New Release!

We are excited to announce the launch of a new book, we are a co-author for. The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude, is a collaborative book sold on Amazon.com and features a short reading for every day of the year.

Authors tell in 200 words or less what they are grateful for. Even when times are difficult, you might be amazed to discover how many things we really have to be thankful for. This book provides a wonderful start or end to each day with the daily inspirational readings. It also promotes a good feeling and causes self-reflection.

My essay this year speaks to the difference a family member’s illness can make in our life and the impact of having an attitude of gratitude during those challenging times.

I particularly love contributing to three worthy charities. The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude, donates proceeds to be split among these charitable organizations: FeedingAmerica, the ASPCA and Women for Women International.

Could you use a lift? This inspirational book is available here on Amazon.  I’m told there are copies in transit to Amazon at this time. Consider a gift to yourself and a loved one. For every “gift” you buy, you’ll be giving three more gifts—to the charities!

Over the years, complacency sets in. More things are tolerated and accepted. Too often people forget things don’t all have to be the way they are. Too often, if an unpleasant thing doesn’t directly impact us, we ignore it and forget about it.

This is a time to look at our society and ask what has changed for the worse and what we can do about it. It is a time to reflect. It is our moral obligation to do so.

It was Friday morning in a quiet Connecticut community. God took our nation’s pulse that day. He wanted to know just how complacent we are. He found the soft spot in our hearts as he felt our racing pulse.

I know not one of them, and yet I do. They are the child next door, the teacher down the street, the First Responder who helped us last year. They are the clergy who quietly bear more than we sometimes realize. I ponder this as I reach for another tissue.

It is not for us to wonder why…but we do. It is not for us to judge…but we can’t help ourselves.

It is for us to support the survivors, those grieving, and those who gave their life, their love, their spirit, and compassion on Friday. They, as we, will never be the same. Grown men, tough men, weep and lean on others. Clergy shed tears and embrace those of other faiths. Families struggle with how to help their children cope. Everywhere parents and grandparents, aunts and uncles, neighbors and teachers hug their little ones as never before.

We can think of little else. Hearts ache as they feel torn open and gaping holes are left in a community and a nation. Those little ones left behind have lost their innocence in such a brutal way. Those who served the survivors now need ministering to themselves.

Countless prayers stream toward the heavens. And…at heaven’s gate, twenty little angels joyously reunite with the school personnel who safely escorted them to their new home. Rest in peace dear little ones. May we make this world a better place so this never has to happen again.

Copyright 2012

Heroes…they are all around us. We just don’t always recognize them. There are those heroes who we do recognize. They wear uniforms and must leave their families to serve. Some fight fires and some tangle with criminals. On any given day, none knows what their future may hold.

Then there are the heroes we may not always think of immediately when we hear that word. But…when we think of many people in our lives, we soon recognize there’s an abundance of special and heroic people we truly admire. They present mankind at his best. They lift us up and inspire us as few can.

I have the priviledge of being part of a special project honoring our heroes. Not long ago, I was asked to be a contributing author to a special book called, “THE GRATITUDE BOOK PROJECT: A CELEBRATION OF HEROES”. This inspiring e-book was written in remembrance of 9-11, but not necessary about 9-11 events. Get your free e-book now! http://bit.ly/qaG2Fa

Best Gift This Christmas! Help four worthy charities.

We are celebrating! Last night the book we are a contributing author for reached # 1 Best SellerStatuson Amazon.comin the Health, Mind & Body –> Self-Help–>Success Category.

What does gratitude have to do with success? A lot! The other contributing authors and myself have learned much more about the impact of gratitude on one’s life.We have laughed together and wept together over our joys, triumphs, and sorrows. One thing is certain, there is a great impact on those who live gratitude-filled lives.

Participating in this book hascaused me to experienceeven more gratitude. I am grateful for:

• the opportunity to share my experiences with others
• the support of my followers on this website, Twitter, and Facebook
• the positive impact of gratitude (even from negative situations!)
• how gratitude brought together 300 people in a magnificent way
• the ability to give book sale proceeds to these charities: ASPCA, Feeding America, WomenFor Women & Make-a-Wish

Would you like to know more or get a copy? I thought so! Here you go: http://amzn.to/fbXLpN

May you have a day filled with gratitude…let’s make that 365 days filled with gratitude!

