New ebook of poetry on Amazon for $4.99

Ollamok's Lifelesson's of poetry

http://www.amazon.com/Ollamoks-Poetry-Life-Lessons-Learned-ebook/dp/B00L64694K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403664318&sr=8-1&keywords=ollamok

Transition-Parents Can Make It Happen

Transition-Parents Can Make It Happen

Transition, according to various dictionaries, is period of going from one state to another. In this article, “Transition” refers to assisting your “specially abled” son or daughter to step from your protective wing to that state of independence he/she is most capable of obtaining. You have a vision of that. Unlike most, I believe you know your child best.

My first suggestion is getting a copy of Wanda Draper’s book, “ Your Child Is Smarter Than You Think!” The book will give you back your confidence as a parent that you know your child. Wanda is positive about parents and the impression they make on their child(ren). Also, parents better than anyone else know their child (ren).

A starting point is to do what in business is called SWOT-Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats analysis. Using report cards, IEP’s (Individual Education Plans) and what you know about your child a Transition Plan must be formed. Of course don’t forget his/her dreams or expressions with regards to what their vision of a life’s work looks like.

Approach writing a Transition Plan or fleshing out a working plan as a project your boss would require. I would start at least in middle school, if not before. Below are two sites that are free resources that go over many different careers. Does your child like animals but isn’t capable of being a veterinary technician? How about a groomer? Both pay better than minimum wage and deal with being around animals.

Here are the sites with some explanations about the sites themselves:

1. www.bls.gov/ooh Which is the Bureau of Labor Statistics      

Occupational Handbook site.   A few ways to look up occupations are; occupational finder, growth rate, new jobs, occupational groups, and lots more. Check it out. This can help you look at the job market with regard to your son/daughter.

2. www.onetonline.org On the site it says, “What is Onet?”    

The answer is. “The nation’s primary site of occupational information.” This site is more specific about careers or jobs. Complete listings for you to use your creative juices for ventures you never imagined your son/daughter doing. Use it to research the possibilities. Stretch your muscles matching the abilities to the possibilities.

Two great books to read on Transition and Independence, although geared for autism apply across the board, are:

1. “Developing Talents Careers for Individuals with

Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism,” by      

Temple Grandin.

2. “Living Independently on the Autism Spectrum,” by Lynne Soraya.

Social skills and learning to adjust situations are part of these books. Yet, I am focusing on career aspects and job skills. Temple Grandin explains how to look for chances and places for you and your child/teen/young adult to develop these skills by:

1. Volunteering
2. Clubs
3. How to show work pieces.
4. Developing/nurturing talents
5. Basically have a portfolio of work
6. Networking

Lynne Soraya covers more of how to adjust, interview, and when to reveal disabilities or not. The book covers other areas like living independently; instead of covering careers but contains vital information and resources.

An example I read about was a young adult on the spectrum that had either the subway or bus routes memorized for New York City.   It worked into an information resource job. People would call to find out when and what number a specific bus/subway was going.

This is an example of   “designer job” development. Basically, it is the idea where a job is developed for a person based on his/her interests. Except where will you find a job like this or how many companies will create jobs based on a specific person’s interests? Some tech companies are doing this but that is a small number. There are a few projects built on this basis working.

Take a lesson from this model to do it yourself for your son/daughter. You can use all the resources you have. Starting with the IEP. Get to know your child. What does he/she want to do? Think outside the box.

Let me go to my son for an example. Love animals? Pet grooming? Veterinary assistant? Pet insurance company? How to prepare them? I know in Oklahoma every county has a 4H club.

I asked our vet if my son, Tanner, could volunteer at her practice. She was extremely nice to allow him to do so for a year. Think of the liability she could incur. I asked and got a yes. Remember if you don’t ask the answer is “No!”

Had I known about the other information earlier I would have had my son volunteer at the zoo, maybe. Field trips to places he had interests in that fit his work ability would have been done in middle school. This would have been done using the books and sites I gave you.

