This is a beautiful post, Victoria. I appreciate the mention of other carer's - some I'm familiar with and some I haven't been but will read the posts you've recommended. You are one of the finest advocates for others and I sincerely appreciate it!
Your mentions of empathy, Ollie's article and Kelly's (both of which I loved, thanks for sharing them), it all echos in my head. A few days ago I was interviewed for a podcast and asked if I saw things getting better in the future for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. I said no, unfortunately, I didn't. Just as their won't be any notable prison reform as long as prison is big business (even before it was privatized - there are courts and court officers, bail bondsmen, attorneys, police, parole officers, the foster care system and so on - it's a beast that demands feeding), so it is with the medical community. It's an industry based on keeping folks ill or dependent on doctors, medicine, treatment. There is no financial profit in growing a healthy population, at least not to the pharmaceutical industry, the hospital industry and so on.
What we are lacking, and you hit the nail on the head with the word empathy, is compassion. We don't invest in or applaud spiritual, moral or ethical development. It's not religion, but compassion. For strangers. For the earth. For all sentient beings. For people who cannot help us at all. For people who are mean or bitter or lost. If we spent even a small percentage of effort on teaching our children that all living things have value, deserve attention, patience, and assistance , a small percentage of the time we put into pushing them to be successful (defined as having the most toys, having more than the next person), to be the "best," to "win" (which automatically creates a loser or an entire loser class).... Well, now I'm just babbling. But you see where I'm going.
😂🤣 Thanks Robin! xo I knew a few folks would appreciate the refs ;-) I could've gone whole Brat pack but held myself back...for the moment, who know what'll breakout next time! let's face it...Fire inside could've easily been from St Elmo's ;-)
🤣 i literally had the music and titles running in my mind...a neat backdrop to some of the things we do! Also, the friends episode 'the one with the couch' PIVOT PIVOT PIVOT!
Thank you, Victoria and everyone she mentioned. This work you’re doing matters. You get to the heart of things. Empathy, preparation for our own eventual medical needs. Thank you for writing about these essential things. I see you also.
This is a beautiful post, Victoria. I appreciate the mention of other carer's - some I'm familiar with and some I haven't been but will read the posts you've recommended. You are one of the finest advocates for others and I sincerely appreciate it!
Awww thanks, Cherie! Yes I hope you can connect with these other lovely people too! xo
Your mentions of empathy, Ollie's article and Kelly's (both of which I loved, thanks for sharing them), it all echos in my head. A few days ago I was interviewed for a podcast and asked if I saw things getting better in the future for those with Alzheimer's and their caregivers. I said no, unfortunately, I didn't. Just as their won't be any notable prison reform as long as prison is big business (even before it was privatized - there are courts and court officers, bail bondsmen, attorneys, police, parole officers, the foster care system and so on - it's a beast that demands feeding), so it is with the medical community. It's an industry based on keeping folks ill or dependent on doctors, medicine, treatment. There is no financial profit in growing a healthy population, at least not to the pharmaceutical industry, the hospital industry and so on.
What we are lacking, and you hit the nail on the head with the word empathy, is compassion. We don't invest in or applaud spiritual, moral or ethical development. It's not religion, but compassion. For strangers. For the earth. For all sentient beings. For people who cannot help us at all. For people who are mean or bitter or lost. If we spent even a small percentage of effort on teaching our children that all living things have value, deserve attention, patience, and assistance , a small percentage of the time we put into pushing them to be successful (defined as having the most toys, having more than the next person), to be the "best," to "win" (which automatically creates a loser or an entire loser class).... Well, now I'm just babbling. But you see where I'm going.
I am here for the Gen X references 😆 and yes yes for the medical advocacy needed for everyone!
😂🤣 Thanks Robin! xo I knew a few folks would appreciate the refs ;-) I could've gone whole Brat pack but held myself back...for the moment, who know what'll breakout next time! let's face it...Fire inside could've easily been from St Elmo's ;-)
Right?! Haha
So much I love about this article! Love MacGyver!
Empathy. Support of others. Caring for ourselves in the midst of it all. Sending love out to all who are struggling. ❤️
🤣 i literally had the music and titles running in my mind...a neat backdrop to some of the things we do! Also, the friends episode 'the one with the couch' PIVOT PIVOT PIVOT!
Thank you, Victoria and everyone she mentioned. This work you’re doing matters. You get to the heart of things. Empathy, preparation for our own eventual medical needs. Thank you for writing about these essential things. I see you also.
Btw, the music was beautiful. Lovely touch.
🫶🏼