tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55096736365757116462024-03-14T07:21:16.889+01:00Reflex Reactions1Upon reflection, I understood what it all meant once I got there...Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.comBlogger119125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-10752466569399265742016-03-27T09:54:00.000+02:002016-03-28T10:31:03.320+02:00Moving to a new site... I have decided I want my blog name to reflect my URL rather than my full name. I will eventually transfer everything over to the other site... <br />
<br />
Once again I am running out of time but plan to sign up the 2016 A-Z challenge again.<br />
<br />
You'll find me over at the new URL <a href="http://reflexreactions.blogspot.dk/" style="text-align: center;" target="_blank">REFLEX REACTIONS</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Thanks to the people who helped this reach over 60'000 reads. That's pretty amazing to me seeing as I generally only write one month a year. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Reflex Reactions will continue to be about healing, caring, insight.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The facebook page is more reactions :) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/willuc2/?ref=hl" target="_blank">REFLEX REACTIONS</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-46178006620814881072015-05-06T09:02:00.000+02:002015-05-07T09:04:31.083+02:00Reflections A - Z challenge 2015<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">carer / care-giver.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></span></blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Remember to care for the carers.</u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><br />
</u></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>A to Z Challenge </u></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>REFLECTIONS 2015</u></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlEK4Oa8T-s/VMY1pf8O3DI/AAAAAAAAREI/7hGEqcOXMag/s1600/APRIL-CALENDAR%2B%5B2015%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LlEK4Oa8T-s/VMY1pf8O3DI/AAAAAAAAREI/7hGEqcOXMag/s1600/APRIL-CALENDAR%2B%5B2015%5D.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As usual I use the Reflections post to give the A-Z challenge organisers some feedback as requested.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I also use it to link all my posts together, and give a little commentary on each.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Things I loved about participating in the 2015 #atozchallenge:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I did it. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Caught up with bloggers that I haven't connected with since last year.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Connected with new bloggers that are on a similar journey to me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Received supportive and encouraging comments that helped me finish the challenge.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The process of writing, with a firm structure but loose boundaries, has helped me become a better writer.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The theme helped my healing process and seems to have given some other people an opportunity to share their own stories.</span></li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"> Things I would like to see changed:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Nothing. The host's/helpers and overall challenge are great. Sure there are plenty of people that sign up and don't start or finish the challenge... but your system of removing them is good enough, and done by a dedicated bunch. I have noticed over the last couple of years people seem to complain most about things that can't be changed... </span></li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Things I would change about myself.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Comment on and visit more blogs, I noticed a huge difference in the amount of visits to my page as a result of not blog hopping. I do know it's one of the main points of the challenge... This years journey was just more personal.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Get in early - I almost forgot to sign up to the link list. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Offer to be co-host/assistant. I loved helping last year. It is a good way of forcing myself to visit more blogs. </span></li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here are the links to all my posts for this years challenge:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.dk/2015/03/atozchallenge-theme-reveal-for-2015-z.html" target="_blank">A to Z challenge Theme reveal.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I chose to write about the one thing I couldn't stop thinking about.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/anxiety-and-anger-atozchallenge-care.html" target="_blank">Anger and Anxiety</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">From the moment I saw the message that Mum had 6 months left to live, I have had a lot of reasons to be angry. I think the main reason I did this years theme was to release what remained.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/bemused-and-befuddled-atozchallenge.html" target="_blank">Bemused and Befuddled</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a fun poke at some of the baffling situations many carers experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/conflicted-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Conflicted</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How much good are we really doing when keeping someone alive prolongs their suffering.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/denying-degeneration-atozchallenge-care.html" target="_blank">Denying Degeneration</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe she was just a great actress - When her friends bid her farewell, she did show her movie star smile</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/easter-without-her-atozchallenge-care.html" target="_blank">Easter without her</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">If I had to choose a single holiday to start our year of firsts without her - Easter wins.