We Made It To The Finals!

Our Newsletter for Cancer Caregivers, “Solace and Sustenance for Cancer Caregivers” made it to the finals for the Best Senior Living Newsletters 2011 in the Best of Web Contest sponsored by SeniorHomes.com. It is an honor to be among the few to make it to the finals. We were competing with the likes of AARP. Thanks to SeniorHomes.com for the recognition and thanks to all for your votes. Keep on reading!

I feel honored to be a part of this wonderful project. My fellow co-authors and I have been deeply touched by “The Gratitude Book Project”. And now it’s time to share with the world!

The book is now available on Amazon.com. The majority of the proceeds will go toward four very worthwhile charities: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to annimals, (ASPCA); FeedingAmerica, Make a Wish Foundation, and Women for Women, International.

One thing I love about the holidays is the happy, upbeat spirit of people. It seems like people are more pleasant, appreciative, more kind, caring and compassionate this time of year. How often have you thought, “If only people were so positive the rest of the year!” Well, do I have a deal for you! How would you like to hang out with people like that 365 days of the year? Well, you can! I’m a contributing Author for and Ambassador of, The Gratitude Book Project: Celebrating 365 Days of Gratitude. I’m pleased to say that I am keeping company with a group of Co-Authors who help give us all much to think about & be grateful for.”

Go ahead, check it out here. Grab a few copies as Christmas Gifts while you are there. I can’t think of anything better to give a friend or family member than a healthy dose of Gratitude. Your loved one will be grateful. I will be grateful, and four worthy charities will be grateful. What better way could there be to spread that humble attitude of gratitude? You and your loved one are sure to be touched!

~ Susan Says:  When you have a rough day caring for your loved one with cancer, or think you maybe could have handled something differently, don’t be discouraged.  You are going through a new experience.  It isn’t always clear what to do.  Don’t be hard on yourself. 

No one is perfect.  Take a cleansing breath and move on and try again.  Your loved one will probably understand.  If he or she doesn’t seem to understand, simply explain how you feel and that this is new for you.  More than likely, your loved one will understand. 

The important thing, as Vince Lombardi said, is to get back up and move on.  You have bigger things to be concerned about, right?  If you are feeling bad, remember, you are learning from this experience.  And learning is a good thing!

The date of Mom’s Birthday is easy because it originally was on Memorial Day.  In 1971 the official designated date to celebrate Memorial Day was changed to the last Monday in May.  For the US, Memorial Day is a time to remember or “Memorialize” those who gave the ultimate sacrifice–their life–while protecting and preserving our country and the freedom we enjoy.  It is a debt Americans cannot repay to those we honor, but a respect that we humbly give to those who so generously gave their all. 

It seemed only fitting that my Mom’s Birthday was around Memorial Day.   My Mother loved her country.  Her patriotism showed as she burst with pride when speaking of the service given in the Navy by her Father, Brothers and Sons.  She also had a Brother and Son-in-law serve in the Air Force.  Her Husband had served in the Army.  She loved a man in uniform.  Had she lived longer, I know she would have been so proud to see her Grandaughter, as an adult, serving in the Army.   

My Mom passed away many years ago from cancer.  She left a big hole in the fabric of our family.  Yes, it has been many years.  And yet, each year as Memorial Day approaches, I remember her birthday.  In my heart, I want to send her a card, buy her a gift, and decorate a birthday cake for her.   I want her to see the life my husband and I made together.  I want her to see the lives my siblings have made with their families.  I want her to see what fine adults her grandchildren have grown to be and the wise choices they made in spouses.  I want her to see the precious great-grandchildren she never got to see. 

It is a bittersweet time to remember my Mom’s birthday.  Yes, it has been many years since my siblings and I lost our Mother to cancer, but she is still close.  She is in the words we speak, the traditions we keep, the values we adhere to.  I see her in the faces of my siblings.  Once in a while, in amazement, I catch a glimpse of her in the mirror looking back at me.  She is in my heart, which is forever changed from watching her gallant fight for her life with bravery and dignity.  She may have never served in the military, but she made many sacrifices for her family.  And so, this Memorial Weekend, Happy Birthday Mom.  Thanks for all you gave to your family.   We miss you still, but we find great comfort and peace in our awareness that you remain in our hearts forever.

