It’s something parents and grandparents fear could happen to their children and grandchildren after a severe injury: being paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. When this happened to one woman’s grandson, she learned that even through this difficult struggle, God had a plan.
Read moreTag: Caregiving
Diary of a Caregiver
In caring for her father and his illness, a woman experiences the daily burden of an adult parent — and God’s provisions to help her survive.
Read moreA Patch of Blue Sky
Finding light in mental darkness. by Ruth Schiffmann Some people are like a patch of blue sky every day. Their voices soothe secret hurts. Their smiles absorb harsh words. Their touch heals mortal wounds. Their souls are thick and can cushion the most force-felt blow. My mother was one of those people. She clung…
Read moreForget Me Not?
God’s help for wholeness. by Janice Hughes Mother stopped laughing and placed her bingo card on the table. “Who are you?” she asked as her eyes studied my face. I answered and waited for a glimmer of recognition from this woman who had given me life. There was none. In her soft, sweet voice,…
Read moreTonya’s Cup: What is Autism?
Definition: Infantile autism is a syndrome with symptoms of self-absorption and aloneness that appear in early childhood or are present from birth. The term autism was introduced by Leo Kanner in 1943 to describe a developmental condition in which children are unable to form meaningful relationships or to mature socially, despite excellent motor skills….
Read moreTonya’s Cup
Breaking through a young girl’s personal prison. by Penny Smith “C’mon, Tonya, just a few more bites,” I coaxed, trying to catch up to her mouth with the fork as she dodged from side to side. Eventually she reached out and guided the fork to her mouth while staring vacantly into space. At last…
Read moreMy Alzheimer’s Shadow: A Journey from Anger to Trust
by Patte Earley as told to Betty J. Johnson “I am so angry. I’m fifty-one years old and my husband, Bill, has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Where do I focus my anger?” I cried. “Are you mad at God?” Mary asked. “No, I’m not angry at God, because I don’t believe this…
Read moreNurturing a Blue Rose
“And a little child shall lead them.” by Tammy Vice as told to Linda Owen We were your ordinary family. My husband, Rudy, worked long, hard hours so we could take vacations. My daughter, Allison, enjoyed school and had a passion for horses. When I wasn’t being a mom, I was wrapped up in…
Read moreHow to Cope With Alzheimer’s-Resources
For caregiving tips, newsletter, and resources, write or call National Family Caregivers Association, 9621 East Bexhill Drive, Kensington, MD 20895-3104; 1-800-896-3650; http://www.nfcacares.org. Support services available at National Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, 919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1100, Chicago, IL 60611-1676; fax 312-335-1110; http://www.alz.org; 1-800-272-3900. Here are titles of helpful brochures: Just the Facts…
Read moreHow to Cope With Alzheimer’s Disease
Survival is possible by understandingthe disease and its victim. by LeAnn Campbell According to the National Alzheimer’s Association, approximately four million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and that number will increase to 14 million by the middle of the century unless researchers find a cure or prevention. The disease affects one in ten people over…
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