Hospitals...Not recommended as a Vacation Spot

Hospitals…Not recommended as a Vacation Spot

June 16, 2014

School is officially out for the summer in Maryland and now the focus in my house is on getting to the pool, starting camps, visiting friends, going to the beach, planning a vacation with family, and celebrating birthdays! Many different places have been mentioned among my husband and children; everything from doing the “stay-at-home” vacation, to Europe, a cruise, Mexico, Ocean City and many other ideas. But going to the Hospital is never on that list. For the last month, I have had the unfortunate pleasure of being admitted to my hospital because of swelling in my extremities, or needing to get tapped, or catching an infection and needing fluids. The funny thing is, my kids always ask if I like staying in the hospital. I think it is because I get to have meals in bed, watch TV all day, and have people asking me if I need anything. I have to remind them that as exciting as that seems, I still get to receive lots of needles, or tests, not very good food, unreliable wi-fi, and the worst, being away from them until I am released.

I find being in the hospital does give my Caregiver a break. And for that I am thankful. By this I mean that he knows where I am, what I am doing, and that people are available to assist me with the aches, pains and medications. I know this doesn’t take the worry, concern, or sadness away; but I believe it gives him a little breathing room and sometimes it is easier to deal with his work, the kids, and managing life when he knows that I am being cared for. He has NEVER told me this and I know that he would much rather have me well, at home and getting back to “how it used to be” but it makes me feel a little better knowing that my family can, maybe, sleep a little better knowing that I am OK and that it is only for a short stay.

Hopefully the rest of the summer will not find me staying at the (not the 4 Seasons) hospital, but truely on vacation with my friends and family. Creating memories, sharing new experiences, and having lots of fun is how I would like to spend the next 2 months. I know that is something that we all need- to just let things go, take time to be in the moment without worrying about schedules, money or meds. And to appreciate the Caregivers, young ones as well as adult ones, so that they know how loved and appreciated they are!

Happy Father’s Day and Happy Summer!

Share this post

Don’t underestimate the Power of….

September 17, 2015

In one of the many notebooks that hold my CaringOn ideas, business plans, sketches, thoughts, and lists, I came across one of many quotes that caught my attention.The quote is from writer, Leo Buscaglia: “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act

There is no “present” like that of TIME

August 24, 2015

Recently surfing the television after an overnight stay in the hospital; the phrase “There is no “present” like that of time,” caught my attention. Honestly, how many times have you told yourself to “be in the moment”, “slow down,” “take life one day at a time,” “focus on the present” etc.. Before I was diagnosed,

Lucky Me, I’m an Anomaly!

May 2, 2015

Last week I went to see a liver specialist. My intent was that he could help me understand why my tumor markers don’t match the way my body is acting and feeling. My goal from this meeting was to understand what to expect from my body at this point. My hope was that I could

To Unplug…or not???

February 21, 2015

Having not blogged in a few months I finally feel that I have something worth talking about. I’ve had many different ideas in the last 3 months: to be thankful, giving is better than receiving, bucket list for the New Year, birthdays, live in the moment, etc…even one about expectations. But the one topic that

Expectations, Great?

February 18, 2015

I haven’t posted in the last months and I really can’t say why. I have much to talk about, just ask anyone. I didn’t want to be cliche, you know what I mean; November- giving thanks, December-holiday cheer, January – resolutions, and now February-love. But the one constant word that continues to pop up for

Here’s What I Won’t Write About…..

November 12, 2014

What a week it has been! Every time I was ready to sit down and share some thoughts – something else would happen either to me or around me. I would think, “Hmm, I have some thoughts about this and I’ll write about that.” But the events I am thinking of have been discussed over

Give Thanks to Your Caregiver

CaringOn provides you with a way to say thank you and recognize a caregiver with a personalized “gift of care” in your name.

Make a Donation

Your commitment to become a CaringOn Donor will help us provide caregivers with a “gift of care” to take time off to “recharge, refresh, and renew”.

Get Involved with CaringOn

CaringOn depends on volunteers to help fulfill its mission. There are many different ways you can volunteer for CaringOn.