WHAT IS A CAREGIVER- REALLY?

There are paid and unpaid caregivers.

Many different professionals are considered caregivers. A PSW. A Nurse. A babysitter. Workers in care facilities like a Nursing Home. To name a few.

So what is an unpaid caregiver?

Usually one thinks of a family member.

For me caring for my husband did not have a name. So I thought.

About a year ago when I was at the Artist show in Richmond Hill, I was chatting with one of the artists. I mentioned I was retired. Conversation turned to so what are you doing. I mentioned providing lots of care for my ill husband as well as many personal interests.

Her response- oh well you are just a caregiver then! She dismissed any other interests I was pursuing.
Being brushed off as if caring for someone had little value.

Well actually it is like a rainbow with many colours and layers.

One does not sit by the person constantly. One provides what is needed.

Many tasks are normal ones. Doing laundry.  Making meals. Watching TV together. Being there. Chatting.

Depending on the degree of illness some other tasks may be more involved.

For me though care means caring. Loving. Supporting. Being together.

Love not a burden. For better or worse. In sickness and health. One's marriage vows.
Simple really.

Loving someone means everything. Your loved one deserves the best you have to offer.

Anyone who has experienced this journey realizes it is one of life's gifts. Life's honour to be able to care and give to another with your whole heart and being.

Caring for my husband was the easy part. Not having him in my life is the hardest part.
#caregiverwhatdoesitmean#caringandlovingsomeone#caregiverrole#caringislikearainbowwithmanylayersandcolours#doingwhatneedstobedone#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

ENJOYING THE END OF JULY

Summer brings all the local fruit and veggies to enjoy. The summer heat and casual wear makes life simple.

Short day trips have brought some momentary pleasure to us.

The garden in all its glory. The birds, the butterflies and the array of flowers both cultivated and wild.

A different July for me.

#july#veggiesfromthegarden#summerflowers#enjoyingthesummermonth#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

RICHMOND HILL HAS MORE COVID SIGNS

Always on the lookout for signs of COVID19, I found these recently.

It is always so positive to see the appreciation of our workers keeping the community running.

#covid19signs#documentinghistory#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

COVID-19 IS NOT OVER-STAY SAFE

So some people think if a second wave is coming then time to party now.
How juvenile!
It is so simple to wear a mask, safe distancing, wash hands. Stay in your social bubble.
A short day trip to Port Perry on Saturday was so safe.
Masks in store. Line up so not more than 2 at a time in a store.
Picnic away from others.
The street was closed to traffic so made it easy to physical distance.
For me. I still limit how often I go out. I limit the stores where I buy goods.
I am not shopping online for groceries anymore.
I try to wash hands a lot. Lysol packages and goods.
The sooner we all abide by the rules the sooner we can be through this pandemic.
How is it going for you? Are you keeping safe?
#pandemic#wearingyourmask#stayingsafe#stayawayfromtothers#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro#covid-19

BEAUTY IN THE MIDST OF A JUNGLE

My garden reflects my mood these days. Over grown. Chaotic. Colourful. But the purple irises stand out and bring joy to my world. Purple the beautiful healing colour.
#beautyinthegarden#mygardenisajungle#prettypurpleirises#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE 2020-ADOLPH DI MAMBRO

As many of you know I lost my beloved husband Adolph June 23 2020 to complications from end stage COPD and other medical conditions. Since COVID19 limited the realization of a real funeral service, my family and I found other ways to honour him.
What should have been my spoken Eulogy became a written Celebration of Life on the Marshall Funeral Home- Richmond Hill website. So many other beautiful tributes are there.

I have copied my tribute here for those that may not have read it.

Losing someone that is loved is very difficult. But knowing the life made a difference to this world lessens the pain.
#celebrationoflife#writinganeulogy#rememberingAdolph#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro

HAPPY CANADA DAY WITH ALL THE VIRTUAL CELEBRATIONS

Canada Day memories.

So backyard BBQs and virtual celebrations will have to be the norm.
#canadaday2020#celebratingvirtually#reflectivethoughtsbybarbara#barbaradimambro