What happened on the 21st of January even off my frustration last December. I was expecting a white christmas celebration but no snowfall came. Last Saturday, however, I woke up with snowfalls gently knocking on my door! It was beautiful to see the roads all covered with fine crystals of snow. Being a snow buff, I went out straightaway to enjoy the snowfalls even if they were few and started to fade away. I simply revelled in the winter beauty of the earth and the said snowfalls perfectly made my day!
It's just amazing how nature make us happy! Right guys? What d'ya think?
(photos are not for reproduction. please let myusefultips.com know if you wish to use it. Thanks!)
"...but as long as you love me so, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow"!
Ordinarily, when students go back to school in January after the winter or Christmas break , they would be asked by their teachers to list down their New Year's Resolutions. Based on experience, it is much easier to encourage middle school kids to formulate their resolutions than those in high school and college.
New Year's resolutions can be similar to formulation of short, medium or long-term plans and programs in a corporate or business settings. The need to review the past year's performance and make assessments on which areas or operations should be stopped or would require improvements are deemed important. The same is true for all of us, we make appraisals and judgments of ourselves as basis to do good and perform better next time around.
Encouraging the kids at an early stage to undertake New Year's resolutions by their parents or teachers is an effective tool in raising them to be focused and diligent in their studies and making them realize more what life is all about. As much as possible kids resolutions should be uncomplicated, doable and achievable to avoid failures and hitches along the way. Said resolutions should be foreseen as a positive realization at the end of the day. Some of these could involve household chores, study habits, play time and their relationship with family and friends. We often hear kids tell their parents and teachers specific things to undertake such as: a) I will do my homework and sleep in time, b) I'll be a good friend, stop bullying my classmates, c) I'll limit my use of computer and get away from video games and spend more time in studies, and so on and so forth.
Regardless of their beliefs, some kids surprisingly start their resolutions thanking God for the blessings received, others wished for good grades in class, and most of them included certain changes in their relationship with family especially with their Moms and siblings. Here are samples of the resolutions done by the kids in class:
“I just wanted to thank God for giving me life, food and shelter. My New Year's resolution is to know more about God, do my chores and respect my parents. Thank you for protecting my family, giving my parents money to buy food for the family and giving me an education.” - Zeina
“My New Year's Resolution is to be healthy, also try my best to do good in school, get good grades and also to behave in class”. - Tiffany
“For 2012, I want to help my sister and my Mom to learn English.” - Amy
“My New Year's Resolution is to read more than 100 books. My second resolution is to eat more healthy food and eat fruit and vegetables.” My third resolution is to get better grade in school. My fourth resolution is to help my Mom to do something with my brother. I hope my New Year's resolution comes true.” - Karen
“My New Year's resolution is to help my Mom do chores, help my grandma clean up the house, and help my brother clean up too.” - Isabela
“My New Year resolution is to wash the dishes more and help my Mom clean up more. ...I also want to stop being shy.' - Kaitlyn
In a classroom with a ratio of 10/15 girls to boys, it has been observed that the boys were hesitant to write down their resolutions and were not as expressive as the girls. In fact, one boy even told me if it is possible to write a “No New Year's Resolution”. Of course, his wish was not granted, he was convinced to put his resolution in writing. Here's what he wrote:
“ I want to be cool and awesome”! - Jeffrey
Parents and teachers play a vital role in assisting the kids achieve goals, no matter how simple these wishes are. Who knows it could be the first step in our quest to mold future better men and women and leaders in this world. Yes, it could be the first out of the long and winding steps! But this one step could definitely have a positive impact on one child's wish to the very least!
Are friends in deed, indeed! Some would say, you're a “real” friend when you're around in good and most particularly in bad times. That's why we are truly blessed when we are endowed with friends who are there when we needed them the most, minus vested interests. The lack of material things, monetary and non-monetary, is definitely not a hindrance to comfort a friend in need. Our presence and some other form of assistance are more than enough to express our love and concern for a friend who's experiencing life's uncertainties and problems.
