heartfeltwords4kids

Kids, TV, Cancer

2012-01-18T17:38:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year- New and Exciting Possibilities for 2012

2011-12-31T17:05:00.000-08:00

May God Bless each and everyone of you with health and happiness in 2012. May He give you wisdom and guidance in your situation and may He give you peace.

Clinical trials in Chicago for Children with Sarcoma

2011-12-30T13:51:00.000-08:00

Children get cancer and it sucks. Here is a quick video from the University of Chicago explaining the need for more money for research for cancer in children.

Visit this youtube video for the newest research at University of Chicago for Sarcoma in children.

http://youtu.be/pAhEjHIuJxU

New Ideas, New Prayers, New Book Cover, New Focus.......

2011-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Many of you know that I am a Neonatal Intensive Care Nurse as well as a writer. The focus here has been on children with a serious illness but in 2012 I will be expanding the focus to include pregnancy/fetal growth and development information as well as more up to date information on childhood illness.

I will be having give aways for books like What to Expect When You're Expecting and other children's books on death, illness, first aid, wellness, and literacy. I am pumping up my writing career and expanding my goals so that I can use my expertise as both a nurse and a writer to make a difference.

Keep checking back for the give aways and product reviews. Soon there will be a free e-book for signing up for my email list. I am working on that as another way I can help parents who are dealing with kids who may be sick. Whether the illness is acute or chronic, parents ultimately have questions or ideas. I hope to be able to encourage and support parents and children in many aspects of sickness and in health.

Visit my other blogs : http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/
http://thecancerprayerbook.blogspot.com/

and my website : http://www.terriforehand.com/

It is going to be a different kind of New Year in 2012. New focus, New prayers, New book, and hopefully making many new friends as readers.

Merry Christmas Friends

2011-12-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas my friends, May God Bless you this season.

New Ideas, New Prayers, New Book Cover, New Focus.......

2011-12-21T00:01:00.000-08:00

The holidays bring happiness but they can be bittersweet for those parents dealing with a child who has cancer. My picture book will be out in the spring and I hope it helps both children with cancer as well as their peers to understand the disease and the daily battle these children face.

While my new book shows a positive outlook for children with cancer, keep in mind that many children and their families are not having such a positive experience. This experience and battle seems more devastating during the holiday season. I have an ongoing prayer list for children I follow on my Caringbridge sites who are very sick this season. Some of these children will win their battle, some maybe not. All of these children need prayer. Please consider praying for Haley, Noah, Ben, Emily, and Kate sometime during your holiday celebration. And look for many new things here in 2012 to celebrate children with cancer. These are very special children who show bravery, honesty, and unconditional love as they fight their own battles against cancer. May God bless them all.

November is NaNoWriMo and PiBoldMo- What are you writing today?

2011-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:00

This is picture book idea month and I am participating in it. The point is to come up with an idea everyday for a picture book for kids that can later be developed into a story or book.

My goal is to have at least half of the ideas I come up with to have a health related theme. Why? Because kids need more books, fiction and nonfiction, that entertain while educating. And children need to be educated on many health related themes, not by nagging parents or by government restrictions but by stories about other children ( characters) that they learn to care about and to love.

A character who has leukemia as in my soon to be released picture book, The ABC's According to Lilly Isabella Lane, shows the reader what it means to go through treatment for cancer and survive.

A character who loves basketball but who suffers with Sickle Cell Anemia will show the reader what dreams are made of and what it means to be courageous as in the next book in the ABC's series I am writing.

A character who is dealing with the parent's divorce, a sibling on drugs, obesity, bullying, or diabetes will show the reader real life truths about these issues while entertaining and educating. Books with serious themes will encourage even young readers to make changes or take actions in real life.

So look here for more information on health related issues important to kids as I research and find the newest tidbits to share with parents and kids as I go on to write some really good books.

If you have ideas for topics that need more coverage in the form of stories for children or teens, please feel free to comment or email me your ideas. I look forward to hearing what matters to you.

Email: terri.forehand@gmail.com

Blog for writers: http://terri-forehand.blogspot.com/

Blog for those with cancer: http://thecancerprayerbook.blogspot.com/

Book Review: The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye

2011-10-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

It is always sad when a child looses a pet. Here is a book that can help your child to understand the pain and loss of loosing a pet and find the good memories left in the heart. This book will help open the conversation about just such a loss.

Title: The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye

By: Jane Yolen and Jim LaMarche

Published by: Random House; Date: 2011

ISBN: 978-0-375-86663-0

Price: $16.99

Ages: 4-8

Rating: 5 stars

Reviewed by: Wayne S. Walker

Synopsis: Have you ever experienced the death of a pet cat or dog? Tiger Rose is a gray striped tabby cat. She was born in the city but now lives in the country with a boy and a girl who love her, a dog named Rowf who tolerates her, and two grown-ups named Mom and Pop who let her sit on the sofa as long as she doesn’t use her claws. She is surrounded by bushes, pine trees, butterflies, blue jays, moles, voles, chipmunks, snakes, starlings, ants, bees, sparrows, and goldfinches.

However, Tiger Rose has grown old and tired and slow. Her kitten days are so long ago that they are only small sparks of memory. Her legs sometimes hurt, and she no longer has an appetite for chasing food. One soft, spring day, she knows that it is time to say goodbye. “It is time,” she says to Rowf who is lying on the porch. She says goodbye to Mom and Pop as they drive off in their cars. She says farewell to the boy and girl as they walk to school. She says goodbye to all the rest of her friends. Finally, she cleans herself from head to tail, lies down under the roses, curls up into a ball, and falls asleep. What will happen then?

Overall thoughts: The loss of a beloved pet is a difficult time for children, and sometimes for many of us who are older too. When I was growing up, we had lots of cats and a few dogs, so we had our share of kids’ pet funerals. In the last almost twenty or so years, we have had three house cats in our family, and when the first two passed on each instance was hard on our boys. Author Jane Yolen, whose Owl Moon won a Caldecott Medal, tells a very touching and sensitive story, beautifully illustrated by pastel drawings by Jim LaMarche, which will help to provide a sense of peace and comfort to a child whose pet has died. Yes, the book is sad, and I must admit to having eyes blurred by tears when I finished it, but I heartily recommend it as a tender, loving tale that can well be called “as much a celebration of life as of its gentle end.”

Links: http://www.janeyolen.com/ (author), www.randomhouse.com/kids (publisher)

Guest Post: Rachael Benson

2011-10-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

Please Help me welcome author Rachael Benson to the blog today. She has a wonderful and inspirational testimony about living in a wheel chair. She is a great example for those who have a child with a physical challenge because she is such a positive example. She is someone these parents need to know.

