Our inaugural Bow Tie Guy Radio show will air on Blog Talk Radio will on Tuesday October 9th at 1:00 pm. Join us for a friendly conversation with Mark Adler, Associate Executive Director of Broward Meals on Wheels and Monica Pavlik of Senior Health Now. We will be chatting about the importance of health and nutrition with Mark and Monica as we focus on how to be a healthy caregiver.
To Access Tuesday’ show, just click here!
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. Buddha
As Caregivers, more often than not, we pay better attention to the health and well-being of our caree rather than to ourselves; It just goes with the territory. Just the other day, I found ‘The Little One’ pulling out the stepladder to use to reach the upper cabinets (after all he is 5’5”) in our kitchen. Being the over protective caregiver that I am, I immediately balked at his use of the ladder. “What are you doing,” I said! “What does it look like I am doing, putting away the groceries.” He responded. “Not with that ladder you’re not.” The conversation deteriorated from there…
Safety is a big concern for all of us. One harmless fall can put an entire series of health concerns into play. Yet there is a delicate balance between independence and common sense.
Dr. Starcevic with ‘The Little One’
On Friday, ‘The Little One’ had his quarterly check up with his primary care physician, Dr. Starcevic. Dr. Starcevic continues to be amazed at ‘The Little One’s’ progress and stated…”We should review the pathology report because this is truly amazing!” I was gratified when she spoke about how important I was in the progress that he has made over the past year. Of course, he agreed with her 100%. This conversation really helped boost my ego and confidence.
‘The Little One’ highly respects Dr. Starcevic, and I do too. When ‘The Little One’ was in the middle of his chemo and radiation treatments last year, she was the one who determined that he needed to be in the hospital. Not only did she have him admitted, she put him in a wheel chair and took him to the hospital herself! We will never forget that act of kindness on her part.
The Famous Stepladder
During the conversation with Dr. Starcevic, ‘The Little One’ mentioned that he is “extra careful when he walks because he does not want to fall down and break a hip.” As I listened attentively to his words, I could not resist jumping in. “Why don’t you tell Dr. Starcevic how you like to get on stepladders, “ I said! They both turned to me (with different expressions on their face of course) at the same time: then the real conversation ensued about ‘The Little One’s’ safety. The conversation was lively and to the point; it is harder for ‘The Little One’ to dispute Dr. Starcevic than it is me!
Every caregiver wants to ensure that their caree is 100% safe. While I know I cannot be at home 24/7, I also know that I cannot control what ‘The Little One’ does when I am not home. (Like I can really control him when I am at home!) I can hear ‘The Little One’ saying, ‘I can put those cans on that top shelf, I’ve been doing it this way my entire life;’ I get that response and respect it too.
Even as we age, each one of us has that indestructible opinion of ourselves. We do not want to lose our independence, but we also do not want to lose our independence through a fall that is preventable. Sometimes we just need a different messenger, and sometimes we have to realize that our message needs to be tapered. In this case, we learned the meaning of both. Thank goodness for the wonderful work of Dr. Starcevic!
You see…We might have Cancer…But Cancer does not have us!
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide.
Mahatma Gandhi
We are three weeks into our FitPass program with Caregiving.com and the group is progressing along just fine. There are so many reasons why we put on weight; stress, poor choices, not seeing food as fuel is just a few of the topics that come up during our FitPass discussions on Monday night. While I have a long way to go in order to sort out why I have put on weight, I am pleased with the loss of 8lbs since we’ve started this program.
It just so happened that the ‘The Little One‘ had his own discussion on health and fitness with a nurse who came to visit him on Monday in our home. This visit was a courtesy of one of the many programs that his insurance plan has for him in Florida. (Hence another reason to be here full-time) While I missed the visit today, I certainly heard about it during our dinner conversation.
“I was given all these instructions on what I should be eating and how I should be eating. While I appreciated the concern and the information I was given, I just looked at her and said...I’m between 81 and death, at this point in my life and what I have been through this past year, what difference does it really make what I eat?” I’m sure he said this in a polite tone.
I mentioned ‘The Little One’s conversation this evening during our FitPass conference call and made the comment, “I’m the one who should have had that conversation today as it is my eating habits and fitness that is out of whack.”
