their different signs and progression rates. I learned so much about how to interact with them, ensuring our time together was meaningful. I never hesitated to help her or take a ride over to keep her company. I grew up knowing that my grandma loved me and provided safety.  I was honored to help her transition whole showings her love, safety and companionship. I
 

During my freshman year in high school, my brother, who was a junior, was involved in a severe automobile accident (with no alcohol involved), which resulted in his left arm being severed above the elbow. He also suffered a traumatic brain injury, requiring extra attention and assistance both mentally and physically from the age of 17. 

My poor brother has been treated so unfairly in the care departmenrt. Now that he is in his 50s, I've been providing home assistance with daily living chores that his brain injury prevents him from managing. For the past five years, my aging father has needed care, and I have stepped in to help my brother in ways my dad can no longer manage.

Since my mom passed in 2022, I’ve been caring for my father too. in the past two years, I’ve been fortunate enough to care for him after quadruple bypass surgery at the age of 76.

 When a friend needed help caring for her 90ish grandmother, I fell in love with her. I am still thankful for that opportunity. Gina loved her family she called “blessings“, dogs, (She IS the reason I have the sweet pup shown above!) dressing sharp and earrings. I enjoyed taking her to dinner in the dining hall and tucking her into bed while watching crime shows together. Losing her left a hole in my heart, but I am so thankful she took that piece of my heart with her. I cherish the memories we made together.
 

I assisted one employer, with her mother, who had no family support. I developed a fondness for her and often visited her on my own accord. Our conversations were always educationa, very interesting, because of her Greek heritage and we always shared some laughs. Tula loved books, history, art, (She was a curator at the DIA in her earlier days.)LOVED cats, and of course The Hallmark Channel. Her favorite Christmas story was “Yes  Virginia, there is a Santa Clause”. She gave me a copy every year to read to the kids. ♥️
She came to know all about my family and always asked about them with such enthusiasm and delight. I’m certain it warmed both our hearts. I recognized the need for someone like me to provide respite care, check in on seniors while their families were away, and assist with errands or appointments and maybe stop for a quick lunch. I even attended a family funeral with her in the event extra hands were needed.

This is where I developed some really helpful negotiating skills and tricks to help her trust me and allow me to assist in some of her most essential daily life. I was proud of myself when I figured out how to clean the left overs out of the fridge without her getting upset. 

 My mother became a hospice chaplain, caring for people with her whole heart until their last breath, impacting both the seniors and their overwhelmed families. She would provide resources for all things needed.  Caring for and helping  others was a family value.

My 76 year old dad is still, to this day, compelled to find a solution to any predicament he gets wind of. He is a “Good Old Boy” and “Knows a guy” for anything. In all seriousness, his dedication and deep commitment to protect and care for his parents were definitely burned into my head and my heart.

I remember accompanying my mom in my late teens to visit a young woman in a nursing home transitioning due to Type 1 Diabetes. She had no family and had burned bridges with friends, but my mom befriended her, providing companionship and care until her passing. I felt the profound impact of my mother's kindness.  

I felt the impact again and again watching her assist her friends, stranger and of course family find the necessaey resources they needed to navigate and secure their futures and health were in order.

She relieved families that were on the verge of breakdown. She spent countless hours with nothing but heart centric intentions. Each success was her reward. I took note.