Tag Archives: LGBT

December 12, 2013 · 9:30 am

The Second Time Around

The only source of knowledge is experience ~ Albert Einstein

It has taken me a couple of days to wrap myself around the fact that TLO started Adult Day Care this week. We have chatted about this option for a number of weeks, but to have this day come to reality, really hit home for both of us on Tuesday when we got in the car and motored our way down to the Noble A. McArtor Adult Day Care Center.

Herman and TLO; Circa 1998

We both have had previous experienced Adult Day Care, so we were coming from the knowledge of experience, yet that knowledge was just about to turn into our reality as we headed south on highway 95. “Herman wouldn’t go to Day Care; I finally asked him to at least go for a week, to test it out, to give it a try, to at least help me out” TLO said! “I guess that is exactly what we are doing today, too!” I responded! (It has to be that knowledge and experience thing!)

TLO and Michael Norfleet, Agency Director

As we arrived at the center, we were greeted warmly by the staff and the participants. It wasn’t too long before the agency’s director, Michael Norfleet came to meet us, we chatted for a bit and then before I knew it, they were both sitting in the lounge chairs, chatting up a storm. It was then that I knew that the day was on…and time for me to make my quick exit! It was also then when they day actually hit me square in the eye and I started to cry.

I have no doubt that the McArtor Center is the best place for both of us. Established in 2004, The McArtor Center focus is to meet the needs of the LGBT community in Broward County, Florida and the center is the first of its kind! In the LGBT community, many seniors in need of daytime or respite care have no option but to attend day care programs that are not open to, and understanding of the special relationships and needs of gay and lesbian seniors. The Noble A. McArtor Center was founded by an extraordinary team of individuals whose vision created a safe, open and home-like atmosphere for all seniors and their caregivers to enjoy, regardless, and supportive of any sexual orientation or identification, race, age, gender, religion or economic level.

Fr Orlando celebrates his 58th anniversary of his ordination at the Center 2005. Helen and Sonia remain good friends of mine today!

Yet, there is more to the history… More to the knowledge… More to our experience… And more to our story! Father Orlando’s was one of the first participants to attend the McArtor Center in 2004. Upon his arrival in Florida in July of 2004, we both agreed that we would need Day Care to help us manage our days. I was a very ‘green’ Caregiver at that time! I remember coming across the center in a newspaper article and was hooked on the first visit. Then I remember what Fr. Orlando said to me on our first day…”I’ll give it a try for a few days to see how I like it!” Whew, did that sound familiar!

He, well…we…never regretted one day of our stay at the center and in fact, the socialization and positive attention that Fr. Orlando received at the center, revived his life and his ministry, which aided him (and me) when he made his peaceful life transition in 2006. Now looking back almost 10 years, it is amazing to have come full cycle and return to the center. The staff is different, the participants are different, but there is one thing that is the same, unconditional love!

Of course, I don’t know what the future holds for us. Now two plus weeks past his radiation treatments, TLO is slowly starting the healing process. It is going to be an uphill struggle. My guess is that the healing process is only going to be aided by the unconditional love demonstrated to us by the staff at the Noble A. McArtor Adult Day Care Center because as Albert Einstein said: “the only source of knowledge is experience! “

You see…We Might Have Cancer, But Cancer Does Not Have Us!

Christopher MacLellan is a Certified Senior Advisor, the coordinator of senior services for SunServe Social Services and the host of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio. ©ThePurpleJacket

DTC marketers can’t forget caregivers (worldofdtcmarketing.com)
Health and Human Services: ‘LGBT people have been denied the compassionate services they deserve. That is now changing’ (miamiherald.typepad.com)
‘Pride comes in all ages’: AARP launches website for LGBT seniors, www.aarp.org/pride (miamiherald.typepad.com)
Aging LGBT community often forced back into the closet (yakimaherald.com)
Documentary ‘Gen Silent’ raises question: Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet (miamiherald.typepad.com)

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Tagged as Broward County Florida, Caregivers, Health, LGBT, LGBT Caregiving, LGBT Seniors, Respite care

October 13, 2013 · 11:38 am

Never Alone

That Which Does Not Kill Us, Makes Us Stronger. Fredrich Nietzche

As we move into the second week with the news of the cancer spreading to TLO’s spine, we are grateful for all the wonderful words of encouragement, the expression of love, along with the care and concern shown to us. Yes, the news hit us hard last week, yet each day we have gotten stronger because of so many of you who have reached out to us. We are grateful for your attention; it is important for us to know that we are Never Alone.