The common denominator here is simple, it is about the perception of one’s quality of life.
‘The Little One’ can never be accused of not having a realistic view of his condition. Yesterday is gone — today is here — not sure about tomorrow. He has admirably lived by this motto for quite some time now. (Remember, he was given 3-4 months to live last October!) Like many people who are diagnosed with a life threatening illness, it’s not uncommon for a conversation to take place about Quality of Life. Quality of Life will have a different meaning for each one each of us. ‘The Little One’ has outlived everyone’s expectations; he is cognizant of what quality of life means to him. Who is it for anyone else to argue with him on this point? At this time in his life, eating one less scoop of ice cream or having one less helping of milk chocolate raisins is not going to do anything for him other than deprive him of a pleasure. I’d say ‘go for it and enjoy!’
Photo Credit: The Purple Jacket
The more I thought about his visit with the nurse, and the more I talked about it with our FitPass group, I realized that I have lost sight of what quality of life means to me. You see, as a Caregiver we get so wrapped up in the needs of our caree, we often forget about our own needs. That extra scoop of ice cream sure feels good when you’ve had a stressful day of Caregiving, work, life etc. However, that does not mean you have to have that extra scoop of ice cream every night!
Photo Credit: Wayne Dyer
In order to make healthy choices, we have to be aware of our options. With that, we have to recognize and own what quality of life means to us as an individual . For ‘The Little One’ that extra scoop of ice cream signifies an accomplishment and truly is a part of his quality of life; he has earned it! For me, my quality of life can not be tied solely to his, for in that, I lose my sense of self. (I.e. Weight Gain) How can I be a good caregiver if I am not taking care of myself?
While the nurse that visited our home on Monday was not there to see me, in reality the message she left…was solely for me!
You see…We might have Cancer…But Cancer does not have us!
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
Purple Jacket Readers Note: This is a formal academic essay submitted on ‘The Purple Jacket’ by…
Chris MacLellan, September 8, 2012, Short Essay #1: Vote Yes for Online Communities, COML 509 Professor Alexander Kuskis, Gonzaga University
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Communication takes place in a myriad of ways and modern technology has certainly changed the way society interacts. What would communication be to a deaf person without the ability to read lips or understand sign language? Smoke singles for the Indians; Morris Code? There is an endless list of communication models, yet the common denominator in all models of communication is some form of human interaction. Modern technology has made the world smaller, creating numerous opportunities for people to come together share resources, while forming international support for any one particular cause. This essay will demonstrate the importance of online communities and their positive effects on sub-groups within society.
Anyone who has been a caregiver knows that outside support is an important part of the Caregiving process. Support can come in many different forms: emotional, physical, and financial just to name a few. To be a healthy caregiver, outside support is essential to the physical and mental well-being of all parties involved in the Caregiving experience. According to the National Family Caregiving Association, “More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.” (National Family Caregiving Alliance, 2009) Many of those 65 million people hold down full-time jobs; Working caregivers often sacrifice leisure time, while suffering stress-related illnesses. Caregivers multi-task, are pressed for time, and always searching for that proper balance in life. One way that family caregivers find care, comfort, and support is through online communities.
Photo Credit: Caregiving.com
On-line communities are essential for caregivers. Caregivers use online communities to navigate the home health system, not only for their loved one’s physical and emotional needs, but for their personal support system as well. Denise Brown who leads one of the most popular online Caregiving communities, Caregiving.com said, “Online communities are open 24/7–you can connect when it’s convenient for you. You also can control the type of support you receive–chats, online support groups, blogging, simply reading and lurking. Online communities offer so many options for how and when you connect. They are a great reminder that you aren’t alone, that others understand and know what it’s like.” (Brown, 2012)
Online communities can be as diverse as your neighborhoods. The same can be said for the online community at Caregiving.com. This form of Computer Mediated Communication (CMC) offers a variety of subgroups within the Caregiving genre as Caregiving comes in many different forms. (I.e. Caring for parents, caring for a spouse, caring for a partner, caring for children, caring for sibling) “According to social network scholars, CMC is more than capable of supporting strong, multiple ties between people.” (Thurlow, Lengel & Tomic, 2004) This is where Caregiving.com is at its best. Caregivers are so focused on taking care of others; caregivers often lose sight of self. The Caregiving.com community provides an immediate outlet for all caregivers to help escape loneliness,share resources while collaborating on issues that caregivers face on a daily basis. “For the family members of older people, online social networks can provide a bit of relief.” (Clifford, 2009) Simply put, on-line communities provide the assurance of knowing that you are not alone.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
The very nature of Caregiving implies that someone is the recipient of care. However, how do you describe the person you care for? In 2009, this topic came up for discussion on Caregiving.com as the common description used for those receiving care was ‘care recipient’. One of the members pointed out that the label ‘care recipient’ did not accurately reflect her Caregiving role with her mother. Like any other community who constructively deals with an issue it faces, the community at Caregiving.com collaborated on what the proper term to use for those for whom are cared. “Successful communities evolve to keep pace with the changing needs of members and owners.” (Kim, 2000) Through discussion and subsequent polling of the online community, the term (and new word) ‘caree’ was developed and instituted on Caregiving.com. This type of collaboration creates healthy communities because a voice was heard, action was taken and results were achieved. Everyone felt a part of the process and now the word ‘Caree’ is often heard throughout the network of caregivers.
