A little time with the kids
With all the rain we've had, the waterfalls are gorgeous.
The kids were here this weekend — well, three of the four; Meghan had a dance thing going on.
We had planned to do the waterfall tour — seven waterfalls in one afternoon and then dinner at the Dillard House just over the Georgia border.
But it rained all day Saturday. We stopped at one waterfall and then went bowling. I beat Danny on the second string. I won’t mention the first string, but to show how bad we all were, I won the second one with a 104. Sad.
It was a badly needed day off. Some days I feel like I can’t change anything, and that’s when I know I need a little me time.
We have the phone bank coming on Thursday, a whole lot of work to do on Eat at Mike’s and I’ve been trying to squeeze in some time for grant-writing. I did finish writing the training curriculum for Patient Pals and Family Friends, and we’re hoping to begin training in January.
Patient Pals & Family Friends
Life o' Mike has a peer support program for people with one or more serious or chronic medical issues or disabilities.
We aim to reduce isolation and fear among people who have conditions, including psychiatric illness, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, mild dementia or other cognitive disorder or disability, thereby reducing depression and complications as people learn to improve self-management of their medical conditions.
Patient Pals help alleviate feelings of isolation and frustration. They can help people develop a list of questions to ask the doctor and then accompany the person to the doctor to make sure all the questions are answered, taking notes to be sure the person understands the doctor’s answers.
Our trained volunteers also accompany their “Pals” to art exhibits, movies and walks outdoors, meet for coffee, call to check in and more.
Our Pals have experienced weight loss, improvement in diabetes, HIV, psoriasis, depression and more, just because they have someone who cares about them. Some relationships develop into longer-term friendships; other Pals move on to more independent lives.
Family Friends are there to help caregivers and other family members grow into their new role.
We need volunteers, who are asked to donate a minimum of one hour a week. Training is free and includes information on active listening, ways to help and when to know more help is needed.
And of course, we need funding.
To learn more, call Leslie Boyd at 828-243-6712 or e-mail lifeomike@gmail.com.
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