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/freedom-from-fear-atozchallenge-care.html" target="_blank">Freedom from Fear</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No I'm not a burglar, it's me your daughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/genes-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Genes</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Would you like to know how long you have left to live?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/hugs-in-hell-atozchallenge-care-for.html" target="_blank">Hugs in Hell</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When living on earth becomes it's own type of Hell.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/inhalation-annihilation-atozchallenge.html" target="_blank">Inhalation annihilation</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Imagine your head underwater and only a tiny straw to breathe through - for months.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/joy-ode-to-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Joy - An ode to</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Joy was her name.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/knowledge-and-knowing-atozchallenge.html" target="_blank">Knowledge and Knowing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They are intertwined but there is a difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/laughter-is-best-medicine-atozchallenge.html" target="_blank">Laughter is the best medicine</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some of the bad jokes I used to tell her and how they make me laugh.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/my-birthday-atozchallenge-care-for.html" target="_blank">My birthday</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Sharing my last birthday with Mum</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/now-or-never-atozchallenge-care-for.html" target="_blank">Now or Never</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Preparing for death. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/omnipresence-atozchallenge-care-for.html" target="_blank">Omnipresence</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It doesn't matter what you believe in some things just can't be explained or understood.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/palliative-care-team-atozchallenge-care.html" target="_blank">Palliative care team</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">They are just like any other humans, some are better at their job than others.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/quibbles-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Quibbles</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">When no means yes and hot means cold.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/respite-from-rage-atozchallenge-care.html" target="_blank">Respite from Rage</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Even the strong need a place to rest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/soup-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Soup</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A recipe of sorts. This soup probably stopped her from succumbing to MND much sooner.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/thank-you-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Thank-you</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I am grateful - but why is caring for loved ones a privilege?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/undertaker.html" target="_blank">Undertakers</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rituals are for the living. I'm so glad I didn't let the undertakers take her when they first came. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/visitors-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html" target="_blank">Visitors</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A list of do's and don'ts -</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/worry-jar-atozchallenge.html" target="_blank">Worry Jar</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">$1 for every worry. She was happy to pay.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/x-exonerated-atozchallenge-care-for.html" target="_blank">X - eXonerated</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">No-one imagined this rebel child would be the one to care for Mum. I knew all along.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/young-again-atozchallenge-care-for.html" target="_blank">Young again</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What happens when you walk in your daughters shoes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com.au/2015/04/zenosyne-atozchallenge.html" target="_blank">Zenosyne</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Time flies faster the further you go.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXPYcGN3vw0/VUVZEnRzjwI/AAAAAAAAFCo/hBs1fkSu5s8/s1600/survivor-atoz%2B%5B2015%5D%2B-%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WXPYcGN3vw0/VUVZEnRzjwI/AAAAAAAAFCo/hBs1fkSu5s8/s1600/survivor-atoz%2B%5B2015%5D%2B-%2B2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;">I hope you enjoyed my theme. Click the link for more </span><a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2015/05/2015-to-z-blogging-challenge-reflections.html" style="text-align: start;" target="_blank">Reflections </a>posts by other challengers...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;">See you for the 2016 #atozchallenge (if not before :) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">I use #atozchallenge when sharing my favourite posts.</span></div>
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/willuc2?ref=hl"><span style="color: #042eee;">Reflex Reactions</span></a> on Facebook</span></div>
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ReflexReactions"><span style="color: #042eee;">@ReflexReactions</span></a> on Twitter</span></div>