A few things I did do before and during middle school that I am proud of were making sure he could keyboard and type on the computer. I found with help from providers and the schools online typing programs. He started typing on the computer in elementary. We found games as motivation. You-tube offers videos on showing how to do lots of things. I had him take keyboarding in seventh grade instead of eighth grade. Commonly this isn’t offered to special needs children. Working on a computer is almost a must for many jobs. Take the initiative to ask or insist.

Do you think your child can read better than he/she is letting on? Might be embarrassed because he/she can read silently but not out loud?

Microsoft 2010 had what is called a Grade Readability Calculator. This simply means it can approximate the grade level your child is reading on. You can go to add-ons in Microsoft and add it. Then when you perform spell check it will tell you what grade level your material is on. I used this on my son. He was reading about the Karate Kid on Wikipedia. I went to the site cut and pasted. It showed him as eleventh grade sixth month. I put this here in case you have a child like mine. You need to know your child’s abilities.

What are some advantages other than job skills for my son working at the vet? He found out he didn’t like this. There were too many bugs around the animals. This has to do with one of those sensory issues that autistics can’t get over. A lot of people don’t like bugs but can get over it for a job. Tanner is not one of those.   We are narrowing down his job choices.

I put my thinking cap on and thought for almost a year. I came up with a few places to call for him to volunteer at if they would agree.

Why volunteer? I think this provides a better chance of getting a yes to obtain job skills. It shows he is willing to let it work into a job. Also, it doesn’t show as a quit on a resume. I may be wrong on these issues but this is my own personal take on the situation.

I will not reveal the place that I found because I don’t want like businesses to be overwhelmed with calls. You must find a fit for your child/teen/young adult.

I found a place where he will start to learn scanning skills (See https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iiO-siPV0Yo). This place has worked with autistics. During the first interview he was deemed to have appropriate conversation skills. This made me smile. He will have personal interaction with a few people. This is opposed to being a carry out for a grocery store where working with the public means interaction with numerous people. Not great for those with autism. A few people are good because they can learn about him and he can them learn about them.

Next he will be on a computer, which is like candy to those with autism. How did I think of this place? I thought about my son. What would work for him and followed the steps I gave you earlier. Next I called. Remember no call is a now but calling is a maybe. I got a couple of no’s before I found this fit that I am sure God intended.

I have a few more resources for you to check out.

1. http://assessments.careers.org/ You could use what you know to formulate possible careers for your child. This is only one example. Google job assessment for more options. Check with your state Vocational Rehabilitation Department or go to http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/rsa/index.html.
2. Check out www.careeronestep.org There is a wealth of information to glean here.
3. There is plenty of information but it would be overdoing it to list all. I offer my cell 405-850-0595. Please text me and put transition in text with either a cell number or email. I will try to help you with resources, brainstorming or just talk. I promise to do my best to help.
4. A few other ideas. I am not advocating but trying to be inclusive.

       http://askearn.org/    

http://www.jobcorps.gov/home.aspx

http://www.okcareertech.org/ (Oklahoma only)

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=4881    

(Texas only)For other states I would put career tech and your

state in a Google Search

              Might consider the Military if this and only if it fits

              Your son/daughter

          ****This is not an all-inclusive list                                                  

Text me with resources I love updates

5. http://www.ngsd.org/ National Gateway to Self  

Determination

Remember to check out resources. Do assessments of your child’s abilities. Take them on field trips to places that match these criteria. Be willing to make it happen. If you care for your child, you can muster up the energy to ask places.

Volunteering is seen as a positive on resumes and often quitting jobs a negative.Your son/daughter will have a lifetime to work and sustain him/her. Let them use this time to while having the luxury to volunteer to gain job skills.

