Armistice Day commemorates the peace agreement signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany when The Great War officially ended. This was to be the war to end all wars, but we know that wasn’t to be true. In honor of all veterans, the name was changed to Veterans Day in 1945. A clear distinction is made: Veterans Day “is not a day that 'belongs' to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans." To all of you who have served, we offer our heartfelt thanks. Your sacrifices made and continue the make a difference in our lives. Serving a loved one as a care partner also has a special day. Caregivers Day is the third Friday in February, but I didn’t want to wait until then to share Sean Hayes’ story.

 
Sean Hayes, an American actor, comedian, singer, and producer, is best known for his role on the television program Will & Grace. Says Sean Hayes, “Of all the roles I've played, my most important role was the time I spent serving as my mother's caregiver.  That experience taught me so much about life and love, and also about time, which caregivers never have enough of.”

His mother always taught him that when someone needs your help, you show up. He was thankful to be able to help his mother when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, but what he really wished for was more time, time to recharge, refocus, and provide self-care. Life does not slow down when you are a care partner. They need support to balance the conflicting parts of their lives. www.embracingcarers.com

Self-care Ritual: making sacrifices as a care partner is part of the agreement that you signed up for, either by necessity or voluntarily, and they must be embraced. But, through the compromise, always take care of your needs.