God Bless Those in Need of Care AND the Caregivers

My mom is amazing. She is eighty-eight years old and still going strong. Yes, she finds it necessary to walk cautiously due to a knee issue that could throw her to the ground at any moment; however, she is wise to be careful and make good use of her constant companion--the trusty cane.

I am thankful that she lives just a few minutes from us and that I have the flexibility to be there for her for medical appointments, shopping, and any other errands that she may need to accomplish. She is such a sweet, delightful person, and she deserves the best.

T. Allen Winn felt so strongly about his experience in overseeing the well-being of his elderly relatives, he wrote a book about it.

The Care Giver’s Son walks us through a journey of transitioning from only child, free spirit son to drafted participant in care giving. Winn discovers that grandparents and parents are not immortal creatures who will always be there as our protectors and CEO’s of all family matters.

He finds that his life, and that of his wife, take an unexpected detour that is packed with personal sacrifice and challenge when it becomes his responsibility to find a way to maintain employment and still be there for his parents’ and grandmother’s needs.

With a promise made to his terminally ill mother that he would never place his father or grandmother in a nursing home, he honorably complies and struggles with now being in charge, along with the assistance of his angelic wife, who supported his promise and endured her own lifestyle sacrifices.

Within ninety days, both parents passed away, leaving the Winns reeling with sadness, but still responsible for Granny. God’s plan was for Granny to soon join them, with all three passing away within an eleven month period.

Winn speaks for all caregivers when he says, “I had kept the promise. It appeared we were no longer caregivers. I’d give anything to have all of them back.”

This book shines the candid spotlight on a topic that most don’t even consider until it enters their world. Reading The Care Giver’s Son is an eye-opening reality check for everyone who is currently or will eventually go down this same road. I am convinced that there is a special street in heaven that rewards those who have known the roller coaster ride and selflessness affiliated with being a dedicated caregiver.

If you are in the position of caregiver and find yourself frustrated or losing patience, just remember this: Pray that someone will one day be patient and kind to YOU when you become that elderly individual who needs assistance.

God Bless the folks in need of care, as well as the caregivers!

All the best,

Mary Anne Benedetto

Certified Lifewriting Instructor and author of Eyelash, Never Say Perfect, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet’s Life Story in 7 Easy Steps! 

 http://www.awriterspresence.com

What Are Pet Memoirs?

 “They are actually family members, but they just aren’t with us long enough,” said my friend. She continued, “Their life stories are important.”

As a memoir writing instructor, her words were like a direct laser beam piercing my heart. She propelled my awareness that our pet stories deserve recognition and should be preserved, but is “petoir” a genre?

Although they are helpless and dependent upon our loving care, pets offer us even more than we furnish them. When are Fido and Fidette not thrilled to see us, tails wagging in delight? They accept and love us even when we are grouchy or have not yet showered today. The finicky feline brushes against our legs and curls around our ankles to acknowledge her contentment with our presence. They all greet us with open paws, and their hearts’ desire is to be treated well and merely hang out with us.

He is your best friend--your confidant. You can tell him absolutely anything with no fear of betrayal or gossiping with your friends or co-workers behind your back. She silently listens, tilts her head to one side and snuggles in to lick your hand in deep sympathy for your plight or your tears. You reward him, and he reciprocates with his unconditional loyalty and adoration.

I remember the friend who asked me about my current writing projects. When I explained that I was writing a book to help pet owners capture the life stories of their pets, she rather indignantly responded, “My dog doesn’t have a story!” After I asked her only three pertinent questions, she readily admitted that her dog did indeed have a story, and it was a deeply poignant one as well.

So how does one proceed to write the life story of a pet? After all, they are difficult to interview. Follow these helpful hints, and you will jump-start your pet story project.

• There are many aspects to consider, but there is always a beginning. Whether you were present for his birth, obtained her as a puppy or fell in love with a rescue pet, there is always a first encounter tale.

• Every pet has a different personality. What are his/her likes or dislikes? What makes him happy? What is her favorite activity?

• What are her endearing qualities and behavior?

• What is his ritual for trying to get your attention?

Consider what is or was distinctive about your pet’s life experiences, and capture the stories of special moments shared. Photos are valuable memory sparkers, but do not necessarily express the feelings of bonding between pet and owner, demonstrate their deep entrenchment in the lives of our families or detail the specific journey they have traveled.

The significant questions that aid in formulating a pet story are numerous, but pondering and answering them (or at least those which apply) are beneficial in recalling life with your furry family member and preserving the memories in a priceless document.

What is your pet’s story? Looking for more information on writing pet stories? Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps! is a beneficial resource for capturing pet tales.

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com for links to purchase options. 

For the love of memoirs,

Mary Anne Benedetto

Read our SHORTS

What is the result of a few dedicated writers pooling their talents and contributing their works to develop an engaging cooperative effort? The answer is SHORTS.

Born from a great suggestion by massively creative Gary Lucas and nurtured by a supportive steering committee and participating Beach Author Network writers, SHORTS is a collection of entertaining, inspiring and memorable short stories for your reading pleasure.

