Wisdom
Developmentally Challenged
What do you say to a friend who has a baby with a disability?

What do you say to a friend who has a baby with a disability?

My first response is the old adage which says, "actions speak louder than words." Of paramount importance is that your friend feels your love and support. Hold the baby.

*As one mother said, "Hold our baby. Holding the baby says, "This handicap is not a barrier. I accept this special little person." You can even say this out loud to the baby and to the parent(s), "This handicap is not a barrier. I accept this special little person. I want to be a part of this baby's life."

Aging & ElderlyAlzheimer's DiseaseCaregiving Questions
What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?

What are the early signs of Alzheimers Disease?

Dear Karen,
How do I know if my mom has Alzheimer’s disease? What are some of the early signs of this disease? -Betty

Dear Betty:
Good question, Betty. Many people, including myself, want to know what signs to look for. For wisdom on this subject I went to wonderful resource, Coach Broyles’ Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers. Frank Broyles, is Athletic Director Emeritus for the University of Arkansas Razorbacks. His wife, Barbara, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Frank says, “I had many questions and spent a lot of time looking for answers. What I learned is contained in my book, Playbook for Alzheimer’s Caregivers.”

One of the first topics which Coach Broyles deals with in his book is what signs to look for.

Caregiving QuestionsDeathIllnessesTerminal
How can we care for those who are terminally ill?

How can we care for those who are terminally ill?

Margaret Vermeer served as a missionary in Nigeria. When she was seven months pregnant, she received the report that a biopsy of a small tumor was malignant. Five weeks after the surgery to remove the tumors, she gave birth to a son, then began chemotherapy and radiation treatments. For two years she had a miraculous remission, but then gradually more tumors appeared.