The Lessons of Caring

<p><strong>Family Caregivers - this Book is for You!</strong></p><p>If you are a family caregiver or know one you know that caregiving is a labor of love that can be all-consuming. And the typical family caregiver is not paid and has a full-time job and a family while they provide service and care to a family member or loved one. It's the toughest and most rewarding job one can ever have. At the same time family caregivers need and deserve care too.</p><p></p><p><strong>Why I Wrote this Book</strong></p><p>That's why I wrote this book. To offer support and community to family caregivers!</p><p></p><p>I was the primary caregiver for both of my parents in their final years. My Mom was on dialysis and battled cancer and my Dad fought Parkinson's disease for over 17 years. They faced many challenges in their struggle to sustain their quality of life independence and dignity. Often their struggles challenged our caregiving relationship. I didn't always make the best choices but I did always have their best interests driving my actions. </p><p></p><p>As an only child it was often a lonely journey. I didn't want others to feel like they were alone. Plus I learned a lot and I am glad to share the lessons I learned with you. The greatest lesson what I hope you take from the book - caregiving for a loved one is a priceless gift that you share with your loved one and keep forever!</p><p></p><p><strong>New in this Edition</strong></p><p>The new 2024 edition of <em>The Lessons of Caring </em>is short sweet and to the point - with access to video commentaries from caregivers to comfort you and exercises and questions to help you. In this edition I share insights I gained from helping his parents deal with the challenges of advanced and complex medical issues and their aging. And the new edition contains a new Lesson on After-Caring as well as a Special Bonus - free access to the short film The Caregiver which I wrote and directed. </p><p></p><p><strong>Format</strong></p><p>I gained my experience caring for my elderly Italian-American parents. Instead of an academic read this book offers accessible content and pragmatic usable (you judge if it's useful) advice. I recognize that my experience is my experience and may not necessarily be applicable to all family caregivers. As such this book is not an exhaustive or comprehensive presentation of caregiving lessons. Rather <em>The Lessons of Caring</em> strives to be a resource to caregivers by stimulating reflection offering support and creating opportunities to grow from the lessons I have learned.</p><p></p><p><em>The Lessons of Caring</em> presents nine lessons. While there is a deliberate sequencing in the book readers may want to read and re-read the lessons in a different order. Throughout this book I talk about self-care. To be honest it's as much a reminder for me as it is a prompt for you. I'm still learning!</p><p></p><p>A special feature is the video message that begins each lesson - simply scan the QR code with your smart device. I invited other caregivers and those who work with caregivers to share their experiences and thoughts. When viewed from an Internet-connected device readers will be able to hear from others who have been on this journey bringing the meaning of the lesson's topic to life in a more personal way.</p><p></p><p>I hope that reading <em>The Lessons of Caring</em> will feed your spirit recharge your energy and affirm your amazing and life-changing impact as a family caregiver!</p><p></p><p></p>