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Add me to your circles on <span style="color: #042eee;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115227367927422827982/posts">Google+ </a></span></span></div>
<div style="min-height: 19px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Learn more about:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #042eee;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;"> The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A to Z challenge</a> here.</span></div>
</div>
<br />Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-41781091025004698152015-04-29T16:02:00.000+02:002015-04-29T16:03:50.507+02:00Zenosyne. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNr-HPP98yw/VMacsGz4XzI/AAAAAAAARMs/qTLWB3StK24/s1600/Z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LNr-HPP98yw/VMacsGz4XzI/AAAAAAAARMs/qTLWB3StK24/s1600/Z.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Zenosyne</u></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Zenosyne: A sense that time keeps going faster.</span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Etymology: From Greek, Zeno is derived from Zeno's Paradox, which asks how a person can walk from one point to another if they must first carry out a series of ever-shrinking steps, + Mnemosyne, the personification of memory in Ancient Greek mythology. How can we live our lives while each passing year feels shorter than the year before? </span></blockquote>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's a made up word by John Koenig over at</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><a href="http://www.dictionaryofobscuresorrows.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Dictionary of obscure sorrows</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> here's the </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dictionary-of-Obscure-Sorrows/137197489655526?fref=nf" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> page. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I found him when</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> the article "</span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/danieldalton/my-pain-has-a-name?bffb&utm_term=4ldqpgp#.xtVZ40pGa" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" target="_blank">23 Perfect Words For Emotions You Never Realised Anyone Else Felt</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">,</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">" appeared in my Facebook newsfeed yesterday.</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="http://embed.testtube.com/player/embed?videoId=63573&external=true&width=640&height=360&skin=tt" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The best example I have for zenosyne is that the 2015 A to Z challenge seemed to fly by much faster than my first two. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I can remember them both in a blink of an eye, this year's theme about my Mum will be with me for a while.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Soon my time with her will feel like a fleeting moment. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">At times when everything was an effort she would often say 'It's terrible to get old." I'd always reply 'There's only one thing worse... and that's if you'd never got old at all." </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you have followed along and commented thank you for keeping me motivated. My stats show that many more people have read my blog this month, I hope you enjoyed my words and thank you too. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use #atozchallenge when sharing my favourite posts.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/willuc2?ref=hl"><span style="color: #042eee;">Reflex Reactions</span></a> on Facebook</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ReflexReactions"><span style="color: #042eee;">@ReflexReactions</span></a> on Twitter</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add me to your circles on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115227367927422827982/posts"><span style="color: #042eee;">Google+ </span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn more about:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #042eee; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"> The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A to Z challenge</a> here.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-50701861246372047572015-04-29T01:16:00.000+02:002015-04-29T15:15:07.638+02:00Young again. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Young again.</u></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acb5gyOlx6k/VMacr4E6u0I/AAAAAAAARMk/_S8_0rYGpHc/s1600/Y.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-acb5gyOlx6k/VMacr4E6u0I/AAAAAAAARMk/_S8_0rYGpHc/s1600/Y.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her flawless skin, laugh and smile made a lot of people think she was younger than years. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Her attention to detail, strength and loyalty made her seem older.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvhyPopOAJ4/VUAMPxmyYZI/AAAAAAAAAws/E2HHCOlQhqA/s1600/In%2Bher%2Byouth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QvhyPopOAJ4/VUAMPxmyYZI/AAAAAAAAAws/E2HHCOlQhqA/s1600/In%2Bher%2Byouth.jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">That's her sitting in the middle. 18 years old showing off the green dress she sewed for herself, in preparation for her migration to Australia.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Even after the Doctors, therapists and everyone else told her to stop wearing them - she wore shoes with high heels. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I lent her my boots when we visited a farm once. She said she felt like me. Then she hopped and jumped like she was young again.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use #atozchallenge when sharing my favourite posts.