The tropical storm “Sendong” or “Washi” which hit certain major cities (Cagayan de Oro and Iligan) in the southern part of the Philippines last December turned out to be shocking, painful and tragic to affected residents. The said storm which resulted in heavy rainfall and flash floods took the people by surprise while they were sleeping, some of them unfortunately were unable to escape from the rushing waters and mud accompanied by large logs and other debris coming from the nearby river and mountain. Unfortunately, for some of them, it was like a thief in the middle of the night ransacking their lives and properties.
The World Bank data of the calamity aftermath revealed that about 1,260 lives perished and 730,000 families affected with 4,620 people injured. The said disaster ravaged the two cities, washing away some houses, personal and business related properties, and even worse government utilities such as water and power have been severely damaged. As such, there is currently an urgent need to provide assistance concerning temporary shelters and potable drinking water. People need clothing and bedding materials, towels, food, medicines, and other basic household items such as cooking utensils and the like.
Two of our colleagues, who have migrated to NYC are presently sacrificing themselves to be away from home to earn a living. They have family members and relatives who are still based in the said cities and were directly affected by the said deluge. Fortunately, their children and siblings were able to flee the areas before the floods rushed in. However, the family victims failed to bring anything with them, not a single belonging, it was a matter of life and death! Their houses were badly destroyed and until now mud's all over the places, with no water to be used to clean up the mess.
Immediately a day or so after the deluge and even without our new friends asking for help, the initiative of gathering donations (cash and in kind) from generous individuals, and asking for used clothing and other items, primarily for the respective families of our colleagues was taken. Fortunately, the local community leadership was supportive in this endeavor. Other groups followed suit to solicit funds with the end view of remitting the donation proceeds and sending various basic items either to a reputable institution or directly to the affected family members. In our community's case, the donated items were remitted directly to the affected family themselves.
As much as possible, we don't want to encounter any turbulence in life. But, things like this happen., they're beyond our control. We just have to have the willingness to help, if we have the time to spare, especially to colleagues and friends. This is also an opportunity for some of us to give back and lend a hand to friends who have been there to share their talents and treasures as well.
Shown below are some of the items which have been donated to the said family victims. Special thanks to the Women of Hope of the St. Mary Gates of Heaven who have donated two large bags of brand new clothing materials (sleep wears, etc.) for young and adults and to the local community leaders and members of the Holy Child Jesus Filipino Apostolate who have always been supportive. Thank you to Fr. Richard Magararu who have been instrumental in this undertaking.
(sorting and packing the donated items were done by generous volunteers, Felix and Aline)
p.s.
Almost a month after the said calamity, the residents of the said cities are still in dire need of help. Donations from interested parties are greatly welcomed and appreciated. For cash donations, you may send it directly to the Filipino Diocesan Apostolate of the Diocese of Brooklyn (c/o Fr. Patrick Longalong, FDA Coordinator), proceeds of which will be remitted to the Bishop's local diocese in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro cities. On the other hand, the Philippine Consulate, through the Consul General, Ambassador Mario de Leon's office, is also accepting donations in kind (beddings, towels, cooking utensils, etc.). If you have extra and unused belongings at home, business import and export overruns, old inventory stocked up in warehouses, your kind heart and helping hand would be greatly appreciated. The said usable household items can be dropped off at the office of the Philippine Consulate located at 556, Fifth Avenue, NYC.
For my useful tips readers and visitors not based in NYC and who are well-off to share, please coordinate with any international or local credible charitable organizations in your area, if and when there are plans to make donations or please contact admin of this blog site for some assistance and directions.
This is merely to shout out to the whole world that there are some people in need in this particular part of the globe. A BIG THANKS!
