Dear Caregiver,
You have one more opportunity, before the start of the fall, to do something special for YOU this holiday weekend.
Read the encore publication of 3 Tips for Caregivers over Labor Day Weekend.
WRITE TO US! Share your story and photos! We’ll post a few to encourage other caregivers to take a respite!
OUR STORY
After caring for my late father with Alzheimer’s, my husband and I cared for three geriatric kitties.
The last, an emaciated orange tabby came into our lives in 2003. He was (and still is) a gentle feline who wanted “to adopt us. We agreed. Shortly after, we learned he had the feline aids virus (FIV). This required special care and sanitary measures to avoid spreading his illness. Last year, he was also diagnosed with lymphoma of the spleen.
Like good caregivers, we try to take the best care of him. We even made sure one of us was home to care for him, much like we did while caring for my father.
Our kitty surprised us (and the veterinarian) by living longer than expected while we provide palliative care.
WE NEEDED RESPITE
We were overdue for human family connections; especially because our niece, nephews, and Godsons are getting older. We took our kitty to the California Cat Center where he had enjoyed personalized luxury care previously. Then we took a pre-Labor Day holiday and visited family, Godsons, and friends in Wisconsin and Illinois.
As good plans sometimes turn out different, I caught a cold the second day of our eight-day trip. We managed to make the best of it and also celebrated my husband’s and my birthdays.
Here are a couple photos, plus a funny one I couldn’t resist.
South Lake Drive landscaping slows traffic in Milwaukee.
“Wha’cha see, Sookie?” hubby David asks his brother’s dog.
So what will YOU do this Labor Day weekend?
Share your story and photos with us!
Brenda Avadian, MA
Alzheimer’s / Dementia Caregiver, Expert Spokesperson, Coach, and Author
