Goodbye to Caregiver #4: Ode to Jane

A few weeks overdue but not forgotten, is my last nod to a caregiver (#4). This time, an ode to Jane (AKA, 'Janie, Jane, Jane'/'JJJ'). The cousin to Caregiver #3 ('Aleesh') whom we have known for many years and are so fortunate to not only call her a dear friend, but we consider her family as well. 

Jane contacted us to volunteer her time and vacation days to drive down from the Bay Area to care for me while Hil went back to work. And at such a pivotal time, Jane came during my first attempt to return to work by taking me to a two-day conference in Santa Barbara after Hil dropped me off the first morning. Then she was off and running with driving me around, juicing, cooking dinners, getting our van smogged and even had time to schedule some play time with Romeo! We talked, napped, laughed, cried and honestly, she just renewed my spirit.

In usual Jane style, she had the calm, loving essence that I so needed during the week that she came. And also in her Jane-Pisces groove, she went with the flow, laughed along the way, and approached her caregiving with the finesse, serenity and peacefulness that was so needed. I have always felt such a sense of tranquility whenever I'm in the presence of Jane which I always treasure. But on the flip side, I never laugh and giggle so much as when I'm around her!

'JJJ' brought a warmth and balance into our home that both Hil and I needed along with a playfulness that was long overdue. Cut from the same cloth as her cousin Aleesh, they both intuitively know what needs to happen and exactly when! And just when I thought I couldn't handle being out, Jane swiftly engaged me in conversations about matters of life that bring me joy like poetry, dogs, travel and creativity.

One of THE most creative and artistic people I know, Jane brought her innovative mindset into our home and left us with the gift of inspiration. So to that Janie, Jane, Jane - I thank you, Hil thanks you and Romeo pants a warm dose of love your way (he still wanders by your room at night and first thing in the morning, looking for his pal Jane! He's so dreamy over you!).

Goodbye to Caregiver #3: ALA!

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Yet again, I had to say another goodbye to a loving caregiver. Seriously, it simply never changes. I still have such a difficult time with the farewells and the parting of the ways. But, it's just how it goes these days.

This time, a dear 'ol friend of Hil's family of nearly 30 years came for a weekly shift. We lovingly call her 'Aleesh' in spite of the fact that her official namesake is Alicia. And fortunately, all three of us have forged an amazing bond and friendship over the years and we are proud to call her our friend/sister/family.

And, of course, when all of 'this' came up, Aleesh immediately cleared her busy professional/work schedule to come down for a 'watch.' 

In usual Aleesh style, my 'Sagittarius Sister' promptly kicked it into high gear the minute she walked through our front door. Big hugs and tears - check. Unpack - check. Change clothes - check. Survey fridge and cabinets for food items - check. Make a menu for the week - check.  Make a list of house items to do and fix - check. Check on my med schedule - check. Re-alphabetize spices - check.

We know these things about Aleesh because we were all roommates 15 years ago. And, because poor Hil had to reside with two OCD, overly-organized Sagittarians (all like-silverware load this way into the dishwasher, coffee items in this cabinet, mail center at the end of the dining room). Poor thing, we still laugh about our 'ways' and give Hil the credit she deserves for putting up with our absurd ways back then.

And there you have it. We all swiftly fell into our familiar routine.

'ALA' (that's Ilocano for 'Hey!' 'Oh God!' 'You've got to be kidding!', etc) became the word of the week and now I can't seem to stop saying it. I even throw my head back or shake it as Aleesh does for additional measure. The dog food lid fell onto the floor - 'ALA!' The phone is ringing and I'm down stairs - 'ALA!' I forgot to text a friend back from last week - 'ALA!' It's just so fitting to so many situations.

But in all seriousness, I have never met someone so selfless, giving, loving & caring. She is tender- hearted and benevolent. She does things for others (and animals) because that's what her heart leads her to do. She is a humanitarian and contributor to all things, animals and people and I can't find the words to thank her enough for her time in caring for me. 

I turned a corner last week - part of that was due to time but I also attribute part of my progress to her. She uplifted my spirit and for that, I am eternally grateful.

ALA! How to say thanks? I just don't know. So again, I simply say 'Thank you dear friend. Enormous gratitude for, well, simply being Aleesh.'

I CAN!

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