This past Thursday we had our initial consultation with the radiation oncologist; our next scheduled visit with the radiation oncologist is on Tuesday of this coming week. With three tumors on his spine located in the Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar region, the radiation oncologist is going to be aggressive with his treatment plan, yet cautious because of the location of the tumors. The visit on Tuesday will determine if the radiation oncologist will be able to ‘shoot’ one or two tumors at the same time. We are anticipating 14 to 21 days of radiation.

As the week has moved on, we have both adjusted to the difficult news, and what lies ahead of us. A good friend of mine asked me this past week, “what is the time frame that the Doctor gave you?” Knowing what he insinuated, I reminded him that two years ago the oncologist told me that ‘TLO’ had “three, maybe four months to live.” Now two years past that original diagnosis, we have learned to take predictions in stride and deal solely with reality. We have cancer, we know it is serious, each day is a gift. We have run with this philosophy for the past two years, there is no reason to change it now.

The reality of the diagnosis has allowed us to have some very meaningful conversations between the two of us. One of the conversations we had this week centered on the need to have a consultation with Hospice. We look at Hospice in a positive sense, not a death sentence. Hospice is not a place where you go to die, but rather a wonderful program that celebrates life. Hospice does not shorten lives, Hospice helps people live as pain-free as possible. What Hospice does help accomplish is the facilitation of the natural course of life. Hospice is inclusive of the entire family, bringing care and comfort to all involved. The sooner Hospice in engaging in the process, the better the experience will be for everyone.

As Caregivers, we often get caught up in the mindset that we can do this alone. I think that is even more so for LGBT couples who fear discrimination and bigotry. It is one thing to experience this feeling in a public setting, unbearable to have someone bring those feelings into your own home. We both have previous experience of waiting too long to call for assistance. As we move forward with his palliative radiation treatments, it only makes sense to have this added benefit with us.

As the week has moved on, TLO has regained some strength and continues to try to be as independent as possible. When I look at him, I am frustrated because I cannot see what I know is inside of him. We had a trip to the grocery store, he has been out to lunch and to dinner, and he is chatting on the phone with friends. What is so different about today from last week? The only difference is that we now know what has caused his pain, now we have to respond to it. In a sense, the diagnosis is a blessing because now we know what we are up against and can have a plan of attack. We move forward with the same vigor, hope, and reality that we did two years ago.

We learned two years ago from the original diagnosis that we cannot predict the future. We have also learned this past week that are Never Alone!

You see…We Might Have Cancer, But Cancer Does Not Have Us!

Mardi Gras 2013

With help from hospice, Dad didn’t go gentle into that good night (denverpost.com)
Life after Bobby: Hospice Care Week (georgeblogs.wordpress.com)
Tuesday With a Side of Tears (stageiv.wordpress.com)
Defining the 3 goals of palliative care (kevinmd.com)
Radiation Oncologist: Staring down the elephant in the room (members.jacksonville.com)
HOSPICE – Dispelling The Myth (gskpulsevolunteers.com)

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Tagged as Caregiver, Hospice, LGBT, oncology, Radiation oncologist

September 18, 2013 · 10:24 pm

Slumber Party At The Hospital!

As the day progressed from our visit to the Emergency Room early this morning, ‘The Little One’ was admitted to the cardiac unit at North Broward Hospital late this afternoon. He is resting peacefully now!

We’ve been caught up in the emotion of the day, but we know that we are in a safe place this evening. The last week or so at home has been quite stressful for both of us as TLO’s health has been a challenge. New areas of pain overshadowed by different kinds of pain. A new experience?

As the Caregiver, I want to take away his pain. I am confident that all Caregivers understand this. As Caregivers, we sit back, take a deep breath and want our secret powers from our Caregiving Cape to make everything better… Whoosh

But the cold hard facts are that we all all human!

A slumber party is in order this evening; there will not be any pillow fights and there will be no popcorn as well. The slumber party may not take away the pain, but the slumber party will certainly pprovide the much needed comfort that we seek during our Caregiving journey.

Finding comfort is one of the common denominator in Caregiving. We all want it, we all strive for it, but we don’t know how to find it when we are in the midst of our journey.

Tonight I am finding my comfort zone by having a slumber party at the hospital. There is no comfort in going home to an empty house! Heck, I might even ring that call bell.

