Caregiver Quotes and Tips – Don’t Dwell On the Disease | by Linda Brendle

While I was caregiving, I spent too much time focusing on Alzheimer’s and what it had taken away instead of valuing what it had left behind. Even when she couldn’t remember what the preacher said for five minutes Mom still had a sweet, clear soprano voice, and she loved to participate in the praise and worship portion of the church service. Dad could no longer balance his checkbook or remember what day it was, but he could still crack a corny joke, often at his own expense, that made everyone groan and laugh at the same time. And when they were no longer sure of how long they had been together or how they came to be where they were, they still smiled, kissed, held hands, and expressed a love that had survived every effort of dementia to steal away those sweet memories.

Blessings,

Linda

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos

Available September 29 and 30 at for only 99 cents:

B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

 

 

Fall Sale – Sept. 29 and 30 – A Long and Winding Road – Only 99 Cents!

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos

Available September 29 and 30 at for only 99 cents:

B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

 

 

 

About the book:

Sometimes reality really bites. Alzheimer’s has wrapped Mom’s brain into knots, vascular dementia has attacked Dad, and, instead of carefree retirees, we have become caregivers. Regardless, dreams die hard, and we somehow stumbled into the purchase of a forty-foot motor home. That’s when all four of us set out on this seven-week trek across sixteen U.S. states. Now, Dad stopped-up the toilet again, Mom wet her last pair of clean jeans, and David just announced that he was hungry. My head is beginning to pound, and I know this isn’t going to be the easygoing retirement we’d imagined for ourselves.

 

Linda Brendle takes you on a roller-coaster ride of emotional and spiritual challenges that many families are facing right now. Co-dependency, mental breakdowns, and finding love after divorce are just a few of the issues weaved into this journey of caregiving. Whether you’re looking for an inspirational story to help teach you how to “let go and let God,” considering becoming the caregiver for one of your own parents, or are just looking for an entertaining travel book, this story is sure to strike a tender nerve.

Trailer:

Author Video:

Blessings,

Linda

Fall Sale – Books only 99 cents!

Anaiah Press

9/29 & 9/30 Anaiah Press Sale!

AMAZON / B&N 

A Long and Winding Road: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love and Chaos by Linda Brendle

Runaway by Renee Donne

Winter in the Soul by Jennifer Novotney

Liberty Belle by Emily Ungar

Pride by Rosie Somers

Bound by Blood by Scott Springer

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Senior (Caregiver) Humor – Prison Stripes | by Linda Brendle

 

 

Today’s humor is specifically for those who care for a senior citizen who can sometimes be less than cooperative and cordial. You know who you are!

 

 

Thanks to Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services for posting this on Pinterest.

Blessings,

Linda

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos

Available now at:

B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

 

 

Bible Verses for Caregivers – the Peace of God | by Linda Brendle

 

I love watching the water. Whether it’s the turmoil of the ocean waves or the serenity of the small retention pond that was behind our house in Florida, the movement of the water and the way the light and wind play across its surface are very soothing to me. When my caregiving duties overwhelmed me, I often sat in the swing on the lanai and lost myself in the peace and quiet.

Where do you find peace and quiet? Where do you go when life as a caregiver becomes too much? It really doesn’t matter where you go physically as long as you find a way to reach that place of peace within yourself. Today’s verse is a continuation of last week’s verse in which Paul said to relax, be grateful, and pray in order to find the peace that only God can offer.

Blessings,

Linda

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos

Available now at:

B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

 

 

Why You Should Tell Your Story | by Linda Brendle

When I first began talking about writing a book, a friend lent me a copy of Mothering Mother: A Daughter’s Humorous and Heart-Breaking Memoir by Carol O’Dell. The book was signed by the author, and the inscription read “Tell your story.” Throughout the process of turning my memories into a book, I struggled with why telling my story was of value to me and to others. Here are some of the conclusions I drew:

• Working through my life–the good parts as well a the not so good parts–was good therapy for me. Putting feelings and thoughts into words forced me to look closely at and come to terms with some things that I had ignored for too long.
• My life story is not all that different from millions of other caregivers, divorcees, and mothers of children who have struggled. Others see themselves in my story and realize that they are not alone.
• When I share the funny side of serious and even tragic circumstances, it gives people permission to laugh, and hopefully, it lightens their burdens a bit.
• My story is one about continuing to live life in spite of some extreme difficulties, and I hope it encourages others to do the same.
• Finally, by sharing my story, I give others permission to share theirs. In the sharing, we are all drawn closer together in a community where we can care for and strengthen each other.