The following hit song about friendship can actually perk up a day's friend. A portion of the lyrics goes like this: " keep smilin', keep shinin', knowin' you can always count on me for sure, that's what friends are for" The video (courtesy of you tube) shown below maybe dated but very remarkable! We can actually say or sing this to a friend in need
While Tangerines and Oranges are in demand these days because of the nutrients (e.g. Vitamin C) they feed our bodily systems, boosting our stamina and immunity particularly during winter season, their beautiful color is likewise the latest craze in town, particularly in fashion and design!
Officially recognized as the company to select the Color of the Year , Pantone Color Institute has chosen “Tangerine Tango” as the 2012 color of the year. As described by Pantone, Tangerine Tango is something deep orange or what they specifically call “spirited reddish-orange”.
Preferably, I go for subdued pastel colors, girly-lady like type thing, but I can be fearless enough to try bolder colors such as orange. Actually, I like orange color per se, as it gives shine and brightness to the surroundings. Even in food, if I see something of the same color range, I am attracted to it!
My fondness for orange color is actually evident in myusefultips.com slide banner from fashion, sports and other categories (which by the way I noticed this only now!). Did you guys observe it as well? The use of such color was never planned, probably it was my subconscious mind leading the team and working at that time!
For fun's sake, I checked if I do actually have some things with orange color in my belongings. Voila! I found a red-orange (what Tangerine Tango is all about) silk pleated haltered JAIPUR blouse dress which I got last year from Burlington Factory, a Laura Rowe necklace with matching earrings and bracelet, a winter knitted hat, an Asian wooden/rubber back massager, a bath sponge, headband, crayons and marker, and a plastic cosmetic case from Clinique. Wow! Do I have all these?
I know most of us wouldn't dare to wear orange in this winter time of year. We normally see people in subways, streets and work places, wearing clothes in black, gray, or blue shades of color. Maybe, we can set these colors aside for now. How about making a bolder statement for the sake of recognizing orange as the color of the year! Let's do it by showing something with orange color like an orange scarf, a bonnet or hat , belt, tie, or any accessories. It only would not add color to our lives, but it would also give us a shot of vigor and push to what we want to accomplish!
Come on guys, I dare you now! Let's flaunt the orange hue!
“Persons are gifts.....they come all wrapped so differently, some so loosely, others so tightly, but wrappings are not the gifts”...., and so the song goes. A nun taught us this beautiful song in our teens and its simple lyrics struck me more than its melody which is pleasing to the ears as well. I'd like to thank her for this, wherever she's now.
We've met interesting people in our lives and we're just grateful for the opportunity to have encountered them, right? There are some of us who have remained faithful despite the distance and the absence of visibility (if there's such a thing) and keep the friendship open, but others would simply disappear without leaving a word. Friends make us happy, they put smile to our faces, frowns and wrinkle lines as well when they start to be nasty once in a while. Generally, however, they are gifts to us by God.
The past few holidays (Christmas and New Year's Day) were the appropriate times for us to express and send warm greetings to our friends, old and new, either via electronic mail or other means of communications. Greetings that would make them feel that they are treasured and remembered particularly during the said important occasions.
Aside from sending greetings, one of my favorite things to do is wrapping gifts. It's part of the fun of gift giving and I enjoy doing it even if the gift is not as expensive as the rich and famous would give out to their family and friends. In these austere times, there are also inexpensive wrapping materials available in any store. We just have to be creative and resourceful. In my case, I found some of my leftover wrapping papers, including my favored japanese paper and the colorful glittering strings which give a “pop” to the gift.
Take a look!
Would you believe that some of these wrapped gifts have not been sent out yet? Hmmm....busy body huh?
It would be good if we give without expecting something in return. That's a nobler and genuine way of giving. However, we feel glad when we receive something too. Just like kids, we are also excited to open our gifts and see what's inside. We all would love to receive gifts regardless of what it is. And we should be grateful for whatever is given us.
Don't mind the wrappings and the gifts....it's the THOUGHT that counts anyway. The givers, the people behind it so to speak are the true gifts to us by God, indeed!