You see… We might have cancer, but cancer does not have us!

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Tagged as Caregiving, Hospital, LGBT

September 7, 2013 · 1:41 pm

LGBT Grandparents- Day

The impetus for a National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. This year Grandparents day falls on Sunday September 8th. Being the youngest of six, and an ‘oops baby at that,’ I did not have the opportunity to meet 3 of my 4 grandparents, yet I was able to learn about them through stories from my parents and siblings. It is a part of my heritage that I have always wondered about and sadly missed.

While I am the F.U. a.k.a. Favorite Uncle (that line always gets a laugh) to 26 nieces and nephews, I have been able to vicariously find a way learn about grandparents, and what is means to be a grandparent, through a new group which was started in Fort Lauderdale, FL., The LGBT Grandparents group. The LGBT Grandparents group is one born of a partnership between Sun Serve, Women in Network, SAGE, Women with Pride and The Pride Center. It serves as a gathering place for LGBT grandparents to share stories, network and find support in a relaxed, non-structured setting. On of the great joys I have experience since I have been on staff at Sun Serve Social Services has been to be apart of the planning committee for LGBT Grandparents group which started in early 2013.

LGBT Grandparents Groups 9/7/2013

Attending the gatherings has been a wonderful experience because I get to listen to so many beautiful and heart wrenching stories about families, about relationships, about love, about joy, and about sorrow. As I sit and listen attentively to these stories, I can relate the stories that my siblings tell through their experience with their kids and grandkids. You see, no matter what side of the fence you are on, relationships are human; their complicated, their stressful, and they are beautiful in their own right. But the one thing that I have learned while participating in this group is that grandchildren are often the glue that keeps families together, while keeping hope alive. It reminds me of that line…”If I had known grandchildren would be so much fun, I would have had them first!”

Bill & Bob: Together 30 years and have 5 grandchildren

Sure, LGBT grandparents face different struggles as it relates to their relationship with their kids, with their (ex) spouses, especially when it comes to the revelation of coming out of the closet later in life. But don’t all couples face different and difficult issues in a relationship…It’s about being human! Being a part of the LGBT grandparents has proven to be remarkable because I get to watch in person, the similarity between people and their relationships. There are no orientation boundaries. The love that each member has for their grandchildren is truly remarkable. When people have to opportunity to share their story with others, it immediately provides a sense of security and an understanding that ‘I’m not alone!‘ Sharing photos of grandchildren is a universal practice!

Denise & June: Together 20 years 7 Grandchildren with 1 on the way!

While societal norms are changing, we have to remember that today’s LGBT seniors grew up, and worked out of a system in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s etc., that was not as accepting as it is today. Have a group like our LGBT Grandparents group, allows people to come together, to in a sense, come out of the closet again to find comfort, to find joy, to find similarity in a world that has not always been accepting to them. On this Grandparents day, reach out to your grandparents and tell them that you love them. And if your Grandparents happen to be Gay or Lesbian, give them an extra hug and thank them for being brave. It’s never too late to reach out and be a part of someone’s life!

Chris MacLellan is the Coordinator of Senior Services at Sun Serve Social Services and the host of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

National Grandparents Day is this Sunday (Video) (examiner.com)
Grandparent’s Day Ideas (potterybarnkids.com)
10 ways to show your love on Grandparents Day (examiner.com)
Free Grandparents Day Card Printables (forthemommas.com)
Celebrate Grandparents Day on Sunday, September 8th (allensflowermarketreseda.com)

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Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Jimmy Carter, LGBT, Marian McQuade, National Grandparents Day, Nursing home, The Bow-Tie-Guy

August 5, 2013 · 10:30 am

DOMA: What It Means To You!

Join us on Tuesday August 6th on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ at 1:00 pm (EST) as we welcome Board Certified Elder Law Attorney, Stephanie Schneider and Certified Financial Planner David Treece to our show. To listen to this episode live, simply click here!

This is a historic time in America for the LGBT Community, but is the community prepared? On today’s show, Stephanie will discuss federal rights and benefits such as Social Security, Veterans, and Medicaid rights and David will discuss the implications pertaining to financial planning and pension planning for LGBT Couples and their families.

David Treece

Through our conversation on Tuesday, Stephanie and David will help guide us on the right path, while helping us all ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’

To visit Stephanie Schneider online, simply click here!

To visit David Treece online, simply click here!

Cannot listen live…NO Worries! All our episodes of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ are archived for your listening convenience by clicking here!

