running a house, the financier who saves money by fixing their own sprinklers, the cook making specific food safe for your child to eat, and is a business executive! It is imperative that all the different types of paperwork for insurance, medical suppliers, and school are maintained while following up to coordinate with school teachers, therapy appointments, and others.
Host: You said your favorite job is advocate, why?
Bobbie: Well, I initially meant that sarcastically.
Host: Why?
Bobbie: It is so frustrating going to doctor after doctor when your child has a rare disorder and be accused of too much parenting, not enough parenting, or that your child is faking their condition. To watch a doctor say to your child's face, "You are not trying hard enough" or "it's obvious you are deeply depressed because you can't get your way in life - shame on you"…(Bobbie softly cries)… I'm sorry.
Host: No. Here are some tissues. Really! Doctors don't say that!
Bobbie: Talk to any parental caregiver and I doubt or at least it will be very hard to find one who says that all their child's medical professionals speak pleasantly, listen to the concerns and support the child's needs 100% of the time. If such a caregiver exists who has had it that easy, ask them what their secret is and take it as your own. Being your own advocate also has its rewards too. You always learn of new information or resources, help to create awareness, and if you are determined, will create a societal change for your child along with many other families as well. Ask how many laws or nonprofits there are for children with disabilities and it will be learned that for each one created, there is probably a parental figure creating the answer to address a problem.
Host: (Loud breath) I don't know whether to sob uncontrollably or pump my fist up in the air. WEPC is going to pause for a moment so you can sip your Energy Coffee and reflect on Bobbie's wonderful determination. When we come back, we will ask her why she has such a glowing smile on her face with everything we have just discussed.
Host: So, Bobbie, you told us about the technical aspects of being a caregiver, the multitudes of frustrations a caregiver experiences and in spite of all of that, you spent the morning here smiling. How? Where do you find your strength?
Bobbie: The answer is easy. I can smile because my child is my world. They can wake up in the morning and ask for me with or without a voice, with or without sight, with or without mobility, and in their own special way say, "Good Morning," which on some days is an accomplishment worth waiting for. At the end of the day, it is easy to smile after changing the PICC line, recharging the batteries for an iPad or power chair, helping them with their therapies, driving them to their appointments or sports practice, making their no egg/ dairy/gluten-free cupcakes and know that I
played a part in helping them to become an upstanding person in life. Smiling is also easy when I had to stand up to different professionals reminding them that my child has the same right to life as everyone else. Sometimes it is a little more tersely than I would like, but when my child finally gets the accommodations or services they need and succeeds as a result of those changes, then I am smiling. Did I tell you about how wonderful my child is? Oh my goodness! Their bad days, their good days, their intelligence, their softness are just some of the things I love about them. One time…
GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE : HAPPY MONTH! HAVE FUN!
31 days of things to smile about with room for you to add in your own! Share with coworkers, friends, family, dog, or cat.
- Have a cup of "Energy Coffee!"
- Spend some time with your pet and buy them a funny toy.
- Get an art journaling book and doodle or color.
- Using a notebook, write about whatever you want and share it only if you want to.
- Connect with a caregiving support group through National Family Caregiver Association, Caregiving.com, or any of your favorite associations.
- Call an old friend and have a long call.
- Cook your favorite meal or try a new recipe.
- Go see a movie.
- Invite a friend to share a meal in honor of caregivers.
- Find a cleaning activity - it's therapeu tic. (Clean desk, wash car, sort garage)
- Brag all day long for one day about how great it is to be a caregiver.
- Get a haircut.
- Take a long walk.
- Eat a decadent dessert.
- Treat yourself to a new book and curl up in your favorite chair.
- Pick a museum and visit it: ecobnb.com/blog/2020/03/online-museums-free
- Smile! It burns calories and makes you feel great.
- Join a book club or card game club.
- Participate in a community activity at your house of worship.
- Invite a chef or chef wanna-be chef to cook a special meal in your home. (Personal favorite! - LG)
- Take a nap.
- Go to a football, basketball, or base ball game.
- Spend time working on a craft (wood or metal or string) or a jigsaw puzzle.
- Pick and choose to do something new with your child: twokidsandacoupon.com 2017/01/25-free-things-for-kids-by-mail.htm]
- Treat your child unexpectedly to something fun they want to do.
- Go to the theatre: WhatsOnStage.com London-theatre/news/stage-shows-musicals
- Add more items on this list that make you smile.
- Make a collage of pictures of your career to put on display or near your nightstand.
- Nominate a fellow caregiver for an award. (Enter "nominate caregiver award" in your favorite search engine and pick an organization to use.)
- Design your own T-shirt that says "I'm a Superhero Caregiver!"
- Go fly a balloon or let some butterflies go free!
COMMERCIAL: Bored from everyday life? Looking for something fun to do to break up the monotony? Download your free, "Happy Month" today! Happy Month is a 30-item-plus list of things (with room for more) that you can do that are guaranteed to make you smile. Print it off. Share it with your co-workers, family, friends, or even the dog. Share the "Happy Month!" What is your happy?