By the way, the song ends like this: "...We are all persons, we are all gifts, so let's have a grand exchange of gifts".
p.s.
To satiate your curiosity, some of the humble gifts received by me were: two-toned (violet/black) one shoulder DKNY dress, Abercombie & Fitch summer tube dress, high-heeled brown snake skin Naturalizer shoes, Vera Wang printed scarf, Kenneth Cole white cardigan, Gap striped shirt blouse, Hollister white blouse shirt, evening sequined bag, 2 shawls, pin, candles, semi-precious stone pink bracelet, stainless utensils, a mirror, fashion biggie ring, Nine West bootie, U.S. Polo Assoc. shirt, chocolates and nuts (Almond Thins with cranberry dried fruit), Eddie Bauer socks, and a host of Bath and Body works and Victoria Secret beauty stuffs.
Wow! What can I say....
To my dear family and friends, thank you so much for the thoughtfulness!
It's now the first day and the first week of 2012! Wow! This is something to brag about! It's the 2nd time for my useful tip's blog site to welcome the New Year!
Performance wise, Year 2011 was far better than the previous year in terms of traffic figures: dedicated readers, frequent visitors, passers-by, even onlookers (or "lurkers") from all corners of the globe. While blog posts were lower by 25% primarily due to changes in plans and stricter rules, the write-ups however were made to be relevant with current trends and issues.
Hopefully 2012 will be a better year for my useful tips. Being a clever and an active Piscean (blog was established in February last year), it will strive to pursue its dreams. Based on astrologers projections for 2012, Pisces will encounter exciting and challenging events, and this is something for all of you out there to look forward to.
On behalf of myusefultips.com, I would like to greet you all a Happy New Year and a fun-filled days, weeks, months ahead of us! I hope you too will be there to support any charitable projects to be undertaken by myusefultips.com in the future. Sincerely and Cheers!
Lance, a 7- year old cute smart kid is currently enrolled in a private school in the heart of Manhattan. He just came from Singapore as his Mom's work (an expat) requires him to transfer from one place to another. Just like normal kids, he loves to play any kind of games, from high tech stuffs to simple paper planes and rubber band games. Some high end games which I would say he's an expert at it would include those which are found in his iPad , Nintendo 3Ds, plus his collections of pokemon cards. Don't dare to pretend to know this card game and you'll surely be corrected. He knows the game by heart including the characters and their respective position titles and powers. Once in a while, he chanced to show his prowess to his older play mates in board games, such as chess and checkers. Of course, he wins most of the times, but there's a hidden secret behind it!
(Note: Photos below are exclusively for use of www.myusefultips.com, hence not for reproduction and consumption of anyone)
I had the chance to meet Lance through kins last week and I was amazed of the boy's smartness and talents. He is not only well versed in kids' games but also in his academic subjects. When asked about his performance in school, particularly in Math and Science subjects, he was confident to respond that he normally gets straight A's. In fact, he proudly told the audience around that he can do his assignment in Science within five minutes. Ask me what was the assignment all about! It was a memorization of about 10 or more terminologies, such as water vapor, precipitation, hail, sleet, and the like. The assignment was for the kids to memorize the definition of the said terms and it involves not just 1 or 2 words but the full meaning of it. I was tempted to test his learning skills. After browsing the pages of his Science book and reading the definition of the words silently for about 5 minutes, he handed over the book to me. Acting like his teacher, I started asking him the definitions randomly, not using the sequence as written and arranged in the book. Surprisingly, he quoted the definitions most of the times verbatim, and others in his own words, but correctly defined. He's good in Language too, particularly in Spelling.
The said experience was astonishing, which I said to myself, wow! I have some encounters with kids in school who are in their Grades 3 to 5's, and it is frustrating to note that some, if not majority, of them couldn't spell out and pronounce the words correctly. They are very good in conversational English, no doubt about it, but when it comes to lessons in class, they hardly catch up. Surely, there are various factors behind it, but since this is not about them, let's leave it to the Language teachers and their parents to thresh it out.