Celebrate the End of DOMA (rodephshalom.wordpress.com)
DOMA and Your Wallet: What the Ruling Means for Same-Sex Couples (foxbusiness.com)
30 Touching Photos Of LGBT Activists Responding To DOMA’s Overturning (prosebeforehos.com)
Arianna Huffington Talks LGBT Success Stories And DOMA Victory (huffingtonpost.com)
Galleries | LGBT activists, allies celebrate DOMA decision in South Beach and Fort Lauderdale (miamiherald.typepad.com)
DOMA Struck Down: What Does This Mean for Your Taxes? (turbotax.intuit.com)
NAELA Commends Supreme Court’s Decision on DOMA (pattidudek.typepad.com)

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Tagged as Elder Law, LGBT, LGBT Community, Medicaid

May 12, 2013 · 8:53 am

Tuesday on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’: LGBT Housing

On Tuesday, May 14th at 1:00 pm (est) we welcome Hilary Meyer, Director of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging and Tom Duffy from Secret Gardens to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio. You can access the show live by simply clicking here!

While trends in our society are shifting in a positive direction for equality, LGBT Seniors are still struggling with issues relating to affordable housing and how to safely aging in place. As the Director of the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, Hilary Meyer has a keen understanding of these issues facing LGBT Seniors. And Tom Duffy from Secret Gardens, has just opened an LGBT focused independent living center in Wilton Manors, Florida were LGBT seniors can feel safe in their surroundings.

Through our conversation today on issues facing LGBT Seniors, Hiliary and Tom will help us all learn how to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver!’

To listen live, simply click here!

Can’t listen to our show live…NO Worries!!! All our episodes of ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver are archived for your listening convenience by clicking here!

Documentary ‘Gen Silent’ raises question: Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet (miamiherald.typepad.com)
South Florida first gay retirement paving the way (Sun-Sentinel)
‘Guys Who Care’ (thepurplejacket.com)
Tuesday on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver:’ Taking Care of Self! (thepurplejacket.com)
National Center for LGBT Seniors Unveils Data Collection Guide (queerlandia.com)
Schmer Insists LGBT Immigration Rights DOA, Leahy Fights On (lezgetreal.com)
AIDS activist protests blood drive in gay mecca Wilton Manors, where half are banned from donating (miamiherald.typepad.com)

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Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Gay Seniors, LGBT, LGBT Caregivers, LGBT Seniors, National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, SAGE USA

March 18, 2013 · 8:30 am

LGBT Aging Through the Lens of Gen Silent on ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday, March 19th at 1:00 pm (est) we are thrilled to welcome Stu Maddux, Director & Producer of the critically acclaimed film, Gen Silent to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio.

Stu Maddux receiving an award

The real life stories of love, commitment, discernment, hope, happiness and despair told through the lens of “Gen Silent” are gut wrenching, yet important for all audiences in order to understand the plight of LGBT seniors in America. Producer/Director Stu Maddux does a splendid job in piecing together these LGBT pioneers who helped paved the way for what we know today as Gay Pride.

As the Huffington Post said: “The film is heartbreaking, personal and the issues are real.”

Our conversation with Stu will not only focus on the film itself, but how Gen Silent has brought awareness to LGBT Aging issues in today’s society. Through our conversation, Stu will help us all learn how to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver.’

To listen to our show live on Tuesday at 1:00 pm (est), simply click here.

Cannot listen live on Tuesday, NO WORRIES! Each one of our shows is archived for your listening convenience by clicking here.

It is an honor to have ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ selected as a ‘Featured Show’ by the folks at Blog Talk Radio for Tuesday, March 19th!

Visit Blog Talk Radio’s front page on Tuesday March 19th for details by clicking here

Documentary ‘Gen Silent’ raises question: Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet (miamiherald.typepad.com)
Wengroff: LGBT equality is on us to achieve (vtdigger.org)
U.S.: One-third of LGBT Immigrants Are Undocumented (advocate.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ Every Tuesday on Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
CHMP’s Envision Health: Film & New Media co-sponsors The LGBT Film Series at Hunter College April 15, 20, 26th (centerforhealthmediapolicy.com)

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Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Blog Talk Radio, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Caregiving, Gay pride, Gay Seniors, Gen-Silent, Huffington Post, LGBT, LGBT Seniors

March 1, 2013 · 5:09 pm

FLORIDA AIDS WALK 2013

As an outward expression of my values, I have joined SunServe’s team of walkers for the 2013 Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival. Once again, SunServe has the honor of being a beneficiary of Florida AIDS Walk,. Please consider sponsoring me which means any money I raise through ‘The Purple Jacket’ goes directly to SunServe Social Services .