Summer Camps Oklahoma

http://www.tigersafari.us/camps.asp IN NEWCASTLE, OK
NOT specific to special needs but involves animals...thought would post for fyi
Home | Information | Photo Gallery | Map and Directions | Admin
Home
Park Map
Animals For Parties
Otter Encounter Pool
Park Features
Safari Summer Camps
Birthday Parties
African Safari Huts
Safari Banquet Hall
Zoo to You
Sundowner Tours
School Field Trips
Tree House Camping
Weddings
Park Animals
Park Veterinarians
Staff
Volunteers
Sponsors
Photo Gallery
Safari Education Center
Map And Directions
Contact Information
Tiger Safari Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

JUNE 9TH -JUNE 13TH & JULY 14th-18th Tiger Safari Jr. Zookeeper Summer Camp Program
Our 2014 camps provide a unique opportunity to experience the animals from the prospective of their care takers. You will learn by hands on experiences, classroom discussions, crafts, games and observation. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity geared for kids who love animals and are excited to learn about what it takes to care for them.

JUNE 9th-JUNE 13th& JULY 14-18th 1/2 day Buddy Program (max 10 Campers for a.m. and 10 campers for p.m. )
Age 5 to 10(Must be 5 by September 2014
1/2 Day program 9a.m. to 12p.m. or 1p.m to 4 p.m.
Cost $100 plus $15 t-shirt fee
And 2 adult tickets to spend the day at the park after camp. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discount.

Camp Fee includes:
Park entry daily for camper
Camp t-shirt
drinks and a snack
Hands on activities
Daily animal interaction
Group Photo with animals
Crafts
Snack and Drinks

Morning Camp Schedule: 9am to 12pm
9:00am -9:15am Arrival
9:15 am - 9:45am Touchable animal experience (hands on experience)
9:45am- 10:45am Zoo tour- Learn about the animals at Tiger Safari/ Feeding Time
10:45 am- 11:15am Craft Time
11:15 am- 11:30 am Snack Time
11:30 am- 11:50 am Animal Spotlight (hands on experience)
11: 50 am -12:00 pm Game Time
12:00pm Pick-up Time

Afternoon Camp Schedule: 1pm to 4pm
1:00pm -1:15pm Arrival
1:15 pm - 1:45pm Touchable animal experience (hands on experience)
1:45pm- 2:45pm Zoo tour- Learn about the animals at Tiger Safari/ Feeding Time
2:45 pm- 3:15pm Craft Time
3:15 pm- 3:30 pm Snack Time
3:30 pm- 3:50 pm Animal Spotlight (hands on experience)
3: 50 pm -4:00 pm Game Time
4:00pm Pick-up Time

JUNE 9th -JUNE 13th & JULY 14th-18th Jr. Zookeeper Summer Camp Programs
All day 9am to 5pm

Full Day Discovery Program: Ages 7 -8 and 9-10 (max 20 campers)
Cost $200 plus $15 t-shirt fee
9:00am to 5:00p.m.
And 2 adult tickets to spend the day at the park after camp. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discount.

Camp Fee includes:
Park entry daily for camper
Camp t-shirt
drinks and a snack
Hands on activities
Daily animal interaction
Crafts
Prizes
Photograph with your groups Spot Light Animal
Classroom Time: Go in depth about your spotlight animal
Animal Care
Lunch is NOT provided bring a sack lunch
Creature Feature Show on Friday at 5:00pm

Camp Schedule:
9:00am-9:15am Arrive
9:15am - 9:45 am Morning Meeting and Daily Lesson
9:45am- 10:10 am Game Time
10:10am- 10:40 am Touchable animal experience
10:40 am- 10:55 am Snack Time
10:55am- 11:30 am Zoo Check- welfare check, playtime and feeding
11:30am - 12:00pm LUNCH
12:00pm- 12:30pm Zoo Keeper Challenge with prizes: Cage cleaning contest
Bowl Scrubbing contest
Planting Contest
Feed Prep Contest
Animal welfare Check Relay Race
12:30pm- 1:00pm- Animal Spotlight (Classroom Time) Learn about your groups animal and prepare for Creature Feature Show
1:00pm- 1:30pm -Craft Time
1:30pm- 2:30pm - Tour Time: Learn all about Tiger Safari's Animals and how to give a guided tour
2:30pm- 3:30pm- Cage Clean-up- Learn how to prepare animal cages and clean them safely and properly
3:00pm-3:15pm- water break/ hand washing/ equipment clean up
3:15pm- 3:45pm- Snack Time / Story Time
3:45pm- 4:45pm - Lesson Review/ animal Spotlight Time and Discovery (hands on activity)
4:45pm- 5:00pm- Game Time

