Morning Strength for the Weary Heart You do not have to carry the whole day at once. Take the next step, trust God with what you cannot control, and give yourself grace along the way. His strength is enough for today. 💛 Keep rising. You are not alone.

When dementia enters your life, one of the first thoughts may be: “Where do we even start?” There can suddenly be so many questions: What does this diagnosis really mean? What changes should we expect? Is our loved one safe at home? What should we tell family and friends? Who needs to be part of the care team? What legal or financial decisions need attention? How do we talk about driving, medications, or living arrangements? And how do I prepare without becoming overwhelmed by everything that might happen? Here is something I learned through 40 years of nursing: You do not have to answer every question today. Start with what matters right now. Ask yourself: What has changed? Notice changes in memory, communication, behavior, daily routines, medications, eating, sleeping, mobility, or safety. What do we need to understand? Write down your questions for the healthcare provider. You don’t have to remember everything during the appointment. What needs attention first? Safety, medical concerns, medications, nutrition, wandering, falls, driving, or the ability to manage everyday activities may need to come before planning months or years ahead. Who can help us? This journey was never meant to rest on one person’s shoulders. Begin identifying family, friends, healthcare professionals, community resources, and others who can become part of your care team. And don’t forget one important question: “What do I need as the caregiver?” Your health, rest, emotions, relationships, and spiritual well-being matter too. A dementia diagnosis begins a new journey, but you don’t need the entire roadmap on day one. Start with one question. Then the next one. Then the next. Learn what you can. Ask for help when you need it. Give yourself permission not to know everything. And remember, here at Still Rising, you have a safe place to bring those questions. You don’t have to walk this journey alone. — Ma Laurie Your Aging Parent Coach & Wellness Coordinator Still Rising — Honoring Every Life. At Every Stage.

Today, we remember. We remember the lives that were taken on September 11, 2001. We remember the families who lost someone they loved. We remember the first responders who ran toward danger while others were running away. We remember the courage, compassion, and unity that followed. And we remember that behind every name was a person. A mother. A father. A child. A spouse. A friend. A coworker. Twenty-five years later, we still say their names. May we never forget the lives lost. May we honor the heroes who served. May we continue to choose kindness over division. And may God comfort every family whose heart still carries the weight of that day. We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

Dear Memebrs, Thank you for hanging with me. I appreciate you all dearly. I have been working in the e background on so many things. Started writing my book FlukeyStokeyMishmashy Mess. I also have been working on a beta test with helping my friend with her “DaddyO” for my coaching entrepreneurial endeavor as well as what I have planned for this community. I also was working on mourning my brother. He has been a year in heaven Aug 24. Looking at all the blessings that God has brought forth has truly been astoundingly amazing. 🤩 Learning to chose to live a full life is truly abundant living. And to have all you amazing people in my community is the ultimate blessing. You are all my OGs. You have been faithful in staying in this community and your patients has not gone unnoticed. May this day and all days be blessed beyond belief.

This weekend was dancing recital. I have been taking Irish for three sessions. I performed last season but did not invite anyone including my husband. I realize just last nights I had one more childhood trauma to work through. The last piece of adults who are parental figures not being present. What I realized is because of fear of being let down again I was pushing my friends, my great nieces, granddaughter and husband away. Not even giving them a chance. So, this session asked all of them to come. I had fun.