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Dear Friends,
This newsletter is a little overdue. That’s because we had an unexpected adventure at the Petherbridge household.
On June 29th my husband, Steve, slipped on wet tile in our home. He fell hard and couldn’t get up. After which he proceeded to learn: the first names of the local paramedics, what it feels like to ride in an ambulance, and how to be admitted to the hospital through the emergency room.
Two days later an orthopedic doctor did surgery inserting pins and screws to repair Steve’s broken right hip. After several weeks of recovery and physical therapy he is doing great and walking with the aid of a cane.
There are no words to express our thank you to those who came to our aid. The prayers, support, practical assistance, food, visits, and offers to help were an amazing blessing to both of us.
To my youngest stepson Todd, Daughter-in-law Julie, and grandson Colin, who sacrificed their time and resources to help us we shout out a HUGE “Thank you.”
Overnight I learned the patience, hard work and sacrifice it takes to be a caregiver. I don’t think I passed the test with flying colors. But I definitely have a much greater admiration, compassion and understanding for those who care for loved ones.
This newsletter edition is filled with information on that subject including a great article by NY Times bestselling author Cec Murphy. Enjoy!
Love,
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Most people get involved in caring for others because it is the right thing to do. There are a lot of wonderful things about caring for others, but there are also a lot of responsibilities and challenges, and some really tough times.
Caring for people in need brings out the best in us, and it brings out the worst in us. That’s true when you do anything difficult or out of the ordinary. And remember this: God loves you as much as He loves the people you are taking care of. Sometimes, there is a smug superiority on our part, because WE can do something for THEM they cannot do for themselves. It helps to remember we are equal in God’s sight. You need to realize if you live long enough, someone will be taking care of you. [read more]
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My sister’s husband is extremely ill. Many people rallied around them when his diagnosis first came in, but now her support seems to have disappeared. What can I do to help? |
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Thank you for recognizing your family’s need. An illness is a difficult thing to face and a caregiver often has a huge burden. Your sister likely needs some practical help. Here are a few suggestions. Offer to:
- Take him to his medical appointments.
- Go with them to office visits and take notes. Concentration levels are at an all time low when crisis hits, therefore jot down details, medications, treatment, etc.
- Prepare foods that can be stored in the freezer. Due to some dietary restrictions, it’s best to keep these simple and without a lot of fat, sugar or spices.
- Babysit when kids are involved.
- Run errands and pick up groceries, medication, medical supplies, do laundry, etc.
- Answer and reply to phone calls. The internet has provided an easier way for to people to stay informed but many people still call and desire an update. Returning all these calls can be overwhelming.
- Clean and disinfect frequently used rooms. Having visitors is great but they can bring germs into the home.
- Arrange for someone to sit with your brother-in-law while you take your sister out to lunch. He is ill, but she still needs to get out of the house.
These small words, “I’m here for you, tell me of a specific need.” Can make all the difference in the world to your sister. |
Mark Your Calendars for a LIVE WEBINAR:
"Becoming a Smart Stepmom"
November 16, 8:00 pm ET
Join Laura and her co-author Ron Deal for 90 minutes of valuable information on how to:
- Overcome the Thanksgiving and Christmas stressors unique to a stepfamily
- Recognize the common causes for isolation and loneliness
- Embrace realistic expectations and dreams for stepfamily living
Look for details at www.successfulstepfamilies.com
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Did you know?
- One quarter of the bones in your body are in your feet.
- The smallest human bones are stapes, incus, and malleus bones, located in the ear.
- Humans are born with 300 bones. Adults have 206 because many of them joined together to form a single bone.
- There are 54 bones in your hands including the wrists.
Resource: www.amusingfacts.com |
Memorable Quotes:
"It's a good thing to have all the props pulled out from under us occasionally. It gives us some sense of what is rock under our feet,
and what is sand."
— Madeleine L'Engle |
Contact Laura Today! |
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In this Issue:
Resource
Give-Away Contest:
Last month's winner was Wendy Maust from Bauxite, AZ. Congratulations, Wendy!
This month's resource give-away contest winner will receive Hope and Comfort for Every Season by Cecil Murphey. For more info, visit Cecil Murphey's website.
Be the 8th person to contact me. To enter this month's Resource Give-Away Contest, enter simply by contacting me.
Please Note: Winner must have a US address. International shipping not available. |
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What's New
NEW audio CD
“Thriving in a Stepfamily”
4 segments (75 minutes) from Laura’s popular workshop are now on an audio CD.
Click here to purchase
Focus on the Family Radio
November 4-5
Listen to Laura and her co-author Ron Deal on Focus on the Family Nov 4th and 5th.
Stepmom Magazine
Laura now writes for a magazine designed for stepmoms.
Click here for more info
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PLEASE NOTE:
If you e-mail Laura please add her address to your address book or her reply might get stuck in a spam folder. Thanks!
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