Your Dying Spouse 397 - Caregiver, Follow A Routine {#write31days}

I'm writing this a few hours after a very bad fall, and I am on concussion protocol. Again.

Good thing, in a way, because it emphasizes the need to follow a routine; I can get through my duties this evening only because I do things the same way each day. The dogs, for instance, are let out in a certain order, and fed in a certain order.

I don't have to think about it, which is important when, concussed, I can't.

The same goes for caregiving. Not that you'll be suffering from head trauma (I hope!), but things can turn into an exhausting kaleidoscope whirl that can make it all to easy to forget things that are really vital...like medication schedules.

Sure, routine can also be boring at length, but you can find ways to liven it up, sometimes by just intentionally noticing what you're experiencing. When I take out the dogs who have to walk on leash (like the Ridgeback twins, Josie and Reebok, aka "THEM!") I take them to the same part of the yard each time, but do try to pay attention to the gravel driveway beneath my feet. I've fund some lovely rocks that I will one day make into a heart-shaped mosaic for Barbara.

And in the different light each day, the quartz in the gravel shines in a unique way. I've seen so much beauty, on the same well-trodden path.

Follow a routine, and muscle memory will help you remember what to do. Routine is not a 'crutch'; it's a pair of shoes worn on a rocky road.

Here's the great English hymn Jerusalem, performed by the male quartet Blake.

My #write31days posts so far are:

October 1 - Worship For Caregivers

October 2 - Talk To A Caregiver

October 3 -  Create A Caregiver Haven

October 4 - A Caregiver's Raw Hope

October 5 - A Caregiver's Trust

October 6 - Caregiving For Our Country

October 7 - Caregiver, Don't Hold Too Tight

October 8 - Caregiver, You Will Find Freedom In Truth

October 9 - A Caregiving Plan?

October 10 - A Caregiver's Listening Heart

October 11 - Caregiving Remembrances?

October 12 - Caregiver, Write It Down!

October 13 - Taking Care Of God

October 14 - Caregiver, Don't Try Too Hard

October 15 - The Caregiver Will Remain

October 16 - Readings For Caregivers

October 17 - Caregiver, Grow A Thick Skin

October 18 - Caregiver, Share Your Heart

October 19 - A Caregiver's Brave

October 20 - A Caregiver So Far From Home

October 21 - Caregiver, Give Hope

October 22 - Caregiver, Bring The Light

October 23 - Caregiver, Sometimes Nothing Works

October 24 - The Caregiver's Life, Revised

October 25 - Why, Caregiver? Just Because

October 26 - Caregiver, Let Change Come
October 27 - Caregiver To The Stars
October 28 - Caregiver, Stay Connected With God

I do ask that you be patient with my slow replies to your comments (which we treasure). I'm trying to stay caught up.

Still hoping to get the new and improved version of Blessed Are The Pure Of Heart up and running in the near future. Just haven't had the energy to do it yet...but if you would like to read it, please say so in your comment and I'd be glad to send you a PDF (which should fit your Kindle).

I have another blog, "Starting The Day With Grace". The focus is a grace quote from someone you might not expect (like, say Mick Jagger) and a short commentary. I hope you'll join me.

Marley update... been moved to a sanctuary, and Bay County will revise their 'dangerous dog' codes.

WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!

And marley has a Facebook page! Please drop by to see how happy he is today.

If you can, please do leave a comment. I am trying to answer all, and I am failing, but please know this - I read and treasure each one.

Below are my recent releases on Kindle -please excuse their presence in the body of the blog. I haven't the energy to get them up as 'buttons' in the sidebar. You can click on the covers to go to the Amazon links.