Photo Credit: thirdage.com
Human nature expresses the need for some form of personal contact with another. While Face-to-Face (F2F) contact is preferable, that is not practical for caregivers who often cannot leave their caree. For the caregiver, “We have also seen how large number of people have in fact begun to establish complex arrangements of long-standing, meaningful social relationships online.” (Thurlow et al., 2004 p.99) On-line communities provides a 24/7 outlet that F2F support groups cannot provide. Having the ability to connect with someone walking in the same footsteps, provides immeasurable care and comfort to a stressed out caregiver. During the 16 years of existence of Caregiving.com, strong personal relationships have been built through this online community.
Photo Credit:thirdage.com
Denise Brown started her online Caregiving journey with Caregiving.com in 1996. Like many healthy online communities, Caregiving.com recognized a need, then put a plan in place to meet the needs of the community of caregivers. Online communities are more than just a niche market; they are communities of real people facing real problems. Through the diversity of online communities, there is unity and a common bond because everyone shares the same footprint. However, the best part about healthy online communities as exemplified by Caregiving.com is that everyone is your friendly neighbor.
References
National Family Caregiving Alliance. (2009). Caregiving statistics. Retrieved from http://www.thefamilycaregiver.org/who_are_family_caregivers/Care_giving_statsitics. cfm
Brown, D. (2012, September 7). Interview by C. MacLellan [Personal Interview].
Thurlow, C., Lengel, L., & Tomic, A. (2004). Computer mediated communication: Social interaction and the internet. (p. 100). London: SAGE.
Clifford, S. (2009, June 2). Online, ‘a reason to keep on going’. The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/health/02face.html?_r=1&pagewanted=print
Kim, A. J. (2000). Community building on the web. (p. 21). Berkeley: Peachpit Press.
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
As Caregivers we are often put in a position where we have to choose between what’s good for our self and what is good for the person for whom we are caring. If you are a caregiver like me (and I bet you are), you are always putting the needs of your caree first. Placing someones else’s needs in front of your own can be difficult for some people to understand; but not for the caregiver! In our me first society, and in many business circles, decisions like this are frowned on and often not understood.
To be a healthy caregiver, we have to learn how to live life in the solutions of our Caregiving experience; not solely in the problems of our Caregiving experience. By living a life focused on solutions, we live our life with clarity, hope and love. Focusing solely on problems, we live in fear, worry and despair. Focusing on solutions is not only a healthy mindset for caregivers, it is a healthy mindset for everyone.
I have had to learn this lesson the hard way. After almost 10 years of Caregiving, I started to focus more on the problem, not the solutions. By focusing only on the problems, I lost myself and just created more problems in return. Losing yourself complicates Caregiving. While the love for your caree is strong and sealed, you have to love yourself first in order to solidify your inner peace and purpose. Your life can’t be that of your caree!
Photo Credit: The Purple Jacket
The price of Caregiving is not fixed, it is different for everyone. But if you don’t recognize the personal cost in Caregiving, you can lose yourself in the process, and that cost is priceless. What are the signs of losing yourself: weight gain, loss of focus/clarity, financial stress, spiritual uncertainty, your own purpose, professional satisfaction, detachment just to name a few.