What is your story? Grab your writing instrument of choice and tell it.

Blessings,

Linda

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos

Available now at:

B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

 

 

 

Book Review: Will, Middle Name Trouble by Buffy Andrews

Getting in trouble is a choice–or is it?

Will is a twelve-year-old boy who, in spite of his best efforts, is always in trouble. When his mouth and his reputation get him into more trouble than usual, his loyal friends rally around to help prove his innocence.

Caregiver Quotes and Tips – Just Dance | by Linda Brendle

I love this quote I found on Pinterest yesterday. If an Alzheimer’s caregiver, or anyone, can learn to follow this advice, dancing would come much easier.

1. Denial manifests itself in lots of ways. With me, one of the most obvious was arguing with her. “Mom, you just asked me that five minutes ago. Don’t you remember–I told you at breakfast where we were going today.” Of course she didn’t remember. She was doing well to remember how to tie her shoes.

Bible Verses for Caregivers – Relax, Give Thanks, Pray | by Linda Brendle

When was the last time you rested like this? These children don’t worry–they leave that to the big people. They may sometimes whine for the latest toy, but they also find time to be thankful for the beauty of a dandelion or the wonder of an ant. Most of all, they don’t hesitate to come to Mom or Dad when they need something. The next time you have trouble sleeping, remember the Philippians 4:6 method–relax, be grateful, and pray.

Blessings,

Linda

A LONG AND WINDING ROAD: A Caregiver’s Tale of Life, Love, and Chaos

Available now at:

B&N // Kobo // iTunes // Amazon // Smashwords // Google Play

 

 

 

Cover Reveal: Aging Gracefully with the 23rd Psalm by Dr. Sharon V. King

Today we’re happy to share Anaiah Press’s beautiful devotional cover reveal.

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Aging Gracefully with the 23rd Psalm

by Dr. Sharon V. King

Inspirations

Release Date: January 27, 2015

Blurb:

Can we talk about getting older? With another Baby Boomer turning 60 every 7.5 seconds, the “age wave” has captured the attention of such diverse fields as financial planning, cosmetics, medicine, and—religion. How does aging affect our spirituality? Does it deepen our relationship with God, or have decades of life’s roller coaster rides left us “spiritually challenged?” Life after 50 can be particularly challenging for women because of the personal, social, and physical changes that naturally occur as we age. A rich spiritual life can help 50+ women gain perspective about their aging process and seek God’s guidance as they encounter the changes, challenges, and opportunities of later life.

Aging Gracefully with the 23rd Psalm applies some of the best-loved verses in scripture to a reflective study of ways women can grow in grace as they grow in years. The book format provides reflections on themes of aging found in each verse of Psalm 23, such as facing forks in the road; making fresh starts; resolving past conflicts; coping with social, personal, and physical changes; navigating through emotional transitions; processing loss and grief; and end-of-life planning. Illustrations of each theme follow, using biblical examples, vignettes from the author’s personal aging journey, a Takeaway Message from each psalm verse, suggestions for group discussion topics, and a journaling exercise to help the reader write a “Prayer Memo” to the Good Shepherd of the 23rd Psalm.

Book Link

Goodreads

Author Bio:

Sharon is a class of ’69 Baby Boomer, a native of Pennsylvania, and now resident of Georgia. The daughter of church musicians, she first worked as a music teacher and then turned her interests to writing about and working with older adults.A recently retired gerontology professor, Sharon now writes inspirational books and articles for 50+ women.

Website: www.yearsfullofgrace.com

Twitter: @svk50plus