“You can’t breathe in yesterday and you can’t breathe in tomorrow. You can only breathe in the present moment.”  I read that somewhere and it is so true.  To deal with the challenge of today, we need to be present today.

Oprah Winfrey says, “Breathe.  Let go.  And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”  What a message for people everywhere and especially for caregivers and parents.  Don’t waste a minute of today.  Live it to the fullest.

“Try to take a breath five minutes ago.  Okay, that didn’t work.  Try to breathe five minutes from now.  That didn’t work either.  You see, we can only breathe for right now.”  That’s advice from Eugene D. Holden, in Science of the Mind. 

When you find the day too tough to deal with, stop, close your eyes, and take in a deep breath.  Do it right now.  Wow, instant stress relief. 

Touch of Joy Golliver

My grandchildren visit my husband who has Alzheimer’s Lewybody.  To make it more comfortable for them, we all plan to entertain grandad.  One day my granddaughter did a tap dance routine, while my grandson choose to demonstrated Tai Kwan Do and talk about his black belt.  Another time all of the grandchildren came and decorated their Easter eggs in the activity room so he could watch.  Many pictures were taken during these visits and there was lots of laughter.

On Memorial Day, we “invented” a 500 mile race.  We bought 4 tiny pull back cars in different colors. We made a very simple track with strips of plastic framing material that we taped to the table so the cars couldn’t fall off. We decorated the track with little flags and added a stop ramp at the end.  All of the residents in the memory support unit took a turn while others watched and wondered which car would win!  Granddad enjoyed it all and most importantly his grandchildren felt needed. 

I hope you’ll find that this game can be used over and over.

Touch of JOY

Did you read about this in the AARP Bulletin?  It is a combination of email and snail mail turned into a computer free personal newsletter.  What would I want that you may ask?  It is a great way to communicate with an elderly loved one who is afraid of computers.

Sunnygram will deliver correspondence and photos to people who shun the computer for just $9.95 a month.  Your loved one will receive it once each week.  It fills the gap between phone calls and visits, for parents or friends who live far away and it gives them something to look forward to.  They can respond back via phone or handwritten note, stationary provided. 

Stay in touch.  Contact www.Sunnygramcom today and see what this great newsletter looks like.

Touch of JOY

Did you see Chico’s latest catalog?  In it they announced the winner of their Top Dog contest, and the winner is …. Jacqueline Pipta and Sam.  “Sam taught me to live more in the moment.  His truths:  if you are hungry, eat; if your are bored, change activities; are tired, sleep; are happy, smile and wag.  When you feel love, kiss and hug; feel angry speak up; feel lethargic change acitivities.  working with him showed me when anger or fear are present, face it with courage.  And, finally a commitment to yourself and to others must be acted upon.”

These are lessons for everyone, especially caregivers.  Live in the moment, for really, that’s all there is.

Touch of JOY