For people who care, this is a conundrum. We are always asking ourselves…”Did I do enough; could I have done something different.” 
Yet what we might ask ourselves is…
Are we always looking at the problem, and not the solution?
While I do not intend to lose focus on the care of ‘The Little One’, I am starting to refocus on caring for myself. This has been a revelation of sorts because ‘The Little One’ has been asking me (telling, demanding, requesting, you get the picture) to take better care of myself. Yet immersed in this care and unwilling to listen, reality has come full force. How can I be a good caregiver, if I can’t take better care of myself?
Photo Credit: The Purple Jacket
It’s simple:
Eat Less… Move More
Focus on Solutions…Not Problems
Never quit caring… Especially for yourself
You see…We might have Cancer…
but Cancer does not have us!
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
THERE
HERE
and maintain a healthy lifestyle while you care !
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
I decided to try something different this evening with my blog post… I am using Dragon Naturally Speaking to post my blog this evening. I have come to the realization that I am much better at speaking than I am at typing: this just might be a better way for me to communicate my thoughts, feelings and emotions as I moved forward with ‘The Purple Jacket.” So far so good!
Jewish Halo
This past week, The Little One had his appointment with the oncologist. What was amazing about this appointment was that I did not feel the need, nor did I have the time to go to the appointment with him. Now the ‘Mother Hen’ in me worried all morning about the whereabouts of “The Little One” yet I knew deep down inside me that could handle the oncologist, handle the drive down to the office and be independent. He did not get to be 81 without some form of independence!
Just as is the primary care doctor was encouraged at his progress, so was the oncologist. It just so happens that the oncologist and the primary care doctor
share the same office space; this convenient for sharing information between staff and doctors. The other benefit of this location in that the chemotherapy treatments is on the site, too! This setup has made easier, not only for “The Little One”, but for all the patients that these physicians see on a regular basis.
The oncologist continued to spread good cheer, good health and well-being for “The Little One.” As I mentioned in my last blog post, the oncologist had projected 3 or 4 months to live after the initial diagnosis and subsequent treatments. While he is pleased to be proven wrong, statistically speaking, the cure rate for esophageal cancer is one of the lowest there is. If we are going solely by the book, then 3 to 4 months is correct.
It is understandable why a diagnosis like this would be attached to such a short lifespan. That being said, we forged ahead mindful of the pitfalls, yet striving for the best possible results. We never want to rule out hope!
I guess what amazes me the most about this visit to the oncologist is not the fact that we all recognize that the little one has far exceeded anyone’s expectations; it’s why is the doctor felt like he has to end this positive visit with the words…”You know you’re on borrowed time!”
Photo Credit: Pinterest
Granted I was not there for this conversation, and I have no reason to doubt what “The Little One” has told me in regards to this conversation. Yet, I am not sure what the purpose of comments like this does for a patient, for a caregiver or for the physician themselves? Throughout this whole ordeal, we have taken a positive approach to dealing with the effects of cancer. We could sulked, we could have played the blame game, we could have gone into denial… However, what good would that have done for either one of us? That’s just like saying…”you know we’re on borrowed time.”
I do not claim to be a doctor, I do not claim to be a clinician, but I do believe that I understand how a positive outlook and healthy communication can have a soothing and healing effect on the mind, on the body, and of the spirit when dealing with critical health issues. When you think about it, we are all on borrowed time, yet does a cancer patient really need to be reminded of that?
Photo Credit: Pinterst
The healing power of body, mind and spirit plays such an important role in overcoming physical (and mental) illness. To use a sports metaphor, the best defense is usually a good offense. The best way to deal with a diagnosis of cancer is to be as realistic and honest as possible. Our best offense was to plunge full force When I look at this comment from the oncologist in this light, I can understand it. Yet to presuppose a diagnosis without the addition of hope, only leads us to despair. Reality is painful enough, more so without the effects of hope!
Sometimes Just Being There is all we need
Through this experience, I am convinced that one of the key tools in transmitting hope and reality, is the ability to be an empathetic communicator. Calmly… Empathy transmits hope and reality. I don’t think that there is anymore that we can ask for when dealing with the stark reality of Cancer or any other disabling illness.
