Sue comes from a farming background. She knows the meaning of hard work and sacrifice. As a child, Sue came to understand the importance of self discipline and perseverance. Helping the neighbor, rising early in the day… helped prepare Sue for the rigors of life. Working as a family… each family member finding the job they did best, helped Sue understand the principles of cooperation and teamwork. Little did she know that these principles would later guide her into the most meaningful and, yet, most challenging chapter of her life.

Five years ago, family members began to need care. It was a natural for Sue (to want to help). The decision to assist family was easy for Sue as she grew up understanding that life is about family…taking care of your own. The principles of caring and sharing were practiced as a youngster; these principles deeply impacted her. It was her Christian principles, however, that firmed her decision within.

Sue was raised in a Christian home. There she saw it modeled: faith, hope, and love. Sue feels fortunate that her parents practiced their faith. More than that, she learned about honoring parents. Now, it was time to return to her parents all they had given her. Could she not give back to them in the form of caregiving?

Life on the farm had many lessons for Sue. Early on she realized that life calls for a toughness that sometimes you don’t know you have until ‘you’re forced out in the heat’. Difficult days were ahead for Sue as she began to balance her own life with that of being a caregiver. Doing what was right and yet making time for herself and her own family demanded help from others. Teamwork had to begin; it called for help from everyone.

Sue talked to family members. It was important that all did their part. Having the brundt of caregiving fall on one person can quickly cause “burnout.” As a counselor Sue was aware how mental and physical fatigue can affect a primary and secondary caregiver. Cooperation and teamwork had to be revisited; family members had now moved on with their lives. "How would we tackle it; where would we begin?"

Life is not perfect and neither is the family’s attempt at doing caregiving. Family meetings, emails, telephone calls, and visits have helped get everyone on board. Communication is key; finding time to connect lets everyone know the tasks that still need to be done. Everyone doing a little goes a long way when it comes to caregiving. Some days are more difficult than others; some days it is sheer determination that gets her through.

Self discipline, perseverance, and Sue’s attitude about faith and family have been the key factors that have allowed Sue to be constant in caregiving. This year marks the fourth year that Sue has driven one hour each way once a week to provide for family. This is no small undertaking for one who is head of her household and holds down a full-time job. Sue has rearranged her life to do what she feels is right. Sue recognizes God as her source, both physically and emotionally.

Sue is pleased to say that most recently she has cut back in her rigorous driving schedule allowing other family members to participate. Working as a team is key when considering the extended commitment that caregiving can involve. Allowing other family members to care for their loved one can enhance lives in multiple ways and provide the time that is needed to bring balance to your life.

There is a well-known inspirational poem that Sue often relates to. The poem talks about one who is walking with Jesus along the beach. Many scenes from that person’s life flashed across the sky. In each scene the person noticed footprints in the sand. Sometimes there were two sets of footprints; sometimes there were only one set of footprints. This bothered the person because during the most difficult period of the person’s life, there was only one set of footprints. The person consulted the Lord saying, “Lord, you promised me that you would always be with me. Why, during the most difficult times were there only one set of footprints?” The Lord responded by saying, “it was during this time that I carried you!”

Sue believes that it is her faith that has thus far carried her through the long and sometimes difficult days of caregiving. Caregiving is a loving act of taking care of family. Beautiful memories are created that can be carried into the future long after your loved one is gone. Caregiving, however, also requires self discipline and perseverance; it can be emotionally and physically draining. Caregiving is not easy; it disrupts what normally would have been. It causes one to make decisions about “is it me or is it they today?” It is an unselfish act of giving and expecting nothing in return.  More than that, many times there is no end in sight.

Caregiving is about life; the continuum of life. We are all on a journey… life’s journey. The road for each of us may be different, but we will all arrive at the same place… at sometime. Life is about aging; life is about transitions. Sue pondered life and the aging process. She knew that all too soon she, too, would be a senior and, someday she may need a caregiver. Her family members had simply reached the end of their journey sooner. How now would she respond? All this gave her plenty to think about.

Sue has learned much within recent years about caregiving. Some lessons have been harder learned than others. What has most amazed Sue is the large numbers of people who she has met (along the way) who struggle with similar issues. Sue feels it makes sense to share what she has learned and thus Rest Assured was launched. Sue also feels that it makes sense to encourage others to seek the same (inspirational) Power that strengthens her. Thus, SKM Ministries was launched.

Sue likes to tell her story. Sometimes you may laugh, sometimes you may cry. Mostly, Sue wants you to do some introspection about who you are and how you want to live your life. There is no right or wrong; there is no shame or blame.  Just come with an open heart and an open mind and let your conscience be your guide. Sue believes that whatever you decide to do about caring for your loved one, it will be the right decision for you.

Rest Assured and SKM Ministries will be providing a weekend of "Possibility Thinking: Caring for the Senior in Your Life!" On Friday night Sue will share her fascinating story of the plans she had for her career. The Lord, however, had other plans. He called her into a most unlikely ministry: advocating for seniors. Sue will share her inspirational journey of coming face to face with the painful reality of growing old. She quickly came to realize that life is a continuum and she, too, soon would be asking "who will care for me when I am a senior?" Sue will share how making the decision 'to do the right thing' and thus considering alternative and non-traditional options for loved ones can bring peace of mind and unlimited joy to everyone in the family. Sue believes that by seeking His grace and strength each day "possibility thinking" can be achieved in caring for your loved one.

Saturday's day long seminar will include multiple topics. It will be loaded with information about how to plan and conduct a family meeting. We will explore how life changes can affect your loved one, their spouse, and can impact the whole family. Working through unhealthy family dynamics will be addressed. There will be a presentation of the legal and financial documents that your loved one will want to prepare in advance.

Come and expect to be blessed! Be sure to bring your friends and family members. Expect miracles to happen as you begin to explore what the Lord has for you! Sue’s inspirational, witty, and uplifting story will provide you with insights, new ideas, and the energy you need to do “possibility thinking!” Sue’s belief in our God, Jesus as Lord, and the belief that “all things are possible with the Lord” (Matthew 19:26) will help you envision new ways of caring for the senior in your life.

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