When Duty Becomes Privilege: Reframing Caregiving as an Act of Love With Florrie Munat

Mar 19, 2024 11:15 pm

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Hello ,

Caregiving asks a lot of a person. Rising to that challenge changes us. In her tender memoir, Be Brave: A Wife’s Journey Through Caregiving, Florrie Munat shares the heart wrenching story of her husband, Chuck, as he suffers a stroke and is then diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. Florrie tells how caring for Chuck led her to shift from seeing caregiving not simply as the duty of a wife, but rather as an act of love as she cared for him in all his vulnerability. In discussing the origin of the title, she’s upfront about Chuck’s decision to voluntarily stop eating and drinking, and how he told her to “Be Brave.”

In this episode, we also talk with Florrie about how, for her, journaling and writing were an outlet for processing what was taking place in her life. We hear how her detailed note taking and journaling were critical to keeping focus, but later led her to explore her emotions and perspectives more deeply. Chuck had prompted her several times, in his own way to write their story when he asked her, “are you going to write about this?” She shares ideas of how to use writing as an outlet, and leads a discussion with participants about how to start a practice of journaling, as well. This is a rich episode, with many thought provoking moments and ideas. Have a listen and be inspired.

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Our Latest Author

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AlzAuthors is honored to be chosen as one of the top 80 Best Dementia Blogs and Websites to follow in 2024! We are so grateful for all our loyal followers and supporters for joining us on this journey. You can find us and other top dementia blogs and websites here.

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Up Next for Book Club

Ruth Stevens joins us to discuss her novel Stage Seven, based upon her experience caring for her mother on March 26th at 7pm EST.

Then on April 30th at 7pm EST we celebrate National Poetry Month with a gathering of poets featuring Sherri Levine, Stealing Flowers from the Neighbors; Sue Fagalde Lick, Gravel Road Ahead; Daniel Potts, MD, Bringing Art to Life; and Margaret Stawowy, co-editor of Storms of the Inland Sea, an anthology with Jim Cokas.

To learn more or to become a member, please visit agingamazing.com.

Register here to get the link to the Zoom meetings.

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Dementia &The Arts Festival

We have exciting news about the 2024 NYC Dementia ARTS Festival on April 11th: THE DAYTIME MATINEE IS NOW FREE for persons living with dementia and their care partners! A great opportunity for the dementia community to participate in a truly unique program of art, laughter, joy and innovation.

The MATINEE is shorter, starts at noon, includes light refreshments, a keynote address, panel discussions, and excerpts from various Dementia Spring artists on stage, screen, song and more!

2 Ways to Enjoy This Year’s NYC Dementia ARTS Festival

FREE Midday Matinee, 12 -3pm

12 noon - Doors open for Light Refreshments
1 - 3pm Matinee w/Keynote by Kitty Norton
Films, song and stage plays by Dementia Spring artists

Tickets available HERE

Evening Performance - 6pm

Networking and Refreshments
*PRIVATE SCREENING* of Gloria, a short film by Kim Blanck
Keynote speaker Kitty Norton and other panels
Films, song and stage plays by Dementia Spring artists

Reserve your tickets now at www.dementiaspring.org/Festival

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Susan’s Design of the Week

Please share this with your friends and followers on social media using the following text:

Taking time for yourself can help you stay healthy and balanced. AlzAuthors supports #dementia caregivers through personal stories, podcasts, special events and more so you can recharge and be your best self.

https://alzauthors.com/

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