I have heard it say that the first holiday without your loved one is always the toughest. I dedicate this post to everyone who, like me, is experiencing ‘The First Holiday’ without the one they love.
I am grateful to all our family and friends for helping me heal…Never pass up an opportunity to love!
Happy Thanks-Caregiving
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
Chris' Master Degree Thesis Spiral of Silence: Caregiving, Stress and its Impact in the Workplace was accepted by the faculty at Gonzaga University in May of 2016 earning an MA Degree in Communication and Leadership. Email me at chris@thepurplejacket.com for information on the financial impact of caregiving. Proud to be an Alumni of Gonzaga University 2016
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Learn How To Become A Certified Dementia Communication Specialist with Silver Dawn Training. Tell Cathy and Tami that "The Bow Tie Guy" sent you!
The Whole Care Network Recommends Care Match America. Click on the logo to learn how CareMatch American can find the perfect senior living MATCH for you and your family!
Hope Loves Company (HLC) is the only non-profit in the U.S. with the mission of providing educational and emotional support to children and young adults who had or have a loved one battling Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig's disease. Many of these children become caregivers to their parents. Please visit Hope Loves Company's website to learn more about this wonderful program!
Mr. Happy Key, Keeping Us Safe One Driver at a time. Click on the link and learn how to contact Keeping Us Safe specialist in your area.
Visit Our New Whole Care Network Website by clicking on the Whole Care Network icon!
"What's The Deal With Caregiving?" is available on Amazon. Click above to see the reviews of the book and to purchase a copy of your own
As a certified accessible travel advocate, I can book all your travel plans! Ask me how you can have anything from oxygen to a hoyer lift delivered to your cruise ship stateroom or hotel around the world! For more information email me at chris@tlocruisesandtours.com
Nominated for a Pulitzer Prize in 2015, Our Caregiving Story "In Sickness and In Health: A Couple's Final Journey" written by Diane Lade and photgraphed by Carline Jean from The South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Click on the photo to be taken to the original story. Photo Credit Carline Jean/Sun-Sentinel
Story 2: "Life After Death: Couple's Story Sparks Change." Click on the photo to be taken to the second story. Photo Credit Carline Jean Sun-Sentinel
Story #3 "Saying Goodbye" Click on the photo to be taken to our final story. Photo Credit Carline Jean/Sun-Sentinel
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The Purple Jacket 
There are so many “firsts” after the death of a loved one. Just when you think you’ve reached and passed all of them, another meaningful occasion appears before you. The “firsts” are more difficult than the “seconds”. You’ll make it; I know you will.
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Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. There is another ‘first’ just around the corner, recognizing them and just dealing with it, is half the battle!
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You will be the victor in this battle.
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Hi Chris, Have been thinking about you but since I didn’t call there is no way you would know that.My children were here and two almost relatives. we were 9 and everything went well.Speak with you soon. love from Harriet and Ed
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