May you begin to “find your way”, if you are experiencing at this moment that you have “lost your way”. The rules of life often change and obstacles can appear to blur our vision, of what is possible for a preferred future. There is but one way to return to the best path for you to be on. This “re-visioning” requires that we take an inward journey, to understand and appreciate ourselves more,…and to recognize a better destination which is paved with service to others. We need to always feel good about what we do for others, otherwise it may be a futile effort in terms of personal growth and happiness in life.

Begin this self-reflection now,…what DO I really want out of life,…who will be there with me in the end,…have I done enough to nurture the right relationships, and to purge the negative feelings that stand as barriers to true happiness and mutually fulfilling relationships.

May you truly find peace in your heart, may we perpetuate peace in our world.
BE well, live with intention,
Dave

Hi all,

It has been increasingly more challenging to post, time being a challenge, but also the sleep deprivation. Interestingly enough, I get to reflect back on the group research project that was part of my Master’s program. We decided to study and report on the impact of sleep deprivation. Needless to say, “I lose sleep over the the many consequences of sleep deprivation” when I experience it personally. So,…look for me to write more on the topic, as much as you will likely see more on the impact of stroke for patient and the family members alike. Lived experiences are always the most meaningful ways of learning something, and now, first hand,…true to life aspects will be posted here or on the other blogs, Cardiofit.ca in particular, while I do intend to start a new online community blog for stroke survivors and their families. It will be written also as a great resource for Health Care professionals,…in particular, as resource for nursing students and nurses alike. I really do love being a tutor/instructor/teacher, while all of you can sense, my preferred approach, is empowerment through coaching. Will do my best also, Ang, to paraphrase the optimal breathing piece as well.

Till next time,…BE well,

Dave

Hi all,

It is my intent usually to target my audience specific in their relationship to me or the blogs I write, but at times there are items of interest for everyone and how it would apply to there lives. The students often inspire me as much as my family may, and so I encourage all to visit latest post,…just look to left hand side of the screen and click the link.

To visit my other sites please scroll down, farther down under New Paradigm will be a portion of the blogs which I intend to share with whomever. Preferably if the blog is say about diabetes management then I would prefer the blog be managed by one or a few people who have diabetes, for example. I will be a contributor, when time allows but I am concerned if I remain the number one blogger or editor it will stunt the growth of these online communities,…so please step forward now, and we’ll talk,…they are to remain education and non-exploitive, not to sell product and all of that,…agreed?

Further, if you like this idea, want to start a community or blog of your own please let us know. My IT guy, friend, co-founder, and genius who helped launch this Zack Showers, may be willing to help you, and he remains affordable for the moment for the right concientious and ethical soul,…(at least until Google snatches him up.

I am also waiting on son Jared to build a link to his sites and show off all his talent and directions his life is taking him to.

Later,

Dave

For those who may read this and who do not know my father, he has many ‘loves’ of his life. One is his wife Kay, his family, many freinds, and another is Campers Cove in Wheatley Ontario where dad and Kay enjoy the summer months. They have one of the biggest trailers (Dad at one time proudly shared it was the first of its size and features), and they have one of the nicest lots. Rightfully so, they hold esteemed positions at the Campground as they help out a great deal (Dad considers that his retirement job….in other words he has never really retired). They also have oodles of freinds and enjoy the activities and the special projects that come up.

So it is a great analogy of life, recognition of seperating out the forest from the trees, Dad’s paradise is laden with trees, and now there is this forest of challenges to face, sorting out which ones to cultivate and nurture and which obstacles need to be pruned out or uprooted and hauled out of his life so there are minimal barriers to him achieving quality of life. We as a family are all on the same page, we want to see Dad happy, he would be most happy “in the woods” with his honey.

So, stay tuned as I hope to post, what may be helpful tips for other families, couples or individuals who may face similar challenges when change in function and abilities, changes what the environment may appear as, …potentially threatening, if vision and walking(balance) is impaired. There is much to be said about Rehab approaches and the Team Members that help facilitate often miraculous recovery, while ultimately “the patient” goes home, however that is defined, and to a family (however that is defined). Dad has a huge family at Campers Cove, Nine children who love him dearly, a devoted and supportive, loving wife and grand-kids galour and ever increasing numbers of great- grand children who I hope can one day come to appreciate and perpetuate Dad’s legacy of devotion to work, family, freinds and community (he remains a legend in our home town of Kingsville for several reason),…So press on “Scrape Scratch”,…and ‘comment or blog-on’, family and friends of Doug Scratch.

Thanks for letting me share,

Dave

For those who really know my reality, I know it seems so unbelievable that the challenges are still multilpying and that more of a balancing act is necessary then ever. I thought March would usher in warmer weather, as well as some relief and rest. Well, the weather is seemingly rapidly changing, my father’s condition, remains a bit of a puzzle. I do have an appreciation of all the issues at hand before the stroke, as I, like many other health care professionals, research the issues that affect someone in our family even more than ailments we should wish not to experience ourselves.

We as a family hold great gratitude to the staff at the hospital of Leamington Memorial Hospital, and to Dr. Peter Kelton who has been very family centred and approachable. It is difficult though not to feel powerless, …probably like many other families, in similar situations, facing “uncertainty”.

I would like to share this positive note though, …I am loving my transiton to London Health Sciences and to the Multi-organ Transplant Unit.

Number one reason,….awesome staff and culture, that is apparent,…even in the face of a staffing crisis and challenging environment. Second,…I sense the appreciation from patients and families, for the work that we do as nurses, and we are appreciated in a “team” spirit kind of way by the other practitioners of other disciplines especially many of the residents and Staff Physicians,….this really means alot,…and illuminates hope,…for a healthy workplace, at this particular time, the beginning of yet another chapter of life.

BE well,

Dave