You see…We Might Have Cancer…But Cancer Does Not Have Us!
Photo Credit: ‘The Bow-Tie-Guy”
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
Photo Credit: Pinterest
As we continue to move forward with his aftercare, there is amazement on every side of the aisle. Our last report from the primary care doctor was terrific. She, like everyone else involved in his care, is utterly amazed at the progress that ‘The Little One’ has made since this ordeal started almost a year ago. I have been reluctant to blog lately, because quite frankly, I am amazed (and quite busy) too.
When ‘The Little One’ was diagnosed with cancer in late July of 2011, we started six weeks’ worth of treatments almost immediately. The outcome looked bleak back then, and in fact the doctors gave us little hope for the future when the diagnosis came in. ‘Three maybe four months” said the oncologist back in September of 2011.
It was at that time I made the conscious decision to withhold that information from ‘The Little One’ while telling the doctor ‘let’s wait and see how he responds to treatments.’ I never shared that conversation with ‘The Little One’ until after our last appointment with his primary care doctor just a few weeks ago. (If we are doing the math, that last appointment was in June; I was told in August of 2011 that he had 3 to 4 months. We are almost to a year since the first treatments….) Of course, I consulted with the oncologist on the decision not to share this information with ‘The Little One’ , and he agreed. “Let see how the treatments go and let him live his life to the fullest!” He has exceeded all expectations, and now his doctors want to do a case study on him.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
To withhold this information is a difficult judgment call that caregivers, spouses, doctors have to make on a daily basis. I made this decision based on one simple fact. ‘The Little One’ knew that he had cancer, and he knew that it was serious; I also knew that he was going to do anything he possibly could to beat the diagnosis. Why train the mind to think something is going to happen, when we really do not know when is going to happen?
This week, ‘The Little One’ will visit his oncologist for a quarterly check-up. I am confident that the oncologist will be pleased and say again….”Bern, you look great,” which ‘The Little One will reply, “ Yes, I’ve got a new embalmer!” Laughter is the best medicine, even in its most trying times.
What is left of the tumor is dormant and for all intent and purposes, his cancer is in remission. From the first day, we have taken this day by day. What else is there to do? Every case is different. My decision to withhold this information from “The Little One” was not an easy decision to make. After revealing this decision to him, he was glad not to know… even though he did know.
Photo Credit: Pinterest
In a sad, but beautiful twist of fate, ‘The Little One’s lifelong friend Jill has recently been diagnosed with cancer. Like our first report, Jill’s first report has us all concerned. What is beautiful about this is how ‘The Little One’ is able to transfer his experience of this insidious disease to Jill… to encourage her, to console her, to simply be there for her. This gift of encouragement is one of the best gifts that one can give to a friend.
We send out a big hug and hello to our friend Doug in STL who is going through treatments at this time. We are thinking of you Doug!
Photo Credit: The Purple Jacket
As you have noticed, we have taken a break from Blogging on ‘The Purple Jacket’ for the past few weeks. As I transition into a new job and into a new academic program at Gonzaga University, “The Purple Jacket” will be taking on a new look too. We will continue to provide you updates on ‘The Little One’ as this blog is really dedicated to him. Yet in future weeks, we will expand the content of the blog to discuss the effects of Caregiving on the caregiver. What is often overlooked in Caregiving is the importance of the health of the caregiver. Personally, I have had to take a long hard look at this issue, and have come to the conclusion that the best way to deal with this issue is to blog about it. In essence, there is a real purple jacket. I just can’t fit into it any longer. We have to explore the issue of what it means to be a healthy caregiver!
Photo Credit: Caregiving.com
I am BIG fan of Caregiving.com The community on Caregiving.com is just tremendous and Denise Brown who is the proprietor of this wonderful website, is an expert in the field of Caregiving. You want to be sure to check out Caregiving.com and become a part of the Caregiving family too! Follow Denise on Twitter @caregiving and on Blog Talk Radio, too!
WE will also be exploring a new communication theory entitled ‘The Theory of Empathic Communication” in an upcoming blog posts, as well as our Phone A Friend program at SunServe Social Services. We will also be chatting about a great program at the Pride Center in Fort Lauderdale, Coffee & Conversation which takes place every Tuesday morning at 11:00 am in Wilton Manors, Florida. I will also have some speaking engagements to announce in August and September. Coming soon, ‘The Bow-Tie-Guy’ on Blog Talk Radio!
