Wisdom 2025

A symptom of wisdom is curiosity. The evidence is calmness and perseverance. The causes are experimentation and understanding. Maxime Lagacé

I took some time out of my schedule the other day to attend a gathering held for carers and their loved ones who are living with dementia as a guest speaker.  It was lovely to see ten couples attending this event, with the facilitator and a couple of “friends” to assist.

It was very apparent when I first arrived at the venue that the couples were very much in love and whilst dementia may have changed their loved one, it hasn’t changed the love that they both have for each other. 

I was asked to provide a short discussion on self-care and the importance of this.  After my chat, I attempted to speak with each couple around the table.  It was very obvious that the group held “wisdom”, not only about their loved one, but about the disease that was changing their loved one.  Their calmness and perseverance despite the changes that the disease was impacting on their loved one and their relationship.  Learning to let go and allow their person to live their life as best that they can, despite the difficulties.

Dementia holds a special place for me, as I have also been impacted on this through my fathers journey many years ago with this disease.  It was lovely to see the acceptance and understanding that was shared amongst the attendees and their carer’s.  Husbands and wives, being able to attend a morning tea and communicate (or not), with others in similar situations.  The ability to share time together and have a commercial cuppa and a bite to eat and includes the person that they are caring for. 

I am hoping that the attendees heard my message about the importance of caring for themselves, which then provides the strength to carry on with their journey.  Self-care is not selfish, but a moment to refresh and rejuvenate, which enables them to weather the storm ahead.

Thank you to GreenConnect Dementia Respite for the invitation and delicious latte that was made for me.  I really appreciate this initiative and the work that you all do in this space.