Grieving in a Different Way

Hi Friends,

I hope you all are enjoying your summer so far. We had a fun, but tiring trip touring colleges. It is an exciting time for sure. I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for Aaron and his friends.

I must confess that is was different coming back home from this trip. I noticed the house had a weird emptiness to it. We arrived home late Wednesday and Aaron went on to church, so it was just me here, unpacking. I sat on my bed and began to cry. The loneliness of not having Nick here hit me hard. We had always taken trips together as a family, and would talk for days about our adventures when we returned home, sharing our excitement about things, especially when it came to Aaron. I think that is the hardest part for me. Knowing of Nick's love for Aaron and how he longed to be here to see him graduate, go to college and be a part of the many things that we as parents find great joy in.

I cannot encourage you enough to make those sweet memories, let go of the small stuff, and just really try and enjoy each day. It sounds so cliche' I know, but it so true. Many do not realize how much they have to be thankful for.

Life goes on, we are still "learning to live" and God is always there to guide our steps and clear a path for us. I enjoy writing it has become very therapeutic. Being able to write about and share openly what is on my heart is a gift. You all encourage me continuously with your comments on my caretaking articles. Thank you!!

I have heard people say you never stop grieving, you just do it in a different way as time goes on. I understand that more and more.

I just read this this morning: "Your days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace. And your best days are never so good that you are beyond the need of God's grace."

Blessings,

Tammy

New article posted today:
http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/you-vs-home-healthcare

June 21st, 2011

Hey friends, and greetings from Williamsburg, VA!

We are on the college touring circuit right now. It's a lot of fun, but the driving is exhausting! Either that, or I am too old for it!! This is our first "big" trip without Nick, but all his little nuggets of a wisdom sure are helping us.

It is beautiful here for sure. We are excited to see where God will lead Aaron at the end of this.

A new article has been posted today about getting organized at home as a caregiver. I think it offers some really practical advice, and hopefully it will help a caretaker or anyone that may experience challenges while taking care of a loved one at home.

Check out the article here, and please share!
http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/getting-organized-at-home

As always, I'd love to hear your feedback and personal stories. Thank you for your continued support and sharing.

Blessings,

Tammy Badida

New Article: Be a Healthy Caretaker-Part Two

Yay school is out!!! I hope you all have a great summer. The temperature is crazy already, but I feel blessed to live in a place where I have the opportunity to be at the beach in no time.

It is Tuesday and that means a new article is posted. I think this article even though really geared for caretakers can benefit everyone. I cannot tell you how much amazing feedback I have received and I thank you for that. So many of you have told me how you have shared these articles with people that you know could benefit from them. Also how the articles have been helping some you personally. That is my hope and purpose!!

I am also so blessed by your comments and stories. I read them all and I cannot thank you enough for taking the time to read and share. There are some really key issues in upcoming articles like the guilt we feel as caretakers, home health care, finding you joy and much more.

I hope you enjoy this weeks article:

http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/be-a-healthy-caretaker-part-two

Have a absolutely amazing day!!!

"Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever." Psalm 107:1

Tammy Badida

New Article: Be a Healthy Caretaker-Part One

If you are a caretaker I hope that this weeks article will be able to give you some good information on trying to keep yourself healthy. If you know someone that this article may help please forward it on. As always , I look forward to reading your comments and hearing your stories.

I cannot thank you enough for all of your support.

http://shannonmillerlifestyle.com/my-journey/be-a-healthy-caretaker-part-one


Have a blessed day!!

Tammy Badida

June 5th, 2011

I had a really unexpected experience last week that I want to share. My friend Joanne and I have been friends since third grade. Growing up when I experienced hardships in my own life, I knew I had a place to go in her. Her family always welcomed me with open arms. As with a lot of friendships, you graduate high school and go your own way. We, however, always seemed to pick up right where we left off when we would see each other.

I had recently found out that Joanne's Dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, and last week, as many of you read from my Facebook post, he was was transported by ambulance to Mayo and then subsequently moved to McGraw Hospice. He has not responded since being moved to hospice, but is resting very peacefully with his family by his side. Please keep them in your prayers.

I woke up Thursday morning with a heavy heart and was really being prompted to go visit my friend and her family. I had so many emotions as I drove back down that road to McGraw Hospice. I did not know what to expect or how I would respond when I got there. I just knew I had to go. From the moment I arrived my heart was pounding. I signed in and did not even ask what room he was in. I just proceeded to walk towards a hall that was familiar to me. Immediately, I saw my friend, we hugged, we cried, and I knew that very moment why I was there. She looked at me and said "I am not sure you will be able to go in and see Dad." I thought maybe he was having a bad day and visitors were limited. Then she said he is in room 504, the same room Nick was in. You know there is no mistake there! God's plan!

Joanne repeatedly asked me if I was OK to do this, and I assured her I was. I was there, I wanted to see her Dad and her family. I took the step into the room, and the first thing I felt was the peace. I expressed how I knew that room had been prayed in and prayed over many, many times. I looked around and I saw a family walking in similar shoes that we had walked in only four short months ago. I watched as her Mom held her Dad's hand and I remembered how I did that very thing. The people may change, but the actions and the emotions do not.

I know God prompted me to go there and comfort my friend, but also I feel like He was giving me a reassurance of His peace. Although I left there hurting for my friend and her family, I felt a sense of closure. As a family we endured a lot of pain in that room, but we were also blessed to have experienced God's love and grace in a way I cannot explain. I was reminded of all of that as I stood in room 504.

So many of you are so gracious in continuing to check on us and wanting to know how we are doing. Honestly, we are good!! Praise the Lord for that. I mean, I am not going to say that I don't still spend a day or two on the couch occasionally crying and thinking about my man. But we are "learning to live," and that is just the way Nick would want it.

We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 1:3

Love and Blessings,

The Badidas