Going back to Lance, there was one time he showed me a piece of paper with his writings on it. It was a short story and I thought it was a writing exercise in school. His Mom told me, it was his own composition to which he nodded. Apparently, he sometimes scribbles notes when he's alone. I asked Lance' permission if I could take a photo of it and publish the same in myusefultips.com blogsite. He looked at me with pure innocence and said, “Are you really going to publish it? as in everyone can see it?” When I said, yes, I could see happiness in his face, some excitement and he was really looking forward to seeing it posted and so he could check it on his iPad. The short story was written in a white bond paper with his own penmanship. Awesome!.
Absolutely, my cam did not do justice to the story. I could have scanned it instead to have a better view, unfortunately the scanner just gave me headaches, so I have to plainly re-write it here for your sake. I would like to say my apologies to my dear Lance as this post came later as expected.
Shown below is the full unedited script of the story:
“The Revenge of the Lost Viking"
"Once upon a time a little boy discovered about a weird looking fossil. The little boy got it and bring it to the science center then the scientist told the boy it is about the lost viking. The scientist said the vikings have a war but one viking ran away so who claim that fossil the vikings will come to you and destroy your hometown said the scientist. The boy feel tricked and lied from the scientist so he took the fossil home then the vikings arrived to destroy his hometown. The boy realized that he make a mistake about the story of the lost viking. So he tried to ask the scientist what their weakness is. The scientist told the boy their weakness, it is killing them with your heart. The boy said, “how to do that”? The scientist said to the boy to apologize to people if you are mean to them. So the boy keep on apologizing to people quickly then the vikings are disappearing but one viking left. The boy realized something to apologize he must apologize to everyone causing this big trouble. He apologize everyone for this trouble. There is no more vikings. The boy saved the day for the trouble he made. The boy said his name is Richard. So Richard return the fossil to where it supposed to be. Richard's mother is proud so she tell the President to give him a reward. The President give Richard a trophy. Richard is proud. His father was relaxed for Richard. Richard smile in tears. Richard and his family feel good about it. And everything is back to normal. And they live happily ever after. The End.”
Below is the photo of the story (clearer version), as written by Lance.
The lighter version but complete:
Bet you, it's uncommon for a 7-year old kid to be able to write like this. The smart thought that comes from an innocent and unpolluted young mind, particularly the moral lesson behind the said simple story is most essential.
I would have wanted him to explain the said story on video but I felt it was no longer necessary. The story alone proved how the young boy thinks and how profound the message it brings to young boys and girls.
I just hope Lance will grow to be a loving and kindhearted person and stays away from the lures and influences of evil doers. Very good job Lance! Keep it up!
Simbang Gabi ( literally translated in English as “Night or Evening Mass”) is famous to many Catholics worldwide, especially to Filipinos. As mentioned in previous blog posts on the subject, Simbang Gabi is also better known in other countries as “Misa de Aguinaldo”, Misa de Gallo or “Dawn Mass”. Traditionally, it is being undertaken during the Advent season of the liturgical year in preparation for the Christmas season. Simbang Gabi normally takes nine days of novena masses in the wee hours of the morning (about 4:00 a.m.) of 16th December and ends on the eve of 24th December.
In the U.S.,especially in NYC and particularly for Filipino migrants, the Simbang Gabi is celebrated during night time by various parish communities. One of the parishes which observe the said tradition is the Holy Child Jesus Parish in Queens where Filipino parishioners are treated to a spiritual enlightenment via the full 9-day Simbang Gabi. But the said celebrations was highlighted by the Annual one-day Simbang Gabi held at St. Patrick's Cathedral, whose overall chairman for this year's event was Linda Bolano.
