As I observe my first Christmas since my mother’s passing, I am thinking of you, dear readers. I send my best to you and want to thank you for reading this blog. Though we have never met, I feel connected to you in thought, especially at this time of year.
The following suggestions were sent to me by Roy Lamont to share with you.
“Caregiving requires a level of attention unmatched by most endeavors. Add to that the inherent stress of the holiday season—with the travel, family visits, huge meals, and of course, gift-shopping and giving—and you may find yourself overwhelmed. That said, being a caregiver doesn’t mean you can’t get into the holiday spirit. As a caregiver it is important to be prepared. Here are some tips to be ready for the New Year:1) Stay up to date on what’s current in healthcare, including laws (i.e. the Affordable Care Act), new medical devices, medicines, and treatment options. Mayoclinic.com has a “Research” tab on its homepage dedicated entirely to advances in the health profession and Healthcare.gov is a great source for legal information. 2) Be sure you have respite care, or at least understand how to access it in the case of an emergency. There are many resources at the local and regional level. Also check out the ARCH National Respite Network.3) Develop an emergency plan (if you haven’t already done so) to ensure the safety of your patient if you are unable to provide care. A comprehensive Google search will uncover many resources, including the National Association’s for Home Care and Hospice emergency preparedness packet.4) Arm yourself with the right “tools,” including appropriate medications, no-rinse pre-packaged cleansing cloths to making bathing easier, and essentials like one-step barrier cream cloths to cleanse and protect the skin.”
As a postscript I want to give you an update regarding The Daffodil Vase. The gallery that has been representing the vase informed our family a few days ago that a museum in Ohio has purchased it for its appraised value. We will now be able to visit from time to time, continuing to enjoy its beauty and memories!
Hi, Pat-I’m glad to hear about the good news about the vase.
I hope Christmas is enjoyable for you and your family. Your vacation sounds great – I’m so glad you were able to get away!
Emily
Hi Emily,
Thanks so much for your note. I don’t think I indicated the specific museum. It will be the Springfield Art Museum. I am so pleased that I’ll be able to drop in every now and then to make sure it’s okay! Hoping they don’t turn around and resell it–
I will think of you over the next week, hoping that you and Patrick have some down time to relax. Pat
Springfield is my mom’s hometown! And that museum is currently featuring an exhibit of work by a friend of mine. So I am a FAN of that museum, even though I’ve never been there. I ought to make a point of going over there.
I admit I am looking forward to Friday, Dec. 30 – the start of a four-day weekend with very few agenda items (at least as of now).
Emily,
I am so thrilled to realize that the art museum at Springfield is featuring the work of your friend and that Springfield is in a sense ‘home’ for you and definitely for your mom.
Charlotte Gordon, curator, is the person who has ties with Sophie Newcombe College in New Orleans and was interested in obtaining the vase. As I understand it, there are a few paperwork things to be signed before it becomes a part of the museum. My brother and I are so pleased that it will be at least for the present a part of a museum.
So glad you’ll get some days off next week. Our son John and his wife Aisha and her dad along with my brother Jim are coming tomorrow. If you could see my house right now you would think we’ll never make it!
Jack and I plan to go to VA to see family on the 29th then a few days in NJ with our son Ed and family (granddaughters!).
With regards and wishes for blessings at Christmas and in the new year, Pat
Pat, you sound busy! But I’m glad you’ll get to see your brother and your kids and their families. We have just a little travel, up to Michigan Christmas day and back Tuesday. Patrick’s parents and one brother live there. I will actually work a couple of days next week, but it will probably be quiet in the office, so it shouldn’t be too bad. Patrick’s birthday is Dec. 29, so that is always fun to celebrate in the midst of the holidays. Best wishes to you, too! Hope to see you in the new year!
Emily
Emily,
Thanks for the good note. The holiday week ahead sounds great!
Our older son John and his wife Aisha got here last night around 1- What a day yesterday was — penalty for traveling just before Christmas I guess. My brother helped decorate the tree after he got here late in the afternoon. The three of us had a nice dinner at Windward Passage. I had oysters, which I always get because I like them and it’s a way of remembering my dad. (His favorite dish was oysters, and I used to take him there.) As we decorated the tree, Jim and I had a nice time remembering Christmases past with our mom.
Let me know if you get to go see the vase!
Best regards, Pat