Jr. Zoo Keeper Program: Ages 11-12 and 13-14 (max 20 campers)
Cost $200 plus $15 t-shirt fee
9:00am to 5:00p.m.
And 2 adult tickets to spend the day at the park after camp. Additional tickets may be purchased at a discount.

Camp Fee includes:
Park entry daily for camper
Camp t-shirt
drinks and a snack
Hands on activities
Daily animal interaction
Crafts
Prizes
Classroom Time: Go in depth about your spotlight animal
Animal Care
Animal enrichment
Animal Care Cost
Licensing (who can own exotic animals)
Photograph with your groups spotlight animal
Lunch is NOT provided bring a sack lunch
Creature Feature Show on Friday at 5:00pm

Camp Schedule:
9:00am-9:15am Arrive
9:15am - 9:45am Morning Meeting and Daily Lesson
9:45am- 10:15 am Touchable animal experience
10:15am- 10:30 am Game time
10:30 am- 10:45 am Snack Time
10:45am- 11:30 am Zoo Check- welfare check, playtime and feeding
11:30am - 12:00pm LUNCH
12:00pm- 12:50pm Animal Spotlight (Classroom Time) Learn about your groups animal
12:50pm- 1:10pm- Zoo Keeper Challenge with prizes: Cage cleaning contest
Bowl Scrubbing contest
Planting Contest
Feed Prep Contest
Animal welfare Check Relay Race
1:10pm- 1: 45pm - Tour Time: Learn all about Tiger Safari's Animals and how to give a guided tour
1:45pm- 2:00pm - Craft Time
2:00pm- 2:30pm- Animal enrichment discussion with hands on activities
2:30pm- 3:00pm- Cage Clean-up- Learn how to prepare animal cages and clean them safely and properly
3:00pm-3:15pm- water break/ hand washing/ equipment clean up
3:15pm- 3:45pm- Snack Time / Story Time
3:45pm- 4:45pm - Running a Zoo-(mon)cage design, (tues) animal care cost, (wed) staffing and safety, (thurs) feeding cost and animal diets, (friday) licensing and restrictions - If time allows: more hands on with the animals
4:45pm- 5:00pm- Reptile Time/ Game Time
GET ADVENTUROUS, GO WILD!!!!
The Tiger Safari Summer Camp Program is a wild, zoo keeping adventure like no other. It's a chance for kids from age 5 to 14 years old to have an action packed, fun filled week of exploration, learning and excitement. You will get to meet all types of animals. You will even get hands on experience with some of the worlds most exotic animals. Here are just some of the exclusive fun filled activities that could be in store when you join us for this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Entry to Tiger Safari Everyday of Camp
Official Camp T-Shirt
Photograph with your spotlight animal
2 Adult Tickets to be used after camp on the last day

Activities Include:
Classroom Lessons
Crafts
Games
Touchable Animal experiences
Animal Spotlight
Animal Care
Zoo Check: Behind the Scene
Zoo Keeper Challenge
Tour Time: Learn to be a tour guide
Creature Feature Show Presentation
Sign-In / Sign-Out Policy
In order to provide a secure environment, you must sign your child in and out of camp everyday. Photo Ids are required for sign-out and will be checked daily.

Camp Rules:
Listen and Follow Instructions
Participate in Camp activities
Respect Others
Respect Property
Follow all Safety Guidelines
HAVE FUN!