It will be one year in May when ‘The Purple Jacket and ‘The Bow-Tie-Guy joined SunServe as the coördinator of Senior Services and what an exciting trip it has been. Along with a wonderful board and staff, and great volunteers, the staff at SunServe has built a solid, well-recognized and respected social services agency providing needed services to the LGBTQ community.

SunServe’s Programs–along with our Senior Center and Mental Health Services, we have started Senior Services aimed at keeping our seniors independent and in their homes as long as possible. We have started HIV housing case management and have opened “The Rainbow Room”, a drop in center for LGBTQ youth. We continue to train on cultural competency and offer conferences on LGBTQ challenges in the community. SunServe –is fiscally strong. We have worked to diversify our revenue streams to keep the agency fiscally viable while increasing our fundraising strength, Our administrative overhead is still right around 8% for 2012, we are very proud that we have no debt and our 2012 audit will be available on our website very soon.

Your contribution is tax-deductible where allowed by law and all funds collected by our team go directly to SunServe’s programs!

Please visit my Florida AIDS Walk page to make your donation by clicking HERE

Thank You very kindly for your support!

I love that I have a career in which I can be dedicated to improving

the lives of youth, adults and seniors despite race, creed, sexual identity, socioeconomic status.

Florida AIDS Walk in Broward raises $640,000 (miamiherald.typepad.com)

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Tagged as Florida, LGBT

February 11, 2013 · 9:15 am

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio

On Tuesday February 12th at 1:00 pm, we welcome Dr. Loren Olson author of ‘Finally Out: Letting Go of Living Straight, a Psychiatrist’s Own Story’ to our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ show on Blog Talk Radio .

Dr. Olson will be talking about his book ‘Finally Out: Letting Go of The Straight Life, A Psychiatrist’s Own Story’ , along with his upcoming appearances in Florida as well as his unexpected Caregiving experience.

Average … he’s not. Not only did Dr. Olson complete medical school, serve four years as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Navy, and embark upon a successful career as a psychiatrist; he also had a compatible eighteen year marriage and raised two daughters with his attorney wife, Lynn, before facing up to a difficult truth about himself: he is gay.

Through Dr. Olson’s expertise, we will all learn how to ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’

To visit Dr. Olson website and to purchase his book, simply click here.

Our show is available live at 1:00 pm with optional chat room for you to ask questions to our guest. (Our show is archived so you can listen at your convenience.) To access our show, simply click here.

To access all our ‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ episodes on

Simply click here

‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ On Blog Talk Radio (thepurplejacket.com)
‘Be A Healthy Caregiver’ on Blog Talk Radio Every Tuesday at 1:00pm (thepurplejacket.com)
Caregivers: How Do We Listen at the End of Life? (thepurplejacket.com)

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Tagged as Be A Healthy Caregiver, Bow Tie Guy, Caregiver, Gay Seniors, LGBT, LGBT Seniors, Loren Olson MD

November 30, 2012 · 9:00 pm

What Is The Best Thing For Me, The Caregiver?

TLO The Original Blueberry Pancake

While making Blueberry Pancakes recently for ‘The Little One,’ I was reminded of a blog post that I wrote last year right after he completed his round of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. I wrote this post titled ‘The Tumor Extractor’ for just $19.99! This is one of my very first blog post (which is copied below) where I reflected on how hope, love, support and care are the real tumor extractors as well as how humor can play an important role in the recovery process, too. Now more than one year past the original post, I took a second look at was written and I am amazed at what (still) applies today. Now I take it one step further, as caregivers, we need to apply these same feelings and emotions to ourselves too! I have to look myself square in the eye on this one!

Dr. Starcevic with ‘The Little One’

Many of the decisions that we made over the past year or so have been centered around what was best for ‘TLO.’ As Caregivers, we know that decisions are often based on what is best for the Caree and for the most part, we’re OK with it. Yet how often do we as Caregivers say…’What is the best thing for me, the Caregiver?