Photo Credit: The Bow-Tie-Guy
Filed under Caregiving, The Purple Jacket
This past weekend, we took the opportunity to motor to Mount Dora, Florida. Funny how the last two weekends have developed for us; two weekends ago we were on the verge of heading to the hospital, this past weekend, we are traveling to Mount Dora. It is difficult to know just what to expect when you are dealing with cancer.
Photo Credit: The Bow-Tie-Guy
Why Mount Dora, Florida you ask? Going back to their days in Manhattan, ‘The Little One’ has a friend of 60+ years living in Mount Dora. Mount Dora is a little town just north of Orlando, known for its quaint antique shops. It is a beautiful town and surprisingly, has plenty of things to do. But this was not a weekend for tourism, this was a weekend of storytelling and laughter!
With over 60 years of friendship behind them, the conversation was unrestrained. Names from the past, (celebrities to boot!) stories that never ended. To them, yesterday was today and tomorrow will come: it was a beautiful experience. Finally the name…’Harriet Craig’ was blurted out and the laughter got more pronounced. Harriet Craig was a nickname given to ‘The Little Ones’ friend years ago because of his constant need to clean the apartment he shared in Manhattan with his partner of over 40 years. Apparently, ‘Harriet’ just could not stand a dirty ashtray, one flick of the ash and up Harriet would go to clean the tray; always in constant motion, always on top of the conversation. Once I learned why Harriet Craig, I understood the connection to the character in the movie as the villa was in impeccable condition! As we moved on to dinner, it was easy to see who was in charge…Harriet Craig!
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
Harriet Craig is a 1950 movie played by the legendary Joan Crawford. The movie credits go like this… ‘Domineering Harriet Craig holds more regard for her home and its possessions than she does for any person in her life. Neurotic perfectionist Harriet Craig (Crawford) makes life miserable for everyone around her.’ While the description of the character in the movie does not accurately depict ‘The Little Ones’ friend, the metaphor is there in order to create the ‘sting.’
I was told that I was not old enough and privileged enough to call him ‘Harriet Craig!’
Their stories sounded quite familiar to that what you would hear today. If you are a ‘Sister’ you know what I mean. Long standing friends reminiscing about their past, grateful for their partners, their friendship and their freedom to be who they are. Gay Marriage, Equal Rights and the sorts, all talked about in their day, just not in the volume that we hear today.
Yet…Who Are They?
They are two close friends, in separate (gay) relationships, lasting over 40 years each, which is quite the accomplishment, no matter what side of the fence you are on! Yet these accomplishments often go unnoticed in our society as we here more about what’s wrong with gay relationships than what’s right about gay relationships. They are your uncles, cousins, they are your friends…
Who Are They?
Photo Credit: Unknown
They are your neighbor right next door. We have all heard the phrase…’home is where the heart is.’ That phrase applies to everyone’s home, not just a selected few.
Our friend in Mount Dora is just a few years older than ‘The Little One’, leads an active life, accepted by his cohorts, active in his neighborhood, has dinner with his neighbors and volunteers at hospice. He is your neighbor.
Who Are They?
Stonewall Inn 1969 Photo Credit Diane Davies
They are two men who lived not only during the time of the Stonewall Riots, they lived in the mist of the Stonewall Riots where friends of them were killed just for being who they are. The riots inspired LGBT people throughout the country to organize in support of gay rights, and within two years after the riots, gay rights groups had been started in nearly every major city in the United States. They are your pioneers…
This weekend, when you see all the stores on the news about Gay Pride weekend, remember those Gay Seniors who live alone and cannot get to the parade. Remember those Gay Seniors who still live in fear; Remember those gay seniors who lived and worked in the trenches in order to bring LGBT equality issues of today to the forefront.
And finally, remember the thousand upon thousand of Gay Seniors who have lived their life in committed and long lasting relationships only to be denied their equal rights.
Who Are They?
They are your American Seniors, who just happen to be Gay.
Photo Credit: Webshots
You See…‘We might have Cancer; but Cancer does not have us!’
Photo Credit: The Bow-Tie-Guy
Filed under Caregiving
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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