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/willuc2?ref=hl"><span style="color: #042eee;">Reflex Reactions</span></a> on Facebook</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ReflexReactions"><span style="color: #042eee;">@ReflexReactions</span></a> on Twitter</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add me to your circles on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115227367927422827982/posts"><span style="color: #042eee;">Google+ </span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn more about:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #042eee; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"> The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A to Z challenge</a> here.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-2193837490559035602015-04-28T10:24:00.000+02:002015-04-28T11:00:41.886+02:00X - eXonerated. #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>X - eXonerated </u></span></h2>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ex7JYUZcvKc/VMacrQJvcqI/AAAAAAAARMY/fL1xw6WReTg/s1600/X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ex7JYUZcvKc/VMacrQJvcqI/AAAAAAAARMY/fL1xw6WReTg/s1600/X.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So many of Mum's friends said they would never have guessed that it was me that would take on the role as her carer:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Me the black sheep.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Me who taught her how to swear.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Me who fought back and returned the key.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Me who greyed her hair.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Me who travelled far away.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Still they say I'm hard to understand. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All the frustration, tears and pain I caused in the beginning </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">eXonerated</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">by the love, support and care they witnessed in the end. </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use #atozchallenge when sharing my favourite posts.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/willuc2?ref=hl"><span style="color: #042eee;">Reflex Reactions</span></a> on Facebook</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ReflexReactions"><span style="color: #042eee;">@ReflexReactions</span></a> on Twitter</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add me to your circles on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115227367927422827982/posts"><span style="color: #042eee;">Google+ </span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn more about:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #042eee; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"> The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A to Z challenge</a> here.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-50318274915814417272015-04-27T11:56:00.000+02:002015-04-27T12:01:51.847+02:00Worry Jar. #atozchallenge. Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Worry Jar</u></span></h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JMA0seBArM/VMacrHk_NOI/AAAAAAAARMU/TEiKqXAVKQ4/s1600/W.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6JMA0seBArM/VMacrHk_NOI/AAAAAAAARMU/TEiKqXAVKQ4/s1600/W.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Please Mum, don't worry"</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"I'm your Mother, it's my job to worry." Of all the misguided lessons she'd learnt this was the most destructive of them all. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I started a worry jar. One dollar for each worry. Repeated worries cost double. I told her it was the easiest money I'd ever make. So entrenched was her duty to worry, she smiled and said she was willing to pay. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I tried to show her what an empty jar looked like. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Worry gave her a purpose. Her creative imagination wasted on wrestling anxiety and strengthening sorrows.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">'Why worry?' I'd recite what I remembered of the Irish philosophy stuck on her fridge as we were growing up. '...Either you are healthy or sick... if you're healthy you have nothing to worry about. If you are sick you will either get better or die....if you die you have nothing to worry about' - or something like that.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Every afternoon around 4:00 o'clock, she'd worry about where the kids were. The neighbourhood's kids had become adults decades ago. I asked her all sorts of questions. 'Whose kids, how many of them, how old are they, where were they before..?' I knew she meant her own babies but still I tried to move a mind that had lost its way in 2012, and lingered at times in long ago. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In the end I stuck to reassuring her that everyone she worried about was happy and safe. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"Thank-you. That's all that matters." she'd say.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One morning I wrote her a note. Anything written down was important and trusted. It worked better than the worry jar. I gave her the same note almost every day. It would have been better without the date. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"2014?" she'd question. 'Already.' I'd say.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAetXwLB-xE/VTPD3rkYdhI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ArCGAb5eL1E/s1600/IMG_4285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TAetXwLB-xE/VTPD3rkYdhI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/ArCGAb5eL1E/s1600/IMG_4285.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">***</span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I use #atozchallenge when sharing my favourite posts.</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/willuc2?ref=hl"><span style="color: #042eee;">Reflex Reactions</span></a> on Facebook</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Follow <a href="https://twitter.com/ReflexReactions"><span style="color: #042eee;">@ReflexReactions</span></a> on Twitter</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Add me to your circles on <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115227367927422827982/posts"><span style="color: #042eee;">Google+ </span></a></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
