Getting Ready to Launch

So, here's the great news. On September 20, 2006 we will launch the first official call for VIP Elder Care Coaching. If you or anyone you know is facing difficult and emotional changes with an elder in the family, please consider calling in. The time for the call is 7 PM Pacific time. Here's the phone number and the code:

1 641 696 6600 with code 92026

Every week thereafter on Wed evenings we will gather together to talk about the eldering process, the aging process, or even the cycle of death and dying. The monthly fee is only $29.99 and if you sign on for three months pay only $75 for 12 weeks of information, support, and community. Just go to www.claimyoursage.com

It is time to begin to have the conversations that can change lives. Even if it's difficult. Cause not having the conversations can be even more painful when it's too late.

Don't let it be too late for your loved one.

See you then.

New Technology

Today I learned how to bring digital files from my hand held recorder into the computer and to then burn a CD. I copied the voice file of the tribute I wrote for Vip. I am amazed at all we can do in this amazing world to record and save our experiences for the next generation. Of course it will take the next generation many many years before they think our reflections are cool. But that's ok; that's how it's supposed to be.

Sharing Bad News

Today my husband I discovered that his mom, who went to Canada last month for a four month visit, has been laid up for most of the visit. She was in the hospital getting her appendix removed, among other life-threatening things. Everyone in the family didn't want to worry Bob so they didn't call us. Since, Thank God, she is on the mend, she finally called to let us know.

We are so grateful to the extended family for taking such great care of her and she said the medical system was wonderful. Good news that a governmental health care program can provide her with all she needed to get well!

For me, the important piece of this was the need for communication and how to make that happen given all the emotional needs of all parties involved. This is one of the design pieces for VIP Elder Care Coaching and I'm glad to be one of the guinea pigs for it. I'll keep you posted on what this will look like in the program and how we will try and design better options.

Aging in the News

I have been thinking more about the way we approach our elder years and I find it still true that for most of us, "old age is 10 years beyond the age we are currently". So why would anyone want to prepare for the kind of aging walk they want to experience? It seems we just don't relate. It's just not about us!

As I work to launch VIP Elder Care Coaching, I will learn more and more about ways to bring this into the consciousness of others. Death can be a new beginning, even without religious overtones. At least that is what I am currently thinking. I want to learn what others have experienced and what others are afraid of experiencing. And mostly I want us as a society to begin to experience a Good Death.

In honor of Vip

Today was the funeral of Vip. I was asked by his family if I wanted to share some of my experiences with him and I was delighted to do so. It was hard to keep it short but we had to meet the honor guard at the cemetery so I did my best. I learned so much from him in our time together and I am very grateful to his family for giving him the gift of an elder coach. He used his time well and he did the work. As far as I'm concerned, he died a good death. I only hope to die as well as him.