Yesterday, I was able to take my Dad to the ground-breaking ceremony for the new Veteran's Memorial which will be built at Chicano Park under the San Diego - Coronado Bay Bridge in the Logan Heights neighborhood in San Diego. My uncle Juan Manuel (former Marine)was the Master of ceremonies for the outdoor ceremony which was attended by more that 100 people. Even though the monument is being built at Chicano Park, the monument is intended for all veterans from the neighborhood; it was great to see Anglos, Filipinos, African-Americans an (obviously) a lot of Hispanics at the ceremony.
Moreover, there were people from multiple generations, from seniors to teenagers; from active military to retired World War Two, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and Iraqi vets.
I was able to seat my father in the front row next to all of the dignitaries and elected officials. It was so funny to see all these important people come and greet my father assuming that he too was some dignitary. And, of course, in my eyes he is. Even the commanding Marine General for the San Diego Recruiting center came up and shook my dad's hand with great respect. It was fabulous!
And when an attending congress-woman gave her speech then asked for all attending military veterans to stand up for a public acknowledgement of their service to their country, my father stood up with great pride. It made his day. And it made me cry with even more pride. My Dad served in the Korea conflict.
More later, I have to take my pop to his doctor --- Later allegators.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Dear Abby Gives Advice for Alzheimer's Caregiver
Today's Dear Abby
MOM'S DESCENT INTO ALZHEIMER'S CONSUMES HER DAUGHTER'S LIFE
DEAR ABBY: My beautiful, loving mother is now in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. This cruel disease has robbed her of her memories as well as the ability to reason and function.
She held my hand through every trial and triumph in my life, and I want to support her the way she has always supported me. But caring for Mama is becoming more and more difficult as she drifts further and further away. Not only am I caring for my mother, I also have a career and three children.
I have so little time to myself. From the financial considerations to the behavioral challenges to safety concerns, I can't keep my head above water. Please tell me what to do. -- OVERWHELMED IN CINCINNATI
DEAR OVERWHELMED: I'll try. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to see a loved one face the changes that Alzheimer's disease brings. Although you feel alone and overwhelmed right now, the truth is you are not.
Today, an estimated 10 million Americans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia. More than 40 percent of them rate their emotional stress level as high or very high, and it is a danger to their health.
Some signs to be aware of: feeling you have to "do it all yourself" and that you should be doing more; withdrawing from family, friends and activities that you used to enjoy; worrying that the person you care for is safe; feeling anxious about money and health-care decisions; denying the impact of the disease and its effect on your family; feeling grief or sadness that your relationship with the person isn't what it used to be; becoming frustrated and angry when the person continually repeats things and doesn't seem to listen; and having health problems that are taking a toll on you.
If any of these apply to you, it is important that you take care of your own physical and mental health. Make time to talk to your doctor and contact the Alzheimer's Association because it offers a full range of services. The toll-free number is(800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org and take the Caregiver Stress Check interactive quiz. You will find with it a list of helpful referrals there.
FOR MORE "DEAR ABBY" advice visit this web site: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20081112
MOM'S DESCENT INTO ALZHEIMER'S CONSUMES HER DAUGHTER'S LIFE
DEAR ABBY: My beautiful, loving mother is now in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease. This cruel disease has robbed her of her memories as well as the ability to reason and function.
She held my hand through every trial and triumph in my life, and I want to support her the way she has always supported me. But caring for Mama is becoming more and more difficult as she drifts further and further away. Not only am I caring for my mother, I also have a career and three children.
I have so little time to myself. From the financial considerations to the behavioral challenges to safety concerns, I can't keep my head above water. Please tell me what to do. -- OVERWHELMED IN CINCINNATI
DEAR OVERWHELMED: I'll try. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to see a loved one face the changes that Alzheimer's disease brings. Although you feel alone and overwhelmed right now, the truth is you are not.
Today, an estimated 10 million Americans are caring for someone with Alzheimer's or another dementia. More than 40 percent of them rate their emotional stress level as high or very high, and it is a danger to their health.
Some signs to be aware of: feeling you have to "do it all yourself" and that you should be doing more; withdrawing from family, friends and activities that you used to enjoy; worrying that the person you care for is safe; feeling anxious about money and health-care decisions; denying the impact of the disease and its effect on your family; feeling grief or sadness that your relationship with the person isn't what it used to be; becoming frustrated and angry when the person continually repeats things and doesn't seem to listen; and having health problems that are taking a toll on you.
If any of these apply to you, it is important that you take care of your own physical and mental health. Make time to talk to your doctor and contact the Alzheimer's Association because it offers a full range of services. The toll-free number is(800) 272-3900 or visit www.alz.org and take the Caregiver Stress Check interactive quiz. You will find with it a list of helpful referrals there.
FOR MORE "DEAR ABBY" advice visit this web site: http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/?uc_full_date=20081112
Friday, November 7, 2008
A VERY Important Passage from the BIBLE
John 10:1-18
1) " Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2) but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3) To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4) When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5) A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6) This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7) So Jesus again said to them, " Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8) All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. 9) I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12) He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13) He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. 14) I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15) as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16) And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. 17) For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18) No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father."
1) " Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; 2) but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3) To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4) When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5) A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers." 6) This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them. 7) So Jesus again said to them, " Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8) All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. 9) I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. 10) The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. 11) I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12) He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13) He flees because he is a hireling and cares nothing for the sheep. 14) I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, 15) as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16) And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. 17) For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again. 18) No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again; this charge I have received from my Father."
Take Action!
Action Alert!
what:Email your state legislators to stop Alzheimer's cuts now. when:By November 12, 2008
Dear Ricardo:
Key decisions will be made on Alzheimer's care next week and we need your help to fight more cuts. Please email your legislators by November 12.
Tell them that Azheimer's programs have been cut 10% this year. Needed family services have already been lost.
Don't forget:
Email your state legislators now. Stop more cuts to Alzheimer's programs.
Forward this message to family and friends >>
Background
On Nov 5, the Governor called a Special Session of the Legislature. The amount of funding for programs that help families living with Alzheimer’s are threatened, including the Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers, the Alzheimer’s Research Centers and the Caregiver Resource Centers.
These programs have already been cut 10% this year.
Another cut will mean:
*Many more family caregivers will not get respite, support and education
*Many more people with memory loss will not get an accurate diagnosis
*Many more people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will not be able to attend a day care program that understands their needs.
Thank you!
As an advocate, your voice makes a difference for our lawmakers.
Questions? Email martha.ranon@sanalz.org
what:Email your state legislators to stop Alzheimer's cuts now. when:By November 12, 2008
Dear Ricardo:
Key decisions will be made on Alzheimer's care next week and we need your help to fight more cuts. Please email your legislators by November 12.
Tell them that Azheimer's programs have been cut 10% this year. Needed family services have already been lost.
Don't forget:
Email your state legislators now. Stop more cuts to Alzheimer's programs.
Forward this message to family and friends >>
Background
On Nov 5, the Governor called a Special Session of the Legislature. The amount of funding for programs that help families living with Alzheimer’s are threatened, including the Alzheimer’s Day Care Resource Centers, the Alzheimer’s Research Centers and the Caregiver Resource Centers.
These programs have already been cut 10% this year.
Another cut will mean:
*Many more family caregivers will not get respite, support and education
*Many more people with memory loss will not get an accurate diagnosis
*Many more people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias will not be able to attend a day care program that understands their needs.
Thank you!
As an advocate, your voice makes a difference for our lawmakers.
Questions? Email martha.ranon@sanalz.org
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