If at any time camp rule are not followed or behavior issues arrive and become dangerous for the animals, staff or other campers a parent will be called and asked to come and get their camper. Depending on the situation, and at the discretion of the staff, a camper may be asked not to return. Tiger Safari is a working Zoo with dangerous and deadly animals. Our number one priority is to keep our camper safe and out of harms way. We expect our campers to be on their best behavior and follow all safety precautions. The Children's Hospital at OU Medical Center no time are campers allowed behind safety fences. Staff will be allowing campers to help with the feeding and care of our trained , less threatening and more docile animals. If a camper does not follow safety precautions, rules and boundaries set up by our staff a parent will be notified and removal from the program will take place immediately.
There are no refunds for camps for any reason.

To hold your spot sign-up and pay TODAY! CLiCK BELOW TO REGISTER WILL BE FILLING UP FAST.

Registration: Give us your childs name ,age, your name and phone number.
Email or call today! 405-414-9365

Check out Sandra Adcock (@ollamok): https://twitter.com/ollamok

Today's Visit to the Big Round Red Barn and Pop's on Highway 66 in pictures

Art on display at Govenor's 2014 Conference

Old Timer's

Old Timers

            According to ‘Old Timer’s’ you are not an ‘Old Timer’ unless you are their age.  That also means that you do not have bragging rights until you are that magical age.  That age is when you have earned the badge of life the hard way.

            Now this is all relative.  Those that are close to a hundred will say those that are eighty are babies.  Those that are eighty will say the babies are in their fifties. I am fast approaching fifty and think all those under me are kids and babies.  One thing I hear all these groups add is to be careful not to hang with old folks; those that are old in spirit.  The best advice that has been given by all those older than me is to remain young in spirit.

            A lady I was checking out, at my job when I was sixteen, set me straight once.  I told her, “Don’t you think you ought to slow down.”  She had just gotten back from Europe and was going golfing.

            “Honey dear, if I slow down. I just might find something wrong.” replied a spry white haired lady in her late seventies dressed ready to golf.

            That has always made me stop and think.  Now when I feel sad as I approach fifty, I think of her and Lyle.

            Lyle came into the pharmacy and said, “Hurry Sandy! I have to go to work. I mow yards. I work for an old man.”

            I had to ask how old the man was.  Lyle was in his late eighties.  As it turned out the old man was in his late nineties.  So, according to the ‘Old timers’ we are not old unless we are their age, have lived through and shared the ‘Old timer’s’ hardships.

Camp Grey Squirrel

"Oklahoma's first camp for kids with autism spectrum disorders, including Asperger's. Three types of camps: Resident Camps, Day Camps and weekend family camps. Camp Grey Squirrel is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization.

Description

Resident Camps - archery, equine assisted learning, fishing, swimming,
Home Depot Workshops, other crafts, Squirrel Olympics, great food at Soda Steve's, low ropes and other team building activities, star gazing, bon fire and smores, hay rides, nature hikes, blazing and following a trail, digital photography, special guests, etc.

Weekend camps: Mom & Me in April and Fall Family Camp in September -
Archery, fishing, horseback rides, inflatables, Home Depot Workshops, crafts, hay rides, banana boats, great food, and more.

Day Camps - archery, fishing, swimming, Home Depot Workshops, other crafts, Squirrel Olympics, hay rides, banana boats, hay rides, special guests, and more.
Activities vary from session to session."

This camp has been in business since 2009. I wish I had known about it sooner.  As of this am on June 12, 2014, there were still openings.  The cost for a week residential camp is under a $1000.  Which is a steal considering out the state of Oklahoma camps.

http://www.campgreysquirrel.org/html/campcalendar.html

E is Effort; blogging the alaphabet.

Miriam-Webster defentions of effort @ http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/effort

       1.   ":  conscious exertion of power :  hard work <a job requiring time and effort>"                                                                                                      2.   ":  a serious attempt :  try <making an effort to reduce costs>"                                                                                                                              3.   ":  something produced by exertion or trying <the novel was her most ambitious effort>"                                                                                  4.   ":  effective force as distinguished from the possible resistance called into action by such a force"                                                                    5.   ":  the total work done to achieve a particular end <the wareffort>"

What I found the Bible to say about effort.  I am sure there is more but this post will look at these verses using the KJV.