It is easy to get lost in the Caregiving experience and lose sight of self. I’ve been there! Trying to regroup in the midst of Caregiving and express my own needs is by no means an easy task. For me, expressing my own needs can be scary, well…actually it is scary. Is it a sign of weakness, or failure or the messiah complex. Or am I just a rut? The bottom line is simple, when you put someone else’s needs ahead of your own, you lose sight of self. It happens before you know it. The signs are obvious to everyone, yet camouflage to self.

These are some of the critical signs that caregivers need to be aware of in relation to our own health and well-being.

Weight Gain
Lack of sleep
Poor exercise habits
Lethargic
Anxiety

I get a gold star: I score high on all five traits!

Photo Credit: Dr. Wayne Dyer

I have been conscious of these issues for quite some time, yet have been immobilized to act on it. I don’t know why, I just know that it has happened. Over the past number of weeks, ‘TLO’ has been asking me to make an appointment to see my doctor. “You need to take better care of yourself,’ he demanded! He has recognized ‘the signs’, inspired me to do something about it, and finally I acted on it.

The trip to the doctor’s office was not without anxiety. I had not seen Dr. Scalia since I left Fort Lauderdale in 2007 and much has changed since then. Going in, I knew he would ‘get-it’ as Dr. Scalia was on the team of Doctors who took care of Father Orlando, so there was immediate comfort and recognition.

Healthy Living is for everyone!

Yet at the same time, there was quite a bit of reflection on Father Orlando as Dr. Scalia was the attending physician leading up to his transition in 2006. When he entered the room, I was greeted with a warm smile…There was no need to hold back, he could see the expression on my face. We talked openly and honestly; it felt great to have someone totally focused on my needs. He did the battery of tests; EKG was normal, blood pressure normal: the blood work results and follow-up will be later in December. All the same concerns that I demonstrate for ‘TLO’ are the same concerns that both Dr. Scalia and ‘TLO’ expressed for me. That’s not a bad thing!

‘To Be A Healthy Caregiver’ does not mean just taking care of your Caree, it means taking care of yourself, too. I’ve taken the first steps and now need to follow through with a Care Plan for myself. The best Care Plan available to me is through Caregiving.com. Denise Brown from Carigiving.com offers a care plan that focuses on WELL:

• Wisdom comes from being attentive, grateful and curious.

•Energy comes from my food, my exercise and my physical, mental, spiritual and emotional breaks.

• Laughter comes from within myself, from my relationships and from my entertainment.

• Love comes from within myself, from my relationships and from my passions,

However, the best care plan will be for not if you don’t use it!

I encourage you to visit’s Caregiving.com by simply clicking here to…lots of great information…lots of great people too!

I often forget that my biggest supporter is the one who I care for because he knows me better than anyone else. By going to the doctor and implementing my care plan through Caregiving.com , I can take better care of myself. Not every day is a ‘Blueberry Pancake’ Day. Caring for someone who has a chronic illness is not for the faint of heart. As caregivers, caring-for-caregiver it is essential that we to apply Love, Hope, Support and Care in relation to our needs too.

If I am going to be a provider of Love, Hope, Support and Care… Shouldn’t I be a receiver too? Yet in order to receive, you have to be open and recognize your own personal needs. For me, looking internally and owning my own feelings and emotions, then expressing those emotions and feelings will not only make me healthier, it will make be a better caregiver, too!

Below is my post from November 6th, 2011…Thanks for reading it again!

We have all seen those gadgets that they sell on TV… It seems that all those gadgets sell for just $19.99 and better yet, all these gadgets are a must need for every household! As I was preparing waffles for breakfast this morning I came across a new product called ‘The Tumor Extractor’

‘The Tumor Extractor’

Simply apply to the area of the tumor and all your troubles will be gone!

‘The Little One’ and I enjoyed a great laugh when I presented him with our new ‘Tumor Extractor’ and just think…we only spent $10,000 on chemo and radiation and could have had this gadget for $19.99! (Of course Monty Python’s Spamalot is playing in the background.) Every cancer patient and caregiver wishes there was something as quick and simple as ‘The Tumor Extractor’ to remove cancer from the body. But what is available to every cancer patient and caregiver is hope, love, support and humor. That is the true Cancer Extractor! While each one of us deals with the reality of cancer in a different way, we want to look on the bright side of life! Yesterday is gone, today is here, not sure about tomorrow. Today we are enjoying our new ‘Tumor Extractor’ even if it will only help us make waffles. It is our hope that lets us withstand stand problems…but it is our beliefs that lets us find solutions. And remember… ‘Always look on the bright side of life!’