AND OTHER THINGS
TEN RULES TO LIVE BY
Contributed By My Brother, John Casey
LEGEND OF THE GEESE
In the fall, did you notice geese heading south for the winter, flying in their customary "V" formation? If so, you might be interested to know what scientists have discovered about their flying habits.
As each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift fo rthe bird immediately following. Thus by flying ia a "V" formation, the whole flock adds at least 71 percent flying range than if each bird flies on its own.
Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistanc of trying to go it alone. Hence, it quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.
When the lead goose gets tired, he rotates to the back and another goose flies point.
The geese honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up thier speed.
Finally, when a goose gets sick, or is wounded by gun shot and falls out of formation twoo geese fall out with him down to help and protect him. They stay with him intil he is either able to fly or until he is dead. Then they launch out on their own or join another formation to catch up with their own group.
Remember to be good to yourself. Love, honor and value yourself. You're doing a very hard job and you deserve some quality time, just for you.
Watch out for signs of depression and don't delay in getting professional help when you need it.
When people offer to help, accept the offer and suggest specific things that they can do.
Educate yourself about your loved one's condition. Information is empowering.
There's a difference between caring and doing. Be open to technologies and ideas that promote your loved one's independence.
Trust your instincts. Most of the time they'll lead you in the right direction.
Grieve for your losses, and then allow yourself to dream new dreams.
Stand up for you rights as a caregiver and a citizen.
SEEK SUPPORT from other caregivers. There is great strength in knowing you are not alone.
"Humor helps us cope becaue it instantly removes us from pain."
Dr. Samuel Shem
"When we find some humor in our upsets they no longer seem as large or as important as they once did."
"Laughter is inner jogging."
"In matter of humor, what is appealing to one person is appalling to another."
"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
"The most completely lost of all days is the one on which we have not laughed."
"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people."
"Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been."
"Laughter need not be cut out of anything, since it improves everything."
"Nothing is better than the unintended humor of reality."
"He deserves paradise who makes his companions laugh."
Mohammed, The Koran
"He who laughs, lasts."
WORTH WHILE BOOKS TO READ