       Col 3: 23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;                                                                                                 Eccl 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in        the grave, whither thou goest.                                                                                                                                                                                       I Cor 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be            tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.                         Rom 14:19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.                         II Tim 3:16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in            righteousness:

II Tim 3:16 says all scritpure is good for many things; lasty "for instruction in rigtteousnes."  Rom 14: 19 says for us to make peace and edify one another.  The other scriptures talk about doing anything with "might" and "heartily" as we would to the Lord.  I do not think when is says and not to men it means to do less towards men but to do things always as if we are doing them towards or for God and not less as if men are less.  Simply put we are to treat all like we would God in any effort. As God says to the least you do you do the greates as to me. That is a simple paraphrase.

Now put this with the definition of effort.  I say we should not simply try but try with the instructiion God gives us; with all our might.  The results are wonderful when we follow his words.  My stats go high sky when I do as he says and write in a manner of his tone.  

I am trying do his work. I am human and vanity gets in my way.  Writing the alaphabet is helping me remember why I am writing.  Effort by definition may only require a try but God requires our best.  Why not do our best anyway?  If we do and believe in God he will take it to the top. 

Learning to Help Customers Part II

Every have an incident when a formula or product is out of stock or manufacture for a bit. I had this happen. A badly needed formula was offline for a short time. The infant in need didn't know this. All the infant and parent knew was the need was present.

What might you do? Turn them away and say it isn't your problem and there is nothing you can do? You are too busy to help them?

I know you are busy. Try this next time.

I am backed up now but I promise to check into to the best of my ability tonight and in the next day. I do not promise I can come up with anything but I will do my best. Mean time you do keep trying.

I had a patient that needed formula. The doctor was at his witts end. Imagine the parent. Think how you might feel. I always tried to practice pharmacy as if I wanted to be treated or might treat my family. If it were your child you would be going crazy.

I admit that my volunteering gave me access to more resources and ideas in these areas. The doctor and mother were amazed when I came up with about six weeks of formula and for free.

How did I do this? I called Skyline Urban Ministries, a food pantry where I volunteered. I asked if the Director could help me locate the formula. He did. He called around and found some at Presbyterian Urban Ministries.

The doctor and family were patient for life. Why do I go the extra mile? I guess it is in my nature. Why do I share this here? To show it doesn't take that much extra do a little more for you customers. I really was taught to use the term patient above customer.

Remember treat people like you want to be treated, you want your family taken care of and you will be one of the better pharmacist around. I firmly believe this will build your business more than prices or gimicks. Read the "Little Red Sales Book." Gimicks may get people in but it takes quality to keep a customer.

Learning to Help Customers Part II

Every have an incident when a formula or product is out of stock or manufacture for a bit. I had this happen. A badly needed formula was offline for a short time. The infant in need didn't know this. All the infant and parent knew was the need was present.

What might you do? Turn them away and say it isn't your problem and there is nothing you can do? You are too busy to help them?

I know you are busy. Try this next time.

I am backed up now but I promise to check into to the best of my ability tonight and in the next day. I do not promise I can come up with anything but I will do my best. Mean time you do keep trying.

I had a patient that needed formula. The doctor was at his witts end. Imagine the parent. Think how you might feel. I always tried to practice pharmacy as if I wanted to be treated or might treat my family. If it were your child you would be going crazy.

I admit that my volunteering gave me access to more resources and ideas in these areas. The doctor and mother were amazed when I came up with about six weeks of formula and for free.

How did I do this? I called Skyline Urban Ministries, a food pantry where I volunteered. I asked if the Director could help me locate the formula. He did. He called around and found some at Presbyterian Urban Ministries.

The doctor and family were patient for life. Why do I go the extra mile? I guess it is in my nature. Why do I share this here? To show it doesn't take that much extra do a little more for you customers. I really was taught to use the term patient above customer.

Remember treat people like you want to be treated, you want your family taken care of and you will be one of the better pharmacist around. I firmly believe this will build your business more than prices or gimicks. Read the "Little Red Sales Book." Gimicks may get people in but it takes quality to keep a customer.