***</div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; min-height: 19px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Learn more about:</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #042eee; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"> The <a href="http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/" target="_blank">A to Z challenge</a> here.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-76071069117414839292015-04-26T13:08:00.000+02:002015-04-28T10:57:12.506+02:00Visitors. #atozchallenge Care for the carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span></div>
<br>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Visitors</span></u></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPE22dX4gAk/VMacq_0njUI/AAAAAAAARMQ/rr-bkGjbVj8/s1600/V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bPE22dX4gAk/VMacq_0njUI/AAAAAAAARMQ/rr-bkGjbVj8/s1600/V.jpg"></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mum always welcomed visitors with some liquid stimulant or courage -espresso coffee or strong liquor in delicate glasses. Children could eat as many sweets and biscuits as they dared. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">No belly left her house, less than full. </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/visitors-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-867156683394578782015-04-25T10:59:00.000+02:002015-04-27T15:53:34.405+02:00Undertakers. #atozchallenge Care for the carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Undertakers</u></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUGDHyv-E18/VMacqi269YI/AAAAAAAARME/TOycMxT_6VQ/s1600/U.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUGDHyv-E18/VMacqi269YI/AAAAAAAARME/TOycMxT_6VQ/s1600/U.jpg"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I remember asking her Doctor. "What should I do when she dies?"</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He said, 'Take your time. She won't need an ambulance. Just ring the undertakers...there will be no need to rush."</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She died the death of a saint, they said. She got up to pray, then died in her sleep.</span></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't remember who called the funeral home.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/undertaker.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-28936951665888197782015-04-23T08:55:00.001+02:002015-04-27T15:54:20.413+02:00Thank you. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Thank-You</span></h2>
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9AGc1GHc54g/VMacqXrdjcI/AAAAAAAARL8/szTnqXeMKoU/s1600/T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9AGc1GHc54g/VMacqXrdjcI/AAAAAAAARL8/szTnqXeMKoU/s1600/T.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">First of all thank you life.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for all the situations I've found myself in that help me know what to do.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
<a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/thank-you-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-60227286112108336252015-04-22T11:21:00.004+02:002015-04-27T15:54:45.918+02:00Soup. #atozchallenge Care for the Carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Soup</u></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Ijw9grJB8/VMacqFGQ4dI/AAAAAAAARL0/zKgMTi2za_M/s1600/S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U5Ijw9grJB8/VMacqFGQ4dI/AAAAAAAARL0/zKgMTi2za_M/s1600/S.jpg"></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Your soup will never taste the same as this soup. It's my Mum's Minestrone. The ingredients change every week, but if you follow the basic instructions it will still taste good.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">First you need a garden with soil that has been receiving an entire family's compost for over 50 years. (alternatively find a supermarket and buy all their sale items) </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
</div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/soup-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-86014508007754946882015-04-21T10:54:00.000+02:002015-04-27T15:58:08.860+02:00Respite from Rage. #atozchallenge - care for the carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><u><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Respite</span> from Rage.</u></span></h2>
<br>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WL2oPDzwxYQ/VMacp_1XxXI/AAAAAAAARLw/r-oLP-Y8r4Q/s1600/R.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WL2oPDzwxYQ/VMacp_1XxXI/AAAAAAAARLw/r-oLP-Y8r4Q/s1600/R.jpg"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;">My family have always had some problems with me. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
<a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/respite-from-rage-atozchallenge-care.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-48436583814288376772015-04-20T11:36:00.002+02:002015-04-27T15:59:30.402+02:00Quibbles. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Quibbles</u></span></h2>
</div>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fiLxwzKZDg/VMacpRcXivI/AAAAAAAARLk/J21cDtRVBsY/s1600/Q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2fiLxwzKZDg/VMacpRcXivI/AAAAAAAARLk/J21cDtRVBsY/s1600/Q.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
The Doctor told me to treat her like she used to treat me when I was child. <br>
<br>
I remember her being gentle but firm. <br>
<br>
It was important that she maintain her own independence for as long as possible. <br>
<br>
<a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/quibbles-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-78599970660712472542015-04-18T15:22:00.001+02:002015-04-27T16:06:49.503+02:00Palliative Care Team. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span></div>