Thanks, also to the service men and women who selflessly gave the ultimate sacrifice–their lives–so that others could live an even better life.  With our hand on our heart, we are humbled to silence as the guns fire and the flag waves on. 

Nurses have a great variety of work experience.  Some are educators, some are Nurse Practioners, some are Research Nurses, while many prefer the one-on-one contact of being a Staff Nurse.  They work grueling hours, weekends, and holidays.  They work during Family Reunions and on family members birthdays.

Few give more physically and emotionally on the job than Nurses.  They are there with our loved ones (and sometimes with us) when we go through some of our biggest challenges in our lives.  They comfort us.  They comfort our loved ones.  They do disgusting tasks most people would scoff at.  Their duties have expanded to include large amounts of paperwork or computer record-keeping.  They monitor medications and often play go-between with the Doctors.  Some of them have to learn how to operate and interpret readings from high-tech equipment.  

Some Nurses work long shifts.  Some work double shifts when their co-workers call in sick.  Their work is high stress, and yet they love it.  Why?  Because they care.  They care that your loved one has quality care.  They care that they can get along with many different personalities and calm emotionally distressed patients and their families.   They are compassionate and committed. 

If they see something that appears questionable or erroneous on the Doctor’s orders, they may further investigate that information to ensure a patient’s safety.  They are looking out for your loved one with cancer and pleading their case to the Doctor more times you will ever know. 

Nurses have a compassion that knows no bounds.  Some of them may even give us the impression their job is easy because they care so naturally and so deeply.  They bond with patients and think of them when they are off-duty.  They care for the patients families.  Their kindness and compassion make this world a better place. 

Our congratulations to all Nurses across the globe.  Thank you for ALL you do for us and for our loved ones!  We truly appreciate you and your service to others. 

Want to see how we are celebrating Nurse’s Week? 

http://bit.ly/5rNRgg (The Big Shift:  Embracing the Cancer Caregiver Mindset WITH CAMP (Caring Action Mindset Plan)

http://bit.ly/6SlRNH (51 Secrets Every Cancer Caregiver Needs to Know)

The first of May always makes me think of my Mother.  Every year on May Day, she would recall her childhood days.  On May Day, their neighborhood would leave May Baskets on doorsteps for each other, then ring the doorbell and hide.  It was a fond memory.  Although we never did May Baskets, I always looked forward to hearing her tell the story every spring. 

Although the celebration of May Day may have fallen by the wayside, there is much to celebrate as we enter the month of May.  We see the grass greening up nicely while tree buds swell and burst open with new leaves.  The newly opened leaves boast a color unique to this time of year.  They are a pretty yellow-green in hue.  As the leaves get larger, their color darkens to the deeper green foliage we are used to seeing most of the summer. 

Simultaneously, there is a dramatic increase in many other aspects of the great outdoors.  Many of the summer birds are starting to return.  The traffic at the bird feeders picks up significantly and the birds work tirelessly to build and repair nests in anticipation of their soon-to-be families.  Neighbors start to appear in their yards and talk over the fence.  Stores are busier as we shop for outdoor supplies.  Will we need a new lawnmower this year?  Do we need to replace any of our flower planters this summer?  Do the hoses have any leaks?  When is that fertilizer going to be on sale? 

Although spring is a very busy time of year, it is a welcome change from the long winter.  It is also a good opportunity to have some positive things to look forward to, to take our minds briefly away from everyday stressors.  As a caregiver to a loved one with cancer, you sometimes need a distraction.  As you are able to, go outside and do a little yard work.  Take a walk and take in the special beauty of this time of renewal for Mother Nature. 

Some of us have special little rituals we carry on each spring.  It may be a trip to the zoo, or a long drive to a special shop with garden goodies.  Whatever it may be, if you and your loved one are up to it, try to keep up as many traditions as you can.  There are things you and your loved one look forward to each year.  It’s important to have those things to look forward to, if possible. 

As Mother Nature renews the land, it is good for you and your loved one to be reminded that you, also, can be renewed.  You can be renewed by participating in Nature.  You can be renewed by what you choose to do with you time.  You can be renewed by your mindset.  What will you choose today?