As the last few months of the year are upon us and the holidays are just around the corner, may her story inspire you to reach beyond today and do something for others. She will change the way you think about physical disabilities believe me.

Please feel free to visit her blog or leave a comment. Rachael is always available to answer questions or to help others who may be living with a physical challenge. She really is an inspiration.

The Unexpected Visitor

I volunteer at my local hospital. I’m known as the “patient visitations” volunteer but I have many names. Nurses and doctors who have known me for a while and know what I do say, “Here comes the magazine lady.” But I like to call myself, ‘the unexpected visitor.” At the hospital, I knock on a patient’s door. When I hear “come in,” I enter with a big smile on my face as I say, “Hi, my name is Rachael. I volunteer here. Would you like a magazine? It’s free.” Patients are often surprised when I say that – for a couple of reasons. One reason is that they can’t believe something free is being offered to them. Once a patient answered, “What a delight.” The other reason people are often surprised is because I’m in a wheelchair, and I have cerebral palsy. Many people are surprised by the fact that someone with a disability is out in the community, let alone out contributing to society. They wonder how I can help others when it looks as if I need help myself. They might also wonder why I’d want to help others. No one says anything, but it’s obvious that people don’t know how to react because I’m in a wheelchair. Silently, their first reaction seems to be, What is she doing here?

My wheelchair starts conversation. People will ask, “What kind of illness do you have?” “It’s not an illness,” I tell them. “It’s a condition. It’s called cerebral palsy. I was born this way. I have a walker at home. I use the wheelchair in the community for faster mobility.”

People are also surprised by my openness and my ability to communicate. It makes them want to know more. Some patients may have been told by their doctor that they’re going to have to start using a wheelchair at home. They’ve never had to use a wheelchair before, and now they want to know what it’s like. “It takes a lot of practice,” I tell them. “It’s like learning how to drive a car. Even if you’ve been driving for years, every time you get a new car, you have to learn how that particular one works because each one is different. It takes time and patience. But once you get the hang of it, you can do it.”

At the end of a visit people are encouraged. Seeing me in my wheelchair often gives patients and their families the assurance they need that everything is going to be okay. Many times someone will say to me, “Thanks for coming by.” “You’re welcome.” I reply. “I’m glad to be of service.” People also say, “God Bless you.” I smile and say, “Thank you.” Volunteering at the hospital reminds me to be thankful for what I have. Some patients I visit don’t have any family at all, or their families live too far away to come visit them. I may be the only person they see besides a doctor or a nurse. If they want to talk, I’m usually the only one who has time to sit and listen to them. For these patients I call myself, “the unexpected visitor.” If I didn’t come visit them, who would? I’m able to brighten someone else’s day. It’s my pleasure.

Volunteering at the hospital and visiting patients also gives me a sense of fulfillment. People are always looking for ways to help me because of my disability. When I’m volunteering, it’s the other way around. I’m able to show them that having a disability doesn’t mean they can’t be a productive member of society. Even if they suddenly have to adjust to a lifetime in a wheelchair, they can still do the things they used to do, maybe just a little bit differently. I’m able to get people to start thinking, If this girl can do it, and she was born this way, then what’s stopping me? I always say that I was born with extra determination. If someone asks me, “Rachael, don’t you thinks this is a little dangerous?” I look at them and say, “Danger is my middle name!” It makes people laugh as they reply, “Well then, go for it!” That’s how I strive to live my life, and I try to communicate that to the people in my community. If you really want to accomplish something, nothing is impossible! Go for it!

Biography:

I was born at Tarzana Hospital on February 8, 1983. I have Cerebral Palsy. I was two months earlier than expected. I was originally supposed to come on April 8, but due to lack of oxygen supply to the brain, I got pneumonia in my mother’s womb, and had to come out early. I was not expected to live. I’m only alive today by God’s grace. I’m twenty-eight years old, and I’ve been a Christian since I was very young. I live in Valencia California with my mother. My dad died of a massive heart attack on January 27, 1995.

I graduated from College of the Canyons with my A.A. degree in Social Science in June 2007. I’ve been published locally in the Canyon Call, the college newspaper, in March 2005. I’ve also been published in The Santa Clartia Magazine in April 2009. My first published work was a rebuttal, written in response to an editorial headlined: “Religious Nuts Expose Spongebob Squarepants.” The other one was called, “Would You Like A Magazine?” It was about the volunteer work that I do at the hospital, passing out magazines, and bringing smiles to patients. A lot of people don’t expect a person with a disability to be helping others. They’re surprised! I also have a blogspot. http://rachaelsadventuresinfaith.blogspot.com

My passion for writing began with Sesame Street books and Mister Rogers Neighborhood. I attend Grace Baptist Church where I help out with the Awana program, where I get many of my story ideas. The idea for The Hunt for heaven sparked from a child who asked, “What will heaven be like?” The story is built around the parable of the hidden treasure found in Matthew 13:44.

Now, I’m working on a second book called The Special Gift. The story line revolves around a girl named Rebecca who is in a wheelchair and also has CP. Rebecca likes to dance, but how can someone in a wheelchair dance? My goal in writing this story is to spread the gospel and raise disability awareness- to show people that having a disability does not mean deaf and dumb. People with disabilities are able to contribute to society, just in a different way. I’ve got a lot to say and I’m going to say it! As my writing advances, I want to be very similar to Joni Eareckson Tada. She is paralyzed from the waist down from a diving accident at the age of seventeen. Now she has her own disability ministry in Aguora Hills California called Joni and Friends. She helps people with disabilities and their families cope with the daily challenges of disability as well as address the spiritual aspect of it. She has written many books. I call her my spiritual mentor. I want to be the next Joni. My goal is to minister to kids and their families through my writing for many years to come.

2011-09-17T00:01:00.000-07:00

A Challenged Life:

Raising a Child with Special Needs

By Danielle Zimmerman

PRESS RELEASE

In a heartening book based on her personal experience raising a child with global development delays, devoted mother and debut author provides inspirational and enlightening guidance for parents and professionals caring for special needs children.

Today, one in five households with children in the United States includes at least one child with special health care needs. In fact, nearly 20% of all children in the US under the age of eighteen have special health care needs. However, despite such staggering statistics, parents, family members, friends, and even specialists oftentimes fail to fully comprehend what the future holds when they realize their child is not developing typically and questions quickly arise regarding what steps to take, how to cope, and especially how each life will be affected. In an honest and reflective account of her experiences raising a daughter with global development delays, Danielle Zimmerman reveals the life altering impact that her daughter’s diagnosis has had on her family, as well as their careers, finances, and relationships. Danielle Zimmerman’s brave writing in A Challenged Life: Raising a Child with Special Needs not only give readers an inspiring look into the world of parents of special needs children, but also provide indispensable advice for families embarking on a similar journey.