From poetry and memoirs to fiction, SHORTS is an appealing summer read whether you are at the beach, the lake, up in the mountains or relaxing in a cozy location right in your own home. The content is as varied as the fireworks you witnessed on the 4th of July.

Featured writers are (l-r) Gary Lucas, Maureen O’Brien, Bill Hancock, Faye Bradley, Tom Winn, Sharon Roberts, Joy Glunt, Darlene Eichler, Sara Kelly, Mary Anne Benedetto, Bob O’Brien, Dee Sanchek and Pat David. Not shown are James Lucas, Linda Cookingham, Richard Lutman and Dave Griffin.

Learn more about each writer by visiting them via their contact information that is indicated at the end of their stories in the book. You can also see what Beach Author Network writers in the Myrtle Beach, SC vicinity are doing by visiting our Facebook group page. Search for Beach Author Network.

SHORTS is available in print format on Amazon and e-book at Kindle. Visit http://amzn.to/1JT4XSt. Inquiries about this book may be directed to beachauthors@gmail.com. Kick back and enjoy!

FYI-Beach Author Network writers are looking forward to offering more collaborative efforts in the future. Read our SHORTS, and stay tuned…

Have a blessed summer,

Mary Anne Benedetto

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com

The Beckoning

The premise of this book dramatically intrigued me. Its author, Michael Minot, reveals how his life irreversibly changed from complete rejection of God, Jesus, Christianity and religion to totally embracing faith in God’s truth.

This skeptical, atheist attorney, with his typically lawyer-like analytical mind and process, accepted a challenge from an old friend to read the Scriptures for himself and see how they might help him reevaluate his life in terms of purpose and meaning.

As someone who made a decision for Christ at the tender age of nine, I found it  difficult to fathom a life of not believing, not trusting God, not knowing the benefit and peace of having the heavenly Father to guide me through the tough times. That is not to say that I have led a perfect life. There were years of rebellion and less than stellar decisions, but God never stopped loving or protecting me. With a solid Christian background and knowledge, I did eventually appreciate God’s forgiveness and recommitted to Him, acknowledging that I needed His plans and not my own feeble attempts at being CEO of my life.

So, to consider what it must be like to be an individual not having been blessed with a Christian basis and experience, independently navigating life while believing in a mere existence by chance, utterly fascinated me. The author’s investigation and diligent study transformed him into a solid believer. Seeing God’s creation plans and how they personally affected him, Michael Minot found reality, joy and a new life.

In reading the details of his investigative journey, I was especially touched by his reference to the amazing design of our bodies. It made me aware of the countless aspects of creation that we take for granted. For instance, Minot pointed out the incredible phenomenon of sleep. Think about this! Our bodies were constructed to go to sleep, wake up, re-engage and be conscious of our surroundings and memories, resuming where we left off prior to our hours of slumber.

Researching sleep versus unconsciousness, I found that http://www.emedicinehealth.com  offered an article on this topic. It stated “Sleep is defined as a state of unconsciousness from which a person can be aroused. In this state, the brain is relatively more responsive to internal stimuli than external stimuli. Sleep should be distinguished from coma. Coma is an unconscious state from which a person cannot be aroused. Sleep is essential for the normal, healthy functioning of the human body. It is a complicated physiological phenomenon that scientists do not fully understand.” I love it when I read a book that prods me into additional research on a particular topic. Contemplate this for just a moment. We regularly nap or sleep for entire nights, re-boot and continue functioning and proceeding forward. Amazing!

The author was also blown away by considering our biological complexity--that every cell, every organ in our bodies has a connecting position and role to perform. Did this just somehow evolve? Similarly, he points out that cosmology emphasizes the precision and intricacy of our entire solar system. Did that just sort of materialize on its own? Plants, animals, people, nature. What was the beginning? Scripture tells us.

Michael Minot

Michael Minot was candid in admitting that his discoveries and new beliefs were not without tradeoffs. His lifestyle and priorities changed. His old friends, particularly those who shared his atheist attitudes and choices, disappeared. What he gained, however, was far more valuable. He discovered the peace that passes all understanding and a confidence that this world is not our home when a heavenly residence awaits. He found the blessing of prayer and worship with a community of Christ-followers. He found purpose in knowing that God uses messengers to bring His light to people in this troubled world. Michael Minot, with his own powerful experience, is one of those messengers.

This true story is a road map to finding the abundant life that is available to anyone who chooses to listen, believe and trust. Why bother? Because it erases that huge question mark about why we are here and where we are ultimately going.

The Beckoning is a book for doubters, as well as believers. A walk though Michael Minot’s journey can mightily strengthen the faith of Christians. The doubters will be compelled to digest the information and make a now-educated choice.

See you soon with more information on memoir writing and also features on books worth reading!

Soak up the sunshine,

Mary Anne

Author of Eyelash, 7 Easy Steps to Memoir Writing: Build a Priceless Legacy One Story at a Time!, Never Say Perfect, From Italy with Love & Limoncello and Write Your Pet's Life Story in 7 Easy Steps!

Visit http://www.awriterspresence.com