Gratitude

by Mika Miller, Director of Resident Services at Carlsbad By The Sea

Daily I come to a place VOID of Youth – I have gratitude 

Listen carefully, approach softly, minds without clarity – I have gratitude

Speak loudly - diminished hearing – I have gratitude 

Build relationships to counter doubt and fear - I have gratitude

Pace slowly for those – whose stamina is NOT – I have gratitude


And in this place of “VOID” I am surrounded by GRATITUDE


GRATITUDE that people have slowed down to enjoy life, friends, family, purpose

GRATITUDE that through lack of clarity we can connect in new ways

GRATITUDE that speaking clearly and loudly allows time and better recognition of the REAL conversation

GRATITUDE to be able to build relationships on TRUST and that through the “VOIDS” we have created a safer and larger space in which to connect.

GRATITUDE that going slowly for others gives a better perspective on truly living

GRATITUDE that in the “lack of” there is actually more; more understanding, more depth or experience; and for that I am grateful.

Alzheimer's Caregivers - Create a New Lens, Explore the Opportunities

By Nancy Gordon, director of the California Lutheran Homes Center for Spirituality and Aging 

A frequently cited statistic is after the age of 50, the disease most feared is Alzheimer’s—more feared than cancer, stroke, and heart disease.

Explore the possibilities and opportunities for creative expression,
expansion of spirit, flourishing of relationships, the sharing of hope and joy.  Getty

There is good reason for this fear. Alzheimer’s disease (and other causes of dementia) robs the sufferer of what seems most intrinsic to their selfhood: their ability to remember, to think and problem solve, and to hold up their end of the conversation. For those who love them, the confusion, the sometimes delusional thinking, and the blankness that comes over their faces is heartbreaking. We do seem to be losing them bit-by-bit, and we fear that someday we may lose ourselves in the same way...

Read article in full at About.com