<br>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Palliative Care Team</span></u></h2>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jolI6AwgW4I/VMacpF3ynUI/AAAAAAAARLY/7h_oPaIbDYw/s1600/P.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jolI6AwgW4I/VMacpF3ynUI/AAAAAAAARLY/7h_oPaIbDYw/s1600/P.jpg"></a></div>
<br>
<br>
<br>
<span style="font-size: large;">Palliative care is a speciality field of mostly non curative, system management. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Mum had a multidisciplinary team including staff at a Hospital and The MND association. A Neurologist, GP, Nurses, Pharmacists, social workers, occupational therapists, physio's, a dietician, speech pathologist, a volunteer hairdresser and more. None of them knew her.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
<a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/palliative-care-team-atozchallenge-care.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-19653711444328778242015-04-17T12:03:00.000+02:002015-04-27T16:00:25.913+02:00Omnipresence. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Omnipresence</u></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXDQCatiKs0/VMaco4NMryI/AAAAAAAARLU/dRF999jV3DQ/s1600/O.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XXDQCatiKs0/VMaco4NMryI/AAAAAAAARLU/dRF999jV3DQ/s1600/O.jpg"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">They say the departed surround the dying. If that's true then Mum saw and felt their presence often. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/omnipresence-atozchallenge-care-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-91346180300326741122015-04-16T22:48:00.000+02:002015-07-26T20:40:54.704+02:00Now or Never. #atozchallenge Care for the carer.<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Now or Never.</u></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BE86rSkt3m0/VMacoopGa0I/AAAAAAAARLM/D2u_huL7iF8/s1600/N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BE86rSkt3m0/VMacoopGa0I/AAAAAAAARLM/D2u_huL7iF8/s1600/N.jpg"></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a bit of rush to organise Mum's Last will and testament. Her memory had become so bad she had bank accounts she didn't remember existed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div></div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/now-or-never-atozchallenge-care-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-34419144873079388512015-04-16T12:52:00.001+02:002015-04-27T16:00:58.544+02:00My birthday. #atozchallenge Care for the carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>My Birthday, not hers.</u></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKW7rBNHnuU/VMacoU7jD8I/AAAAAAAARLA/HKhJkzdM0y8/s1600/M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PKW7rBNHnuU/VMacoU7jD8I/AAAAAAAARLA/HKhJkzdM0y8/s1600/M.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br></u></span></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mum and I are both born in January, thirty years apart. I have often wondered if the closeness in our birthdates contributes to our empathic connection. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/my-birthday-atozchallenge-care-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-74132239854934459092015-04-15T09:09:00.001+02:002015-04-27T16:01:31.236+02:00Laughter is the best medicine #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Laughter is the best medicine.</u></span></h2>
<br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UY1lUqmXdyA/VMacn9r6CvI/AAAAAAAARK4/P0hvHb_KyCI/s1600/L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UY1lUqmXdyA/VMacn9r6CvI/AAAAAAAARK4/P0hvHb_KyCI/s1600/L.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Mum always had a great sense of humour. To pass the time I'd <a href="http://lmgtfy.com/?q=anti+jokes+non+jokes" target="_blank">google search non jokes or anti jokes</a> and read through dozens of them to find one's that she understood. Most of these jokes she didn't find very funny, but every so often she would giggle and say 'that's a good one.' So I would repeat it. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/laughter-is-best-medicine-atozchallenge.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-20518327161152925062015-04-13T23:28:00.003+02:002015-07-26T19:53:38.582+02:00Knowledge and knowing #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span> <br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_Oaun0lcH4/VMacnj3-vJI/AAAAAAAARKw/3sIO7Pafvts/s1600/K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e_Oaun0lcH4/VMacnj3-vJI/AAAAAAAARKw/3sIO7Pafvts/s1600/K.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">When I did my first clinical placement in a nursing home I knew from the start that I never wanted Mum to spend time in one. I also made a habit of treating patients as if they were my parents.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/knowledge-and-knowing-atozchallenge.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-26877669488830129952015-04-11T12:39:00.000+02:002015-04-27T16:02:12.280+02:00Joy - an Ode to - #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br>
Remember to care for the carers. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span> <br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><u>JOY</u></b></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VONts9E-8eI/VMacnRsXDfI/AAAAAAAARKs/iZvkmdmszRA/s1600/J.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VONts9E-8eI/VMacnRsXDfI/AAAAAAAARKs/iZvkmdmszRA/s1600/J.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br>
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br>
</span> <br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; text-align: left;">My Mother's name is Letizia - which means Joy in Italian.</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Laura Sullivans's Ode to Joy, from the Album Feasts of love and joy, was playing gently in the background as Mum's coffin was carried out of Sacred Heart Church. It is the most beautiful version I have ever heard. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In joy - Enjoy</span></span></div>
