Greetings Further Shore Friends,
Grief is a funny thing. It ebbs and flows. It is complicated. Grieving the loss of a family member takes patience and time. Like everyone else, our family is learning about grief. The winter was hard on our elder canine, Jake. We thought we were going to lose him in March. Well-meaning friends suggested getting a new dog to keep Jake company and we were firm in saying, “no more dogs.” Then last week I was driving in Kachina Village and spied a raggedy little black dog dodging cars. She was stinky dirty, scared, starving, with thickly matted ears and underbelly. I stopped the car and got out; she crouched low and came whimpering toward me. I picked her up, anxiously wondering what I would do with this lost little girl. She could certainly NOT come live with us.
Long story short: Her name is Madison, a beloved family member after just one week. Jake is getting a new lease on life and seems more happy, healthy, and calm than he has been since Emerson left us last August. Robert and I are doting new parents. We all know she is not Em; but she is a blessing and a gift to help us mend our grieving hearts. We know that our happiness doesn’t rely on what is outside of us, but little Maddy has contributed greatly already to an inner peace; a softer place for grief to teach us. ~ Warmly, Aleia
We thank the Wildflower Bread Company and all of you who participated by coming out for dinner on April 12th! Special Thanks to Meg Leander and Judith Waidelich for planning this great event. Volunteers Rich Garcia, Michele Lytle, John Mead, Grace Marks, Nikki Baldwin, Rick Miller, David Grandon, Frances Riemer, and Penny Cook did a fine job running food and bussing tables that night. Funds Raised support the TLC Client Support Program, proving natural therapies for persons with end of life concerns.
Wednesday, May 11th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the McGee Auditorium (Flagstaff Medical Center) Further Shore will have presence at “Cancer 101 – Serving Your Clients With Cancer”. This is a FREE crash course for the non-medical professional, sponsored by the Arizona Cancer Coalition. Meg Leander will be presenting “Creating Your Wholistic Cancer Team and Understanding Wholistic Modalities”. For information Call Gina Harris at 773-2008.
Naturally Caring TLC for Care Givers is a FREE Workshop ~ “Bowenwork Self-Care and Music as Medicine” will be offered on Wednesday, May 18th from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Thorpe Senior and Community Center 245 N. Thorpe Road. In this two part workshop you will relax with Bowenwork® and learn useful self-help “moves” for your survival tool box. Then enjoy music practices to promote wellness in yourself and others. The Series is funded in part by the Arizona and Flagstaff Community Foundation, Forest Highlands Foundation and Flagstaff Medical Center. Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required. Questions? Call 928-525-2910. Light refreshments will be served and certificates of completion awarded.Find out more about Further Shore at www.furthershore.org
Wednesday May 26th from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. we will be tabling at the National Senior Health & Fitness Day at the Flagstaff Aquaplex. This annual FREE event features information, activities, tours, and workshops for seniors. This year the event will utilize the full scale gym, indoor walking and running tracks, climbing wall, weight room and swim area. Don’t miss it!
Wayne’s House is Open for the season. Welcome to Erika Kessenich, Pam Hopkins, David Grandon and Rich Garcia as new Quality of Life Advocate (Koala Bear) volunteers. They were the inaugural group for Bridging the Gap this year. The next open training is June 3rd and 4th.
Like everywhere across the country, Spring is blossoming here in Flagstaff; beautiful flowering trees, daffodils and tulips are bending in the gusty winds. While it is exciting to be a part of the world awakening from its winter sleep, pollen can make Spring really tough for those with allergies. A few natural tips for coping with those itchy eyes and sneezy days:
- Stay hydrated; drink plenty of water. You might try Recharge, Gatorade or coconut water to replace electrolytes.
- Avoid wheat and dairy products; they are mucus producing and can increase that stuffy head feeling.
- A few drops of peppermint and lavender essential oils mixed with water and sprayed on your pillow can help your relax and clear your head.
- White Tiger Balm can be rubbed onto the back of your neck, under ears and on throat to ease tension and help you to sleep with an easier breath.
Personal note: Aleia will be traveling from Mother’s Day until May 17th. Please hold calls and email until her return. If you need information about Further Shore programs, please call Meg Leander at 221-1600.