Dealing with Aged parents

Do your parents say or do things like this?

You want to put me in a home?

When rearending four cars; it wasn't my fault they stopped to fast!

The trashcan jumped out in front of me.

The curb was too close to the street.

Won't take a cab; even though they can darn well afford it?

Leaves water running over in a bathroom sink for an hour and does damage to areas of carpet in four rooms?

Leave milk out or other cold items for hours?

Other forgetful indicators of dementia of some sort?

Has a personality change; either becomes really negative or sweet sweet?

Here is a letter I wrote to my sister in a journal but never gave her.

Dear Sister:

I know you love mom. You are an angel. You have been in some ways more of a mother to me than mom sometimes. You want to mother everyone, including my son Tanner. You are warn out. I know you are working on getting mom help. Sister it is okay to give up.

Setting boudaries is okay. Or, but mom in assisted living for a while until the medication either works or doesn't work. You are showing signs of being worn out.

I know you don't ask more of me than I can give. At one point I would have drained myself like you are. I realize now that I can no longer drain myself and take care of an autistic son. Plus, ______(husband...fell at work needs knee surgery but ended up with Deep Vein Thombosis, and Pulmonary Emboli...but God saw these were caught and he is alive...with filter in place to catch clots) needs special attention. I also have been sick with high fevers over the last two years. The only thing showing up is high C-Reactive protein and cortisol levels; indicating stress. Well now that I have gone 2 months with only two fevers and one sinus infection; I am exercising and committed to preserving this break in my health.

The bottom line is I can help but not on the level mom needs. Sister, I can't tell you what to do. I can tell you that none of us are equipped to help 24/7. Or, total to fill in the holes. You have a job. I don't want you to carry such a burden. Think about what I have said. You are a loving carring person but overloading yourself may make you not able to be there down the road when mom may need us further.

We have tried to get her to go and get medication that would help her to stay in her home. If being in assisted living would help until medication or a solution would help....that would be great. However, I am worried she may be unsafe by herself. Unless she agrees to having help come in a couple of days a week and going to adult daycare 2 days a week; I feel she must be placed in assisted living. However, my sister is in charge.

My therapist has taught me about boundaries. She uses the airplane analogy about parents putting on your oxygen mask first before placing it on small children. If a parent isn't breathing; they cannot help their child(ren) effectively. The same goes for helping their parents.

Here are some resources that should be helpful for caregivers and some specific to elderly.

http://www.helpguide.org/elder/caring_for_caregivers.htm

http://www.caregiving.org/data/Emblem_CfC10_Final2.pdf

http://www.dshs.wa.gov/pdf/Publications/22-277.pdf

Remember by setting boundaries you take care of yourself which allows you to care for those you care give

Wedding Dress end of Season Sale

Setting up huge end of season sale! Details Friday! Formal Niche Bridal & Formal 12142 W. Reno Ave Ste. B Yukon, Oklahoma

Learning About How To Help Customers

One time long ago a young couple had a bounced check. I knew they had only bounced one check in their lifetime. Yet, the store manager would not overide the check. This bothered me because they had done it for others that bounced checks many times.

The young couple had moved into another apartment and the deposits were the cause of the bounced check. This was when Ceclor was brand name and expensive. Their young baby had a severe ear infection. It was a choice between diapers/formula or ear infection medication.

I had learned that working in a small town and for a grocery store, most towns had a ministerial allliance committee. Basically, an interfailth council that adminsters funds for cases such as this.

I called them and asked them if they might cover the medication or part of it. The couple said they could pay for half if someone might cover the formula. I had also learned that that the group had a charge account at our store.

The end was the the alliance paid for the formula and diapers. The couple paid for half of the medication. This was all they could afford until pay day. I never understood why the store manager wouldn't overide this check when he had done it for others that bounced checks numberous times. I had almost paid for half of the medication myself. I had done this many times before.

Bottom line, pharmacists can go beyond to help their customers if they are willing to learn about things.