The traditional Simbang Gabi held at the Philippine Consulate is something unique as it gathered various organizations in one roof, celebrating and completing the 9-day novena masses. This arrangement dates back to 25 years ago and it has been a tradition ever since by Filipino-Americans that even the Archdiocese of New York re-considered its earlier decision to terminate the holding of the said masses in the said official venue. The Archdiocese had probably recognized the importance of holding the said masses at the Philippine Consulate as the latter had served as the place where majority of Filipinos could claim it as their own, particularly with the “parols” or Christmas lanterns being hanged and lighted up, thus the feeling as if they're back home. The celebration of Christmas at the Consulate (or the newly coined “Pasko sa Konsulado”) actually serves not only as a soft mantle or a temporary cure for nostalgia while far from loved ones but it also provides everyone the opportunity to meditate and ponder on the role of the Blessed Mother in their faith and to prepare spiritually for Christ's coming. The singing and chanting of Christmas carols, the bonding among fellow countrymen and the food being shared thereafter are simply add-ons for those who attend the said events.
The Holy Child Jesus/St. Mary Gates of Heaven Choir group was invited to be part of the sponsoring organizations on the 7th day by providing liturgical music for the said event. As indicated in previous articles about choir organization, liturgical music is an essential ingredient in any Eucharistic celebration. Aside from the fun that you get from singing, you also double your points as far as gaining graces and indulgences. In addition to the homily delivered by Msgr. Oscar Aquino, JCD during the celebration, the Philippine Consul General to NYC, Ambassador Mario de Leon likewise emphasized on the need for his fellow countrymen to continue their generosity for the welfare of their native land, especially those in need. On the other hand, DCG Tess Dizon-de Vega shared her thoughts on the relevance of Simbang Gabi and mentioned briefly about the life of St. Lucy, whose feast day happened to be on the same day.
(Note that the above photos are strictly for exclusive use of www.myusefultips.com, hence not for reproduction).
Among the sponsoring organizations on the 7th day were: Saladmaster, Nabuenos, USA, Fiesta Auto Insurance, San Lorenzo Ruiz de Manila in NY, Inc., Team United Maharlika Foundation, Inc., Filipino International Community of America, University of Santo Tomas Nurses' Alumni Association, Pangasinan Association USA, Inc. and the Our Lady of Manaoag Society in America, whose President Nida Cortez actively participated. One of the sponsors for the 6th day of the Simbang Gabi was the Ay Borongan Association where their choir performed during the said momentous occasion (see photo below).
After the event, everyone went home with renewed spirit, more joyful and full of hope for the coming years.
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Did you know that November is the National Family Caregiver Month? I really didn't have any slightest idea that the entire month of November is dedicated for caregivers until LLS (Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) forwarded an invitation regarding a symposium on related matters with medical practitioners of the Department of Social Work and the New York Hospital Queens (NYQH) attending the said event. The National Caregiver Month was primarily designed to honor the millions of caregivers throughout the globe, especially the women, who have persevered in their duties caring for sick loved ones, for people they don't know from day one who are either patients in hospitals, nursing homes or in private homes.
(note that photos shown herein are not for reproduction/public consumption, please)
While I join the call to honor the caregivers worldwide, regardless of the type of services whether it's on a pro-bono basis (esp. among family members) or with a hefty remuneration, this article is limited to focus on people who have sacrificed to leave their homes, migrated to other countries and joined the band wagon of “caregivers” working in developed countries either by choice or by chance. But there are some who have no choice at all as they have only one thing in mind, to find a job no matter how hard it may seem, so as to earn a living and survive and be successful in the end. Success to some of them is equated to certain economic variables, specifically that they are able to send money back home for their children's education related expenses, to support their day to day living expenses, to buy a house of their own, and luxuries in life, among other things. These are the people who have learned to love the job so as to earn a decent living for their family back home, even if at the back of their minds this is not the original profession they've studied and longed for.