<br>
</div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/joy-ode-to-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-6981968596472895472015-04-10T15:56:00.000+02:002015-07-26T19:59:12.215+02:00Inhalation annihilation #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span> <br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span> <br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Inhalation annihilation.</u></span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9UeAa255w0/VMacnfJljqI/AAAAAAAARKk/KXqu8xp1BQQ/s1600/I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C9UeAa255w0/VMacnfJljqI/AAAAAAAARKk/KXqu8xp1BQQ/s1600/I.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br>
</span> <br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">We never found out which type of MND (otherwise known as ALS - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - or Lou Gherig's disease) Mum had. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/inhalation-annihilation-atozchallenge.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-19494553882818320622015-04-09T21:35:00.000+02:002015-04-27T16:03:41.540+02:00Hugs in Hell. #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><u>Hugs in Hell</u></span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKb1sMUBmJI/VMacm-NnYxI/AAAAAAAARKc/RVtdFcP6HGg/s1600/H.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKb1sMUBmJI/VMacm-NnYxI/AAAAAAAARKc/RVtdFcP6HGg/s1600/H.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I knew she was having a hard day when after the third time we had got up to go to the toilet she refused to get out of her walker again - I asked her for the twentieth time "What do you want to do... Where do you want to go?"</span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/hugs-in-hell-atozchallenge-care-for.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-48617500219295540202015-04-08T21:28:00.000+02:002015-04-27T16:04:11.832+02:00Genes. #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease (MND). For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Genes</span><br>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUz8Z7hpVqA/VMacmgkjL8I/AAAAAAAARKQ/9AgGXz1DDik/s1600/G.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUz8Z7hpVqA/VMacmgkjL8I/AAAAAAAARKQ/9AgGXz1DDik/s1600/G.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<br></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nobody really knows what causes Motor Neurone Disease or Alzheimers Disease.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Mum had both, and as far as I know no-one in her family has had either disease.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/genes-atozchallenge-care-for-carers.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-42150627221694878582015-04-08T00:31:00.000+02:002015-04-27T16:04:26.862+02:00Freedom from Fear #atozchallenge Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Freedom from Fear</span></h2>
<br>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEg_HhjJ-Dg/VMacmPmHSeI/AAAAAAAARKE/8y52nLHJ9a0/s1600/F.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEg_HhjJ-Dg/VMacmPmHSeI/AAAAAAAARKE/8y52nLHJ9a0/s1600/F.jpg"></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">One of the early signs that Mum had a progressive disease (or two) was the increase in her fear of almost everything. Fear of the dark, fear of driving at night, fear of falling. She was also fearless. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br>
</div></div></div><a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/freedom-from-fear-atozchallenge-care.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-80091418202780822542015-04-06T14:02:00.000+02:002015-07-26T20:30:55.717+02:00Easter without her. #atozchallenge Care for the Carers.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span>
<br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Easter without her.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82ZdQpPKCbI/VMacmclsinI/AAAAAAAARKI/wlG9rLuBZzM/s1600/E.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-82ZdQpPKCbI/VMacmclsinI/AAAAAAAARKI/wlG9rLuBZzM/s1600/E.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">November 1st is All Souls day. Last year I attended the international mass held at the cemetery for the departed each year, with both my parents for the first and last time. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br>
<a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/easter-without-her-atozchallenge-care.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5509673636575711646.post-37809464171625944382015-04-04T13:41:00.001+02:002015-07-26T20:26:44.184+02:00Denying Degeneration. #atozchallenge - Care for the Carers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Two days after her 73rd birthday my Mum took her final breath. She had Alzheimers and Motor neurone disease. For her final 3 months I was her main carer. A privilege I am grateful for and will cherish forever. This years #atozchallenge theme will focus on being a carer / care-giver.</span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span><br>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><u>Remember to care for the carers. </u> </span><br>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span>
<br>
<h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Denying Degeneration</span></h2>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mDWGSpbFSA/VMaclpEYaII/AAAAAAAARKA/CAj1sMKlk2U/s1600/D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2mDWGSpbFSA/VMaclpEYaII/AAAAAAAARKA/CAj1sMKlk2U/s1600/D.jpg"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">One of the symptoms of </span><span style="font-size: large;">Alzheimers</span><span style="font-size: large;">/Dementia can be denial, it is also a defence mechanism. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span></div>
<a href="http://idachiavaro.blogspot.com/2015/04/denying-degeneration-atozchallenge-care.html#more">Read more »</a>Ida Thoughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15479961947050289284noreply@blogger.com16