There are times in your life when you get thrown a curve ball that you're not expecting, which is what happened to me, so over the last two weeks I have not completed my weekly post. I am sure you will understand because we have all walked through experiences similar to mine.
Rather than talk to you about Forget Me Notes activities my mind has been with those people who are carers and the work that they deliver day in day out. The physical responsibilities of being a carer for someone are not always the biggest issue, it is the emotional strength that is needed to give of yourself even when you feel that there is no more left to give. It is at times like this when you can doubt yourself and your capacity to be the carer that somebody needs. The realisation that you need time out, is not a weakness but a strength.
Jean and I have been thinking about changing our car and we think it’s time to go electric. We haven’t found anything just yet but I think over the next few months we will find something. I suppose restoration is a little bit like plugging in an electric car when the battery is flat. The car needs time to recharge before it can go again.
This post is about saying thank you to all the amazing carers that I have worked alongside over the years. You have all taught me so much. The inner strength that you have, the compassion, the respect, it is truly inspiring.
At a dementia cafe once I referred to a lady as a carer for her husband. I am happy to say that she put me right in my place and said “I am not his carer, I am his wife”. Why is it that this phrase has lived with me for so long. It is because of the emotional power that lies within it. It is the passion for giving the best of yourself to the person you love. Caring can be a professional duty, but love is so much more. So to all those who have responsibilities for others whether for partners,children, family members or friends, your love and the giving of yourself is a testimony in itself to the way in which you love and believe in the people you support.
Just a very quick Forget Me Note piece of good news. This week we received funding from two sources, one that will help us maintain our Choirs and reach out to those who need us. The other will help us in delivering the message of Forget Me Notes and how we can transform care with the use of music.
What do I wish for you this week? A week of peace and contentment. Speak to you soon.