Caregiving is not new to us. As a matter of fact, our mothers when we're young and sick were our first caregivers, in the strictest sense of the word. Caregivers at present, however, act as the modern day staff nurses and medical assistants, so to speak, who worked hands-on in the field, in the homes of family patients, doing the nitty gritty of the job. Some if not majority, of the caregivers nowadays are professionals in other fields of interests, but have been trained and certified to do such jobs.
As narrated by caregivers, their work is not easy especially when taking care of a sick patient at home, much more if the latter is bigger in terms of height and weight, and could no longer attend to his/her personal needs. They have to literally carry or support the patient by themselves in moving or transferring from one place to another There are times that caregivers bear the burden of the sick patient as in physically, not to mention the psychological stress it placed on them.
In the course of their duty, a caregiver-caregivee relationship is established, whereby both the patient and the caregiver would have to like each other to make the process go smoothly, otherwise, it won't work. It can be compared to working in a white-collar job where an employee would try to win the affection of his/her boss, creating a rapport between them to have a smooth and friendly working relationship.
A caregiver acquaintance once candidly shared with me her experience about her job. I understand she practically does everything, in lieu of the family members who are busy attending to their businesses and professional lives, as far as caring for the patient is concerned. She does all what is required of her by the supervising family members who visit their sick loved one from time to time. The “caring” process does not only involve attending to the personal needs of the patient (e.g. food preparation, giving medicines, running errands, strolling in parks, getting instructions from the doctor, etc.) but it turned out for her to be a personal commitment to make her patient feel better, in all aspects: emotionally, physically and spiritually. In the same manner, the family entrusted her their sick family member on an honor-system basis. They completely relied on her, as if she was part of the family.
As previously mentioned, caregivers have to have a lot of patience and perseverance, and the heart for it, otherwise, they might end up losing their jobs. There was one time the said caregiver was assigned to an elderly who used to be a high profile career lady in one of the multinational companies in NYC, and who was suffering from a dreadful disease. At first, there was animosity between them as the caregiver had this habit of doing her prayers thru singing while serving and comforting her. The lady patient would ask her to stop doing it which she obliged. But to her surprise, the patient requested her to sing the song which she said she liked it so much and made her feel well. The caregiver had goosebumps and was teary eyed when she heard it from her. She had a wonderful experience with her lady patient as the latter had learned to love what she was doing, despite of the differences in religious convictions. However, the good working relationship was cut short after several months as the lady patient expired. The caregiver thought her patient was happy and prepared to meet her Creator.
Caregiving is not just a job. Some say it's one of the odd and dirty jobs. It may be quite true as at times it would require some “too personal care” related stuffs, although there's nothing wrong with it, depending on one's perspective. On the other hand and in reality, caregiving is a job that is fulfilling and gratifying just like what the earlier mentioned caregiver had experienced. She served as an instrument of God to make her patient prepare for her death while she was bedridden. It was a spiritual journey for both the caregiver and the patient. From the caregivers standpoint, this is primarily one of the wondrous things which lighten their physical and emotional burden kept inside when they make someone happy and feel better, even only for a while. Apart from the said psychological satisfaction, she was also able to send and complete her kids schooling, and continue to support their needs including her extended families, from her earnings as caregiver.
In view of the vital roles played by caregivers throughout the globe, I would like to echo any calls for Government and politicians to formulate policies and enact laws which would protect the health care of caregivers and their patients as well. As you may know, caregiving demands several hours of duty per day. In fact, some would stay in the patient's home 24/7. As previously mentioned, caregivers' work includes substantial emotional and physical strain and it is but prudent for them to be given such valuable recognition.
How about making “caregiving” a full pledge profession, just like other medical related field of studies such as Nursing? Some professionals who have decided to be caregivers actually go to a training center or a specialized vocational schools to study about caregiving basics or probably “caregiving 101”, if any, but it's not enough. How about creating a new curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Caregiving? How about that?
So, for all the caregivers worldwide, this is “myusefultips” way of greeting you a happy caregivers month, even tho the greeting's late! Better late than never, right?