Tag Archives: Thanksgiving

Happy Thanks-Caregiving


 

We are thankful for those who are Caregivers today, those  who will be Caregivers tomorrow and especially those who have been Caregivers in the past.

 

We share in our Caregiving Journey with each other in a special way, knowing that while our roads might be different, our paths are filled with comfort and joy from the support we receive from each other!

From our Caregiving Journey to yours…Happy Thanksgiving from                  ’The Purple Jacket‘ and The Bow Tie Guys’

 

 

‘The Bow-Tie-Guys’

Remember…We Might Have Cancer...

But Cancer Does Not Have Us! 

 

 

 

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The Bow-Tie-Guy Tip of the Day:


Where would we be without Support?  

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We Give Thanks…to the Horn Blower!


One of our favorite breakfast nook’s is Chris’ Pancake & Dining (it gives us the illusion that I am cooking!). As we pulled the car up to the parking lot, I stopped the car in front of the building so that ‘The Little One’ would have a short distance to walk to the restaurant. (Four weeks ago he would not have been able to walk on his own to the front door of the restaurant.)

As he was getting out of the car, the person behind us had to blow the horn as we were not moving fast enough to meet his needs. In the classic ‘The Little One’s’ style, he got out of the car and asked the horn blower…’What’s the hurry?’ That exchange reminded me that he is feeling better as four weeks ago, he would not have even bothered with an exchange like that.

While thinking about the ‘horn blower’ and his impatience, I was reminded about what really is important on Thanksgiving… Giving thanks, being present to your loved ones and caring for those around you.

Cancer has taught both of us a lesson that has been invaluable and it comes in one simple word… Thanksgiving!

We are thankful for today, hopeful for tomorrow and want to enjoy as many sunsets as we possibly can. There are so many things that happen in life that are not in our control. Why blow the horn if you are not in danger?

When you give up control, you gain freedom!

The horn I am blowing today is in thanksgiving and gratitude for the things I have, the family and friends that surround us and the continued good health and happiness of ‘The Little One.’

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So…you want to go dancing?


As we move into the celebration of Thanksgiving, we have plenty of things to be thankful for.

‘The Little One’s’ marked improvement over the past four weeks is gratifying; we are cautiously optimistic as we look ahead to the follow-up PET scan the first week of December. While we understand the reality of cancer, we penetrate the disease with love and affection.

When we started this journey in late August, it has ended up being quite a learning experience for both of us. Being separated during the first four weeks of treatments was probably the most difficult part, yet these last six weeks has truly been remarkable. We have gone from a man who could barely stay awake for the entire day, to a man who is up and around on a daily basis enjoying so many of the things that he loves to do, including bossing me around. (Don’t let him know that I let him get away with it!)

For those who have been reading my blog, you know that we like to inject as much humor into our care giving experience as possible. One of the ‘funny’ lines we have been using since day one has been…’Are you ready to go dancing?’ I started asking that question to ‘The Little One’ when I arrived in Florida after ‘The Little One” was admitted to the hospital. We’ve used that question to gauge how he is feeling. It does get a little tired asking someone on a daily basis…’So, How are you feeling’…well…uh…’I feel like s__t, I’ve got cancer’ would be the typical answer. So we changed it up…’Are you ready to go dancing’…’no, not yet but getting closer.’ The funny thing about this question is that we both hate to dance! That is what makes this so much fun. (Two men dancing is weird anyway, no matter what side of the fence you’re on)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we are thankful for the time spent together because each day is like extended play. All too often in our busy schedules, we lose focus on our own realty and human frailty. What is here today, can be gone tomorrow.

Take time to ask your loved on to dance… It’s just as meaningful as telling them that you love them!

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November – National Care Givers Month


November is National Care Givers Month!

 We all know some one who is a caregiver, whether we find ourselves taking care of a loved one, know someone who takes care of a loved one, or even if we have heard an inspritational story on the news.

 In today’s busy world it can be easy to forget to show our appreciation to those who make a difference in our lives and the lives of others everyday. As we prepare to celebrate another Thanksgiving, let us give thanks to those who choose to spend their days serving others.

“Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.”
- Alan Cohen

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