Part 2 of 2: Where are they now? Former Podcast Guests Share Good News

With so much heavy news right now, I am appreciative of those who are sharing what is going right in the world.

Since being featured in a Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast episode, good things have happened to some of our family caregivers. Let’s celebrate the good news!

In January, Judith Henry (episode #27) launched her new website.  On her site you will find her art offerings and her writing focused on “her low-budget journey of self-discovery, personal observations (some funny, some not so much), and spot-on quotes and poems.” Judith named her blog Late Bloomer, which fits so many women who are realizing that they have come through caregiving, deeply affected by the experience, yet open now to new possibilities and potential. I just love Judith’s prayer flags!

Judith’s advice for family caregivers:

“For many, this time is kind of a wake-up call to reevaluate what and who is most important to us. We’re witnessing firsthand that life is precious, and it is short. So, my feeling is that if there is something you’ve always wanted to do, then find a way to make it happen, in some form. It doesn’t have to be a giant leap, it can be baby steps, but just begin.”

Beth Marshall, episode #84, published an eight day YouVersion Bible App reading plan called Grief Survivor and she is actively working on a new plan to offer practical self-care and biblical encouragement through this unprecedented season of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Certified Caregiving Consultant, Beth Suereth (episode #77), launched a free end-of-life planning guide. Preparation is needed now more than ever.  Beth’s motto is we only have two options when it comes to the end of life…plan and prepare or react and regret.

Marianne Sciucco (episode #75) is working on starting a podcast for AlzAuthors. Speaking of AlzAuthors, Jean Lee (episode #87) has facilitated their community of authors creating videos of hope and encouragement for those currently caregiving during this pandemic. You’ll find over 35 inspirational videos here: https://alzauthors.com/covid-19/. Here’s a message of hope from Marianne Sciucco:

You’ll find yogi caregiver Gael Chiarella Alba (episode #82) going live twice a week on her Yokibics Facebook page. On #MindfulMondays, she shares yoga skills and on #FruitsFridays she teaches lessons and reads from her book Fruits of Care: A Users Guide to Family Caregiving.

Since being on the podcast, Donna Figurski’s (episode #62) book, Prisoners without Bars: A Caregiver’s Tale earned two book awards: the Book Excellence Award and the Beverly Hills Book Award.

Writing during this time is a popular activity. Christina Britton Conroy (episode #39) is also using this time with less distractions to finish her newest novel. She is also hopeful that the book award she was scheduled to get earlier in the Spring at a Washington D.C. conference will happen in late June. Christina’s book is How to Have Fun with Your Aging Parents.

Two months after Sherilyn Lee (episode #66) was on the Happy Healthy Caregiver podcast, she was awarded MVP Referee at Battle on the Bank, the national banked track roller derby tournament. Due to her caregiving responsibilities, she had not been at the tournament for two years and it was a lovely nod from her roller derby community.

 

Speaking of good news, have you seen any of John Krasinski’s SomeGoodNews episodes? They are a great way to see the good that is happening in our world.

---

In case you missed it, here’s part 1 of this “Where Are They Now” series: Former Podcast Guests Share Their Impacts from COVID-19