When Danielle Zimmerman’s daughter, Abigail, was eight months old, doctors not only diagnosed her with global development delays, but also put a ceiling on her entire future. However, as a result of successful strategies that she and her husband implemented, combined with their continuous love and support, Abigail’s development has been phenomenal. Through an intimate account of the emotional journey from the time Abigail was diagnosed up until the present-day, Danielle describes how she and her husband have learned to deal with some of the more recurrent challenges associated with raising a special needs child, such as doctor’s visits, marital intimacy, finances, and education. Having experienced first-hand the joys and pains associated with raising a special needs child, Danielle’s advice in both compassionate and practical. Furthermore, by addressing such real and personal issues, readers will walk away laughing, crying, and with a better understanding of how to cope with a child with special needs.

Through her role as an experienced mother of a special needs child, Danielle Zimmerman hopes her heartfelt words illustrate that even though a diagnosis helps with medical services and insurance payments, it should not mark the end of a parent’s hopes and dreams for their child. While A Challenged Life serves as a vivid depiction of the daily social, financial, and marital challenges associated with raising a special needs child, it is most of all a testimony to a mother’s unconditional love and the power of the human spirit when faced with uncertainty.

About the Author: While a pre-med student at Barry University and Nova University, Danielle Zimmerman became certified in early childhood development, as well as a certified EMT. During this time, she also opened B.E.S.M. Inc., a telemarketing company, with her soon to be husband Brett. Today, Zimmerman is the CFO of B.E.S.M. and KB Promotions, a subsequent telemarketing company that she and her husband opened in Tampa in 2007. Moreover, she is the Founder and current Treasurer of Abi’s Place, a non-profit private school in Coral Springs for children with moderate to severe disabilities. Danielle Zimmerman currently lives in Coral Springs, Florida with her husband and their two children, Abigail and Ethan. A Challenged Life: Raising a Child with Special Needs by Danielle Zimmerman (published by B.E.S.M. Inc., RRP $14.95) is available from Amazon http://www.amazon.com/ and can be ordered from all good bookstores.

Book Review: and then there was me

2011-08-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

and then there was me..living with a dying loved one

Author: Sloan Rogers

A memoir

Tate Publishing 2011

ISBN: 978-1-61739-852-0

Family, Relationships, Elder care

All of us will become a caregiver of some sort in our lifetime. And it will take it's toll no matter the love and devotion, determination and concern, or the compassion and care we give.

and then there was me is a book that details the life and love of author Sloan Rogers for her husband, Dick. It is an honest memoir that answers some of life's tough questions about how to deal with the death or deterioration of a loved one.

In her story, the author tells the heartfelt story of watching her husband decline and the emotional toll it took on her both mentally and physically, yet the story is of LOVE. She is honest, direct, and careful with details so the reader is brought into the life and the situations that she faced.

A reader cannot help but come away with a tear, but also a smile as you learn the tips Sloan offers the caregiver in each of us. A well done memoir that exemplifies family and relationships in a positive light despite the sadness of death and loss.

2011-08-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

The Cancer Prayer Book

Welcome to Blog Jog Day!

I am a pediatric/neonatal critical care nurse and a freelance writer. Here I offer encouragement, inspiration, and resources for those parents and children going through a serious or terminal illness. You might even meet the character of my children's book, Lilly. She is a quite spunky but aims to tell you a thing or two about what it is like to have childhood cancer. The release of this book is not until 2012 but bits and pieces somehow sneak onto the pages here when you least expect it.

Please enjoy my site then click over to Families Matter at http://familiesmatter2us.blogspot.com/ to see what the next Blog has to offer! Lost in the links? You can always go back to the main Blog Jog Day Blog at http://blogjogday.blogspot.com/ and find a new link to jog from. Thank you for stopping by my site!

Leave a comment, a link to your site or blog, and your email for a chance to win my book The Cancer Prayer Book published by Dream Word Publishing. It makes a perfect gift for someone you know who is dealing with this disease. You can see the book here at http://www.dreamwordspublishing.com/ I will cruise on over to your site and you will be entered into the blog jog give away here on my site. My archives will have posts on grieving, SIDS, cancer, coping when your child is ill and all kinds of tips for parents. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again.

Book Review: Caregiver's Devotions to Go

2011-08-02T22:14:00.000-07:00

Caregivers' Devotions to Go: Caring for Yourself as You Care for Others

Author: Gigi Devine Murfitt

Extreme Diva Media, Inc

ISBN: 978-1-934626-09-2

From the Back Cover: Caregivers' Devotions to Go is for moms, grandmothers, and adult children and many others given the charge of caring for another person. it offers encouragement for a difficult task and gives both professional and family caregivers a breath of fresh air to continue the assignment god has given them.

My take on this book: As a nurse and one who is a caregiver in many capacities, this book is a wonderful tool. It is Biblical, inspirational, and encouraging. So many times the caregivers do not care for themselves, they don't sleep, they don't eat, and most of all they don't take even a moment to renew their spirits.

That is not what God had planned for those he calls to be the caregiver. This tiny book gives great stories and verses that encourage but also teach us how to serve God well as the caregiver He wants us to be. Caregivers are not alone, they are a chosen group that have been blessed with a serving heart. God wants them to be rested, healthy, and joyful. This purse size book offers the tools and the information a caregiver needs to care for themselves so they are better equipped to care for others.

This book makes a great gift for someone you know who is a caregiver in whatever capacity or situation they are in. It fits into a pocket or purse, is easy to read in short spurts, and offers activities and thought provoking ideas to enrich the life of a caregiver. This book is part of the Women's Devotions to Go Series and will bless those who read it.

The author can be reached by email at Gigi@GigiMurfitt.com Visit the website for the nonporfit organization that offers encouragement and resources for those in the caregiving role at http://www.gabeshope.org/

Max's Ring of Fire... Childhood Cancers, Research, Fundraising, and More.

2011-07-25T00:01:00.000-07:00

It is a fact that kids get cancer. Kids also die from cancer and those not affected may tend to hide their heads in the sand thinking " This can't happen to me"

The truth is that Cancer is a leading cause of death in children under the age of 15 and every one of us can do something. Check out this site with information on some childhood cancers and what is being done about finding a cure. There are links to many stories about children going through treatments but there are also links to drug studies and information on clinical trials. There are ways to volunteer and to donate but first readers should educate themselves on childhood cancers and what research is being done.

Visit this links and let me know what you think

http://www.maxsringoffire.org/in-the-news/

Easy Berry Pops That Kids will Love

2011-07-21T22:57:00.000-07:00

Do you need a fun summer activity that doubles as a healthy sweet treat? Try these nutritious berry pops. Here is the recipe, easy and tasty too. It also may be easier for children who are dealing with an illness to suck on these Berry Pops because of the cool temperature and the great flavor.

BERRY POPS

Makes 6 servings

Equipment Needed:

-Measuring cups and spoons
-Saucepan and blender
-Wooden spoon and hot pad, cookie sheet
-Paper cups, aluminum foil, Popsicle sticks

Ingredients:

-1/3 cup berry juice blend
-1 envelope of unflavored gelatin
-1 ½ cups low-fat vanilla yogurt
-1 ¼ cups frozen unsweetened berries

Method:

1. Place the juice in a pan and sprinkle the gelatin over it, Cook over low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon until gelatin crystals dissolve.

2. Remove the pan from the heat and place on a hot pad.

3. Mix the yogurt, berries, and warm gelatin mixture in a blender. Secure lid and blend until smooth.

4. Fill six-ounce cups with the blended mixture and cover each with a sheet of aluminum foil. Place the cups on a cookie sheet.

5. Insert the Popsicle stick in each cup by making a slit in the foil.

6. Place the tray in the freezer and freeze until hard.

7. Peel away the paper and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts:
Serving size: 1 Popsicle
Calories: 71
Fat: 1 g
Protein: 3 g

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Book Review: A Wish and A Prayer

2011-06-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Book Review: A Wish and A Prayer: "A Wish and A Prayer Author: Beth Bence Reinke Publisher: 4RV Publishing 2010 ISBN: 13-978-0-9826-423-1-3 Illustrated by: Ginger Nie..."

Stupid Cancer...

2011-05-17T23:26:00.000-07:00

A generation of people dealing with cancer is our young adult population. Think about it, there is more in the media about kids with cancer and older adults with cancer, but no one seems to notice the young adults.

I am talking about the 19 to 40 year old group of adults who are in the prime of their sexual lives, becoming newly weds, having children, climbing the career ladder, and owning their first homes. And folks, they get cancer. Many of them are in the fight of their lives.

Well there is a group founded by and for young adults called Stupid Cancer. Visit www.stupidcancer.com and check it out. It is for those from 19- 40 ish who are either dealing with the disease or have survived and now are trying to figure out how to live again.

Many may not realize it but sometimes the treatment to survive cancer causes many other health issues. Things like blood pressure problems, diabetes, stroke, mental challenges, physical challenges, and God forbid another type of cancer.

I'm too young for this is their motto! Their advertisement states it best. Welcome to the club that no one wants to belong to but once you're here, you're family. This is your life plus Cancer where remission is not a cure and survivorship is all that matters.

If you are a young adult dealing with cancer or if you know of one who is, pass on the website link. It is a wonderful place to visit with resources of all kinds for young adults. Now you don't have to feel like you are dealing with this alone. www.stupidcancer.com is the site to visit and it will link you to other sources as well. You can find them on Twitter @stupidcancer and on Facebook/stupidcancer or on the blog at http://blog.stupidcancer.com/

You are too young to go it alone. Find others who are living the same life as you. Check it out.

Get Moving Kids- Tips for Children with Chronic Illness

2011-05-13T19:30:00.000-07:00

Summer is coming and warm weather is a great time to get off the couch and get moving. Kids need to move, even kids who are dealing with a chronic or long term illness. The key is to monitor activity and to be on the look out for signs of trouble. Here are a few tips:

Allow chronically ill children to engage in physical activities that they enjoy and can tolerate. This means that you monitor your child for signs that the activity is too much but that you also allow age appropriate activities if your child is able. It gives them a sense of normalcy
Keep your child hydrated. Provide water and power drinks like Gatorade for those hot days. Avoid sugary drinks and soda as those can add to dehydration
Have fruit and snacks available to keep blood sugar levels normal and to help avoid nausea
Encourage periods of rest
Don't hover. Children who are chronically ill need to feel normal. Try to avoid pampering and hovering. Just be there to provide support.

Watch for signs of pain, swelling, vomiting, fever, shortness of breath, or distress that may mean your child is overdoing an activity for the disease. Check with your child's physician before beginning a sport or strenuous activity to make sure it will be safe for your child. Avoid allowing activities that your child is too weak to currently participate in. Look for activities that will promote socialization yet limit strain if your child is too ill.

Generally speaking, your child will be able to determine what activities he or she is up to doing. Let them be your guide. The way they look and act can help you to decide if today is a good day for getting off the couch or if today is a day of rest. If a child is up to doing an activity that he or she loves to do, the exercise may help the overall health and feeling of well being so enjoy the moment. If in doubt, don't hesitate to ask your health care provider for advice.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: National Backyard Games Week is this Month.

2011-05-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

This is a good link to check out for summer activities that can be very inexpensive. The picture of the little guy is adorable too.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: National Backyard Games Week is this Month.: "Jump into spring! The 14th annual National Backyard Games Week takes place this month. It begins the Monday prior to Memorial Day and ends..."

Book Review: Walking With Sophie

2011-05-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

Walking With Sophie

Author: Adam Webb

ISBN: 978-1-4610-7697-1

Lazy River Books

Picture Book

Ages 3-10

From the back of the book: Take your child on a special journey, with an enchanting girl. Explore the magic of childhood memories and the imagination that captures each precious moment. Tiptoe into Sophie's world once. Keep her in your heart forever.

My view: This book is just what it says it is...enchanting. But it is so much more. The reader follows Sophie to all her favorite places and you sense the importance of everyday quality time spent with a child. It is not until the end that the reader understands that Sophie is in spirit and what a wonderful way to ease the pain of the loss of a child.

This story is written with simple words and on the surface it has a simple concept following a child to all her favorite places. The after affect and take away value of this story is enormous. Any adult reading the story with their child will come away with a renewed sense of the importance of everyday things and the quality time your child deserves. The story is a gentle reminder that you only have today, not sure of tomorrow, and to make every moment memorable.

This enchanting story also can be used as a stepping stone to open conversations about life after death. The story is so warm, loving, and enchanting that it erases the negativity associated with talking about death. As a nurse who has cared for children who are terminal, this book would be such a blessing for both parent and child going through this trial.

I give the book 5 stars. This book is a must have for anyone who collects children's books. I can only hope that author, Adam Webb, will be writing more of these enchanting books about meaningful life experiences for children.

R is for Rest

2011-05-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

Rest is the one thing that most parents ignore for themselves when they have a sick child. Rest seems to escape most parents until say your child is over 21. As parents we worry about illness, activities, school grades, do our children have friends, what kind of friends do they have, could they do better, and on and on.

If a child is ill the worries are even greater. Parents watch and worry over blood counts, fevers, growth and development, medicines, scans, and everything else that can change in a heartbeat with a sick child.

Rest is essential to health. Rest helps your emotional state, your cognitive state, and your physical state. Tips for getting rest include

learn to say no
don't over book your free time
take naps when your child is resting
delegate house hold chores
go to bed early
enjoy down times without guilt

These are a few reminders to keep in mind which may help you to gain a few moments of rest.

Q is for Quilts

2011-04-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

Q is for quilts and quilting. There is nothing better for a infant, child, or teen who is feeling ill then to snuggle up with a homemade quilt.

Quilting is also a great hobby for those who may like to sew. Check out http://www.free-quilting.com/ for some great ideas, tips, and free patterns. Consider making a small lap quilt if you are a beginner, and share it with someone who will find comfort in it.

Use bright washable cotton fabrics for those quilts for kids. You can also use soft flannel fabrics for backing making the project even more comfy. Send me your photos and we will post them here.

A handmade quilt also makes a great item to raffle off as a fundraiser to help with charities who provide research for childhood cancers and other childhood diseases.

P is for Pillowcases-

2011-04-28T00:01:00.001-07:00

P is for Pillowcases- handmade and comfy. What better way to make a child, family member, or friend feel better while dealing with an illness. There are several quilting organizations that are participating in the pillowcase challenge. Those who love to sew are making pillowcases and donating them to hospitals or charities where they can be given to those in need.

Pillowcases are fairly simple to make and a great project for beginners. Check out http://www.allpeoplequilt.com/ for free patterns and suggestions on how to sew them or donate them. It is a wonderful gift idea for holidays or just because. They make great gifts for kids in the hospital because most often kids don't need candy or flowers. It can be challenging to find something that makes a child feel special.

Pick bright fabrics or cartoon character fabric and sew away. These cute pillowcases will brighten any hospital room and make your favorite kiddo feel more than special. Send me pictures and I will post them. Have fun with this and enjoy.

L_M_N_ The Letters in the A to Z Challenge

2011-04-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

L is for Lilly, my fictional character that tells the reader in a fun and spunky way what it is like to have leukemia. She is just adorable and I hope to introduce you to her soon, as soon as I have a publisher confirmed that is.

M is for meningitis- a not so common infection that has been in the news lately because of several cases diagnosed across college campuses. Menigitis can be bacterial or viral. Bacterial mengitis requires antibiotics to cure. Viral menigitis does not respond to antibiotics and must run it's course. Handwashing is one way to prevent the spread of menigitis. The symptoms may include headache, neck stiffness, fever, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If you are worried about your child who is experiencing these types of symptoms, seek medical treatment and advice immediately.

N is for natural medicine- Natural medicine can be very helpful as treatment for some symptoms in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. Common natural medicines that help with nausea or mouth sores may be suggested by your physician. Be careful to read all labels and to discuss any alternative treatments including over the counter natural medicines that you may be considering for your child or yourself. Some very good results have been reported but there are some not so good results reported as well. Most natural medicines are not approved by the FDA.

O is My Next Letter in the Challenge

2011-04-26T00:01:00.000-07:00

Parents of children who are ill have a different idea about spring cleaning and organization.

O is for organization. Spring it the time we think about re-organizing and throwing out what we don't need. Parents of children who are ill become experts at being organized because they have to be for other reasons.

They always need a bag packed and ready for the unexpected hospital or ER visit
They have snacks handy for kids whose appetite suddenly appears after an illness, for siblings who need to eat when other things interfere with dinner, and to grab when they have been so busy worrying about a child they have forgotten to eat.
They don't worry about things that don't matter like clean windows, flower beds, or piles of unopened mail. They worry about doctor appointments, medication schedules, and therapies.
There is a whole group of parents caring for children who need to order feeding tubes, ventilator equipment, and tube feeding formulas. They don't worry about which fertilizer to buy, what weed killer to put on, or which ceiling needs paint.

Organization is important and spring is a good time to put your things in order. Keep in mind that if your kids are healthy, stop and say a prayer for parents who have kids who are ill. And if you know of a family with a sick child, maybe you will be moved to help them with some of the spring organization tasks that have been put on their back burner. It could be a win-win for everyone.

The Letter K in our A to Z Challenge

2011-04-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

K is the next letter of our alphabet challenge for me, because I am behind due to work, storms in the Midwest and the electrical issues that involves, and life.

K is also for knowledge. Any parent of a child newly diagnosed with a serious illness knows first hand about this K word. Parents are immediately overwhelmed with the need to know and gain more knowledge about the disease the child has. They also become overwhelmed with all the facts and figures that they soon discover. Here are a few tips to organize and keep track of all the new found knowledge that comes with having a child who is ill.

1. First, listen to your doctors and the health care providers with whom you trust before searching the Internet or outside sources. Use what the physician offers as a baseline of information with which to start your research.

2. After the initial diagnosis and the testing that goes along with that, now search the Internet or other resources but do it with a purpose in mind. Do you want to find alternative treatments? Are you searching to be confident that you are being told the complete story about the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis? Or are you researching to understand and to learn more about the disease to prepare for the future?

3. Keep in mind that you must take one day at a time initially to protect yourself from emotional and physical exhaustion. Basic knowledge is good but you don't have to learn everything there is to know the first 24 hours. Give yourself time to adjust to the initial news before scaring yourself silly.

4. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you are not confident about what your health care providers are telling you. Be realistic in your expectations, but realize you are the parent and have the right to seek other opinions.

J is for Jaundice

2011-04-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Jaundice is the yellowish color that newborn babies get in the first few days of life. Some have levels so high they require treatment with IV fluids, a Bili blanket, or the Bili light. Minor cases of jaundice in the newborn can actually be treated effectively by placing the baby near a window with natural light. This is a medical decision and should be discussed with your physician.

Newborns are not the only patients who can show signs of jaundice. Children and adults who have a sudden onset of a yellowish skin color may need evaluation by a physician and a few blood tests. Without getting too technical, the jaundice is the result of liver function and the breakdown of bile. It is not usually a normal symptom and most often requires testing to determine the cause.

Some viruses can cause the temporary coloring of the skin as the liver works to heal the body. It can also be the sign of blockage to the bile ducts. Jaundice in older children and adults is most often related to something going on in the liver, pancreas, or gallbladder and the surrounding ducts from those organs. It can be serious, I won't mislead you here. But it doesn't mean it is terminal or that it cannot be treated.

Jaundice should always be evaluated and your physician should make every attempt to find the cause. Rapid diagnosis is the best way to get proper and timely treatment for any disease or illness. Jaundice is not usually normal so it is always wise to seek medical attention first. Your family doctor is a great place to start.

I is the Next Letter in Our A to Z blog

2011-04-12T10:18:00.001-07:00

Inspiration can come in all kinds of tasks and emotional support from family or friends. Be creative.

I is the letter for inspiration and insight. When you have a family member who is going through an illness providing them with inspiration may be just what the doctor ordered. I don't mean earth shattering mountain moving inspiration necessarily but more of the hand holding, come on we can do this kind of inspiration. Here are a couple of ideas:

1. Instead of coming over empty handed bring a hot casserole. Providing a hot meal for the rest of the family may just be what is needed for this family.

2. Come with windex and paper towels. While visiting offer to do a small spring cleaning project. " Let me just get this window for you so you can see what a beautiful day it is." may be a task that needs doing but the ill person just doesn't want to ask.

3. An appropriate prayer book or journal is a thoughtful gift and may be more appreciated than candy or fruit which may not be easily digested depending on the illness and treatment. Comfort books say the things that are difficult to speak out loud and the person can read and appreciate while home alone.

4. Offer to do outside errands. "Let me go to the store for you" or " I will pick up the kids for you so you can rest." are great suggestions. Often the ill person doesn't want to burden with daily tasks but if offered will usually take you up on it.

Offering your time, meals, or tasks can often be just the inspiration and insight the ill friend or family member needs to regain strength and interest in life. Please feel free to suggest other ideas in the comment section.

A-Z Blog Challenge for April- Letter H

2011-04-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

H is for hope and healing. Any parent who has been in the position of taking care of a child with a serious or terminal illness knows that the prayer is always always for healing. A parent never gives up the hope of healing even in the final days of a terminal journey. And that is exactly what parents are supposed to do. Always, always, hope for a complete healing.

And I know from being at the bedside of dying children, this is the most emotionally devastating thing any parent must endure... first the praying for healing and then the loss of the last thread of hope. My heart goes out to any parent facing this painful knowledge that hope is gone.

As a nurse, I know in my heart there is a heaven where life really is eternal. I know no other way to endure the loss of hope when I am with a family whose child is dying. Heaven is my hope... a hope for a life without pain, without disease, and with true healing.

So my prayer for every parent whose child is ill. Keep praying for the healing, and always hold onto the hope of health. But find it in your heart to learn the truths about heaven, for there is the real hope for all of us.

G is the Next Letter in Our Challenge- Can You Guess What it Means?

2011-04-08T00:01:00.000-07:00

G is for gratitude. My question to the readers is this. How difficult is it to be grateful when you are in the midst of chaos and crisis?

It has been my experience that when I work hard to show and feel gratitude even when things go bad, it really does make the bad seem less .... well ... bad. It is difficult to put into words sometimes and at the risk of sounding phoney and too rosey I stand by the statement. Being grateful during rough times helps you to appreciate the good, stop dwelling so much on the bad, and helps you to cope with today.

How do you feel about that? Can you think of a sad, bad, or really tragic time in your life when you can now look back with some smidgen of gratitude for the lessons. Maybe you can simply be grateful for the love and support of family and friends even during a loss.

Being thankful helps to balance the unfairness of life and life's circumstances. Keeping a gratitude journal may help you to recognize the good things you have. Try it for a week and re-evaluate. Let me know how that feels.

Today I am grateful for you, the reader. Really thankful.

Letter F is for Fever

2011-04-07T00:01:00.000-07:00

Fever is frightening for parents especially when the cause is unknown, but every fever is not life threatening nor does every child with a fever need to be seen by a physician immediately.

Here are some tidbits about fever to help you decide if the fever your child has is a reason to contact your physician or take your child to urgent care:

1. Fever is an indication that the body is fighting some form of germ either bacterial or viral. It is the body's way of telling you that something is not right.

2. Some physicians may not recommend treating a temperature under 102 F. degrees while others say treat if your child's temperature is 100.4F. It is best to discuss this with your doctor before a fever occurs so you will be prepared to treat in the manner your physician suggests.

3. Children are most contagious during the time of a fever even if the fever is reduced by medication. Most often it is best to keep your child away from other children during the time they are febrile.

4. Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen are the drugs of choice to use for children to reduce fever. Again, check with your physician to understand whether he or she prefers to alternate the medications or stick with one choice.

5. Febrile seizures can occur usually when a temp is greater than 104 F. If this occurs unbundle your child, protect their airway during the seizure, and seek medical attention. If this is a first seizure and you are alone, calling 911 may be appropriate.

6. Pay attention to how your child looks and behaves while experiencing a fever. If your child has a change in mental alertness and is not urinating the child should be seen by a physician. On the other hand, if your child acts alert, is able to eat, drink, and stay hydrated it may not be necessary to see a physician for colds and simple stomach upsets.

If you are in doubt, check with your physician about how to treat your child's fever. For more information and up to date resources check the Academy of Pediatric website.

http://www.aap.org The Academy of Pediatrics

http://www.healthychildren.org Another resource site recommended by the Academy of Pediatrics.

The Letter E is for Emergency

2011-04-06T00:01:00.000-07:00

E is for Emergency. How do you decide what needs a visit to the emergency room, what can wait for the doctor's office, and what can just wait and see?
Follow these tips to make a quick decision:

Bleeding- active bleeding that cannot be controlled, bleeding from the rectum, or vomiting blood needs to be evaluated in the emergency room. Sutures will close lacerations and wounds, and bleeding from the stomach or intestines requires immediate evaluation and intervention by a qualified physician.
Breathing- compromised breathing, noisy breathing, breathing that sounds like an obstruction, and any breathing difficulty that causes a change in color or mental status needs evaluation. Children with severe asthma often need to be seen on an emergent basis for an acute onset of asthma. Croup, epiglotitis, and whooping cough all can be causes of noisy breathing that should be evaluated by a physician if you are in any doubt.
Level of consciousness- any change in the level of consciousness of a child should be evaluated. I am not talking about a sleepy child who talks silly when he first wakes up. I am talking about a lethargic, slow to respond child who may have sustained an injury or illness which is altering his level of normally alert behavior. Any undiagnosed seizure should also be evaluated by a physician.
Fevers over 104 F- that do not respond to Tylenol or Ibuprophen within 30-60 minutes should be evaluated by a physician. This can be a gray area. If you are lucky enough to have a pediatrician who takes calls, fevers can be handled over the phone by discussing treatments with your doctor. In most cases, fevers that run over 104 F and do not come down should be seen in the emergency room.
Broken bones- any time you suspect an injury may have caused a break in a bone the emergency room is the most likely place to go. The exception would be if there is a single injury to a wrist or ankle and your doctor is in the office, that may be the quickest and most appropriate place to take your child. In general, broken bones result from a trauma of some sort and it may be related to more than one injury. The emergency room is prepared to evaluate this type of thing, intervene, and refer you to a specialist if needed.
Burns, near drownings, multiple injuries- Seek treatment in the nearest emergency room if there are significant burns with blisters, a near drowning incident, or multiple injuries that make it difficult to evaluate.

Keep in mind this: Airway, breathing, circulation, level of consciousness-When you have a serious compromise or alteration with any of the four issues listed, it should be an emergency room visit.

Anytime you have an auto accident, have a cardiac event or chest pain that may cause a cardiac arrest, or think someone maybe having stroke symptoms, don't hesitate to call 911 for immediate assistance.

When you are home and have a choice to make about what kind of care to seek, use the above tips to help you decide.

The Letter D in the Challenge- Diagnosis

2011-04-05T00:01:00.000-07:00

What do I do?

What do you do while waiting for a diagnosis? Diagnosis is the D word for today.

Waiting can be worse than knowing what it is you are up against. Often our fear and our imagination make a problem much worse than it is. On the other hand, we are an educated society and we also know that symptoms that appear to be nothing can turn into nightmare diagnoses and treatments.

Here are some basic tips for seeking and waiting for the diagnosis.

1. Seek diagnosis and treatment early when you have a symptom you cannot explain. Never assume it is nothing, and never assume it will just go away.

2. Get a second opinion if you think you are not being taken seriously. Cancer for instance, goes undetected in young adults more than 50 % of the time initially because health care providers look at young adults as a healthy age group and do not look into their complaints thoroughly. One young adult every 8 minutes is diagnosed with cancer. April 3-9th is is awareness week for young adults with cancer.
http://www.ulmanfund.org/
http://www.youngadultswithcancer.org/
http://www.planetcancer.org/
http://www.stupidcancer.com/

3. Find a physician you trust. Going from urgent care clinic to urgent care clinic on an as needed basis is not consistent health care. It can actually contribute to overlooking a serious illness just because of their purpose in treating the immediate symptoms. Find and follow a physician you trust.

4. You have found a physician, you have had the medical testing he or she suggested, now you must wait for the answers. Be patient for results. It can take a week or more to get the answers read, a report typeds, and the copy sent to your physician. But don't assume the office will call you. Contact the office in one week if you have not heard about the results. A friendly reminder to a busy office staff that you are home waiting is an appropriate response. Be careful not to freak out. Take one day at a time while waiting.

5. Diagnosis is made, now sit down with your physician to map out a plan. This will more than likely mean more visits to specialists, more testing, and much waiting before a treatment plan is established. Again, be patient and stay in contact with the office. Ask for a time frame for results, ask about the projected treatments, and get a quick idea of what the plan will be. If the diagnosis is strep throat, that will be a much less involved discussion than if your physician suspects the lump in your breast is cancer. Take time to discuss the options with your doctor and this is most important. Make sure the plan he outlines is one you feel comfortable with. If you don't feel right about something that has been discussed, seek a second opinion to make sure.

6. Deal with your emotional health as well as your physical health. Allow tears, rants, and tolerate those if the diagnosis is not you but a child or spouse. It is all part of the process of diagnosis and treatment. Deal with fears head on. If you fear pain, discuss this with your doctor so pain can be taken care of. If you fear surgery, discuss this as well. Be open and educated. This will help to lessen the fears of what is to come.

Diagnosis can be frightening. Diagnosis can mean a long term condition like thyroid or diabetes, or a more serious malignancy. Whatever the diagnosis is, finding a physician you trust and can be open with will make the journey more successful. Include family in the diagnosis so you will have the emotional and physical support from family and friends that you need. If you are not comfortable with what your doctor is telling you, please always seek a second opinion for peace of mind. You will deal best with knowledge and the facts, so blessings on the journey to find them. Feel free to email me if you have questions or great resources for the readers here dealing with any kind of diagnosis.

C- The Next Letter in The Alphabet Challenge

2011-04-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

C is the next letter in the alphabet challenge and today it stands for Charity, Christ, Critical Care, Caregiver, and Chaplin.

Wow, that is a sentence full of emotion. I want to bring attention to an organization that encompasses all of these C words in one mission. To serve the critically ill clients they encounter and showing the love of Christ by transporting these patients and their caregivers to the facilities or homes where they can get the best caregivers available. I am talking about Grace On Wings. My son is applying to be a volunteer with this great organization as a paramedic and respiratory therapist. He has degrees in both and will serve with the team of Christians in delivering the patient by air to where they need to be for the best care possible. He is so excited to be starting the process with this group from south of Indianapolis.

Check out their website for information at http://www.graceonwings.org/ They transport critical patients by air ambulance that cannot afford to get to the care they need. It is just awesome how they help people and for no charge. It is an organization I will be contributing to in the future and who knows, maybe as a critical care nurse, I can volunteer someday.

Let me know what you think about this organization. I would be interested to know if any of the readers have experienced this kind of need and how that need was met.

The Letter B in the A to Z Challenge = Blood

2011-04-02T00:01:00.000-07:00

The letter B can represent babies, bottles, brooms, or bargains. But for many parents the letter B represents blood counts, blood transfusions, blood draws and needle sticks, and blood cancers. Blood cancers are one of the most common childhood cancers and can affect infants to adults of all ages and nationalities. Blood cancers also have a very high remission rate which is another B word... a Blessing.

Blood cancers are not contagious and should not be confused with other blood diseases like hepatitis or HIV/AIDS that are blood borne pathogens which can be transmitted to others.

An average of one student per 400 in every elementary school in the nation will be affected by a blood cancer before the age of 18.

The best resources I think come from the organizations who do the research and clinical trials for blood diseases and blood cancers. The American Cancer Society is a well know resource and can offer families support during an illness. My favorite resource for education, information, clinical trials, and fund raising opportunities is the Leukemia and Lymphoma organization. The amount of educational material available is astounding and the links and connections to the best cancer treatment centers around the country are connected to them in some way.

If you, your child, or someone you know is facing the challenge of being diagnosed, treated, or managed for a blood cancer please check out www.lls.org It is a hopeful and honest resource with reliable educational material available to anyone who seeks it. Sign up for their newsletter to receive wonderful and powerful stories of those who have been returned to health. Look for ways that you can volunteer in your community to support this organization. The research continues so that someday no one you know or love will ever have to deal with a disease starting with a B especially blood cancers.

A-Z Blog Challenge for April

2011-04-01T11:06:00.000-07:00

I am joining in on the blog challenge for April. I am not even sure where or who started it and I am sure there is no prize but here is the thing. It will challenge me to post everyday in April using the the letter of the alphabet to get me started. So follow along and see what tibits of health or medical information I can bestow on the readers this month. Maybe some of it might even be useful.

A- is for Attitude. My children's book about my fictional character Lilly starts with A for Attitude. Attitude is a good place to start and so important in every aspect of life no matter if you are dealing with an illness, injury, financial problem, a good time in your life or a family or friend issue. We each are responsible for our own attitude toward any given situation. A positive attitude is proven to bring more positive feelings and emotions even when the outcome of a situation is still negative. A positive attitude comes from within...it serves as a one of the tools we have to help us cope with life.

A negative attitude breeds more negativity even in a positive environment. You have seen this happen among co-workers, family and friends who can't seem to see the sunshine even on a sunny day.

Your challenge if you choose to accept it is to look at your attitude. Try to tweak it to be a bit more positive today. Tweak it a bit more tomorrow and the day after that. Soon your attitude will be more positive and you will actually feel better. Try it and let me know how it works.

Check in tomorrow for the letter B.

Until then, no matter how serious or how tragic your day may be, remember A is for attitude. May God bless you with a positive look on your situation today.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: World of Ink Tour For Children's Authors: Judy Sni...

2011-04-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

Join the tour for fun and information on a great new book for children. SFC Blog: Families Matter: World of Ink Tour For Children's Authors: Judy Sni...: " Author, Judy Snider Please join me in welcoming Judy Snider as our guest today. She offers a first hand look at how she writes...."

Sring is Here

2011-03-27T21:03:00.000-07:00

Winter is behind us according to the calendar but the cold weather is still with us according to the thermometer. What to do when it is still too cold to plant, play on the playground, or be outside for more than a few minutes each day? Get ready for warmer weather.

1. Continue to eat healthy and take those vitamins. The change in weather on a daily basis can cause a new influx of flu and cold bugs to invade. Spring colds and RSV season should be winding down, but we have still seen many kids hospitalized this past couple of weeks with the symptoms. Eating fruits and veggies, drinking plenty of water, and taking a daily vitamin means you are giving your body the best chance at staying healthy and avoiding an illness.

2. Wash your hands... often and after using the rest room, being in a public place, and after sneezing or coughing. Practicing good hand hygiene is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs.

3. As the sun comes out, try to get out in it at least 10-15 minutes per day. Dress for the temperature and take a quick walk or let the kids play outside for a few minutes to run around and burn off some energy. Everyone needs a few minutes of sunlight after a long winter and the sunshine will help you to absorb and metabilize your vitamins.

4. Organize and spring clean the inside of the house so you are ready to be outside when the temperatures stay more comfortable. Take a task a day and don't be overwhelmed but a clean drawer or closet will make you feel lighter and ready for the new season.

5. Gather new recipes for those spring and summer garden harvests. Winter meals are behind you and it is time to step out and try new things. The Internet and the library are two places to find the best new recipes for spring.

6. Evaluate your budget and your other goals for the new year. Four months into the year and you should be able to decide what is working and what isn't. Give some thought to what the next four months could bring by setting your new goals and getting a fresh start for spring.

7. Change your attitude. We all get down with the long winter months, so no matter what your circumstances, take spring as the time to perk up the attitude and look at the more positive side of what it is you are dealing with. This is very hard to do if you are dealing with a serious illness or a devastating financial situation but even a small change in attitude can make a big difference in your personal abundance. Think gratitude and making a conscious effort to smile and be positive.

8. Try journaling. Spring is a great time to begin a journal and to put your hopes, dreams, and ideas on paper.

Whatever new beginnings you experience this spring, may sunshine wrap you in warmth helping you to feel refreshed, renewed, and loved. For me, spring means Easter and the Resurrection and there is nothing more real and healing than that. Happy Spring!

Blind Quilter

2011-03-10T07:40:00.000-08:00

New Logo for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

2011-02-27T09:44:00.000-08:00

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Launches New Logos

New Logo as announced in the LLS.org newsletter. Readers here know my passion for kids and adults with cancer and especially those blood cancers that are curable. This organization offers so many great resources, education, and assistance for those dealing with blood cancers, that I wanted to help spread the word about the new logo. Same great society, just a new look. Please consider supporting this great agency. You never know when someone you love may need just what they have to offer.
Here is the announcement directly taken from the newsletter I receive.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer, is getting a fresh new look and feel in its 62nd year.

LLS has unveiled a new corporate logo, as well as new logos for all of its campaigns.

"Our new logo is the first step to increasing overall public awareness of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society brand and to better align our campaigns with the master brand," said Nancy L. Klein, LLS Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer.

In addition to contemporizing and streamlining the corporate logo, LLS has changed all of its campaign logos to raise the LLS brand to greater prominence, and to give a more unified look to all of the campaigns. The blood drop icon in the logo has been refined to make it more recognizable. The new logos will be phased in over the year.

Visit http://www.lls.org/ today for more information on how you can help. Feel free to ask for information too if someone you know has a blood cancer.

Book Review: Second Chance- How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism and His Shelter Dog

2011-02-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Book Review: Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog

Author: Sandra J. Gerencher

ISBN: 9780981461922

Pages: 28

Tribute Books- 2008

I had a chance to review Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog. The book was a heartfelt story of how the boy blossomed and the dog found a loving home. It depicts the influences having a pet can have on a child and does so in an honest and loving way.

Here is the synopsis provided by Tribute books:

Second Chance: How Adoption Saved a Boy with Autism & His Shelter Dog

by Sandra J. Gerencher

The timeless tale of a boy (with autism) and his (shelter) dog. Over the past 10 years, author Sandra Gerencher has been on a mission to save dogs from high-kill animal shelters. Her first rescue was P.J., the black and white Pomeranian in the story. She also adopted the orange Pomeranians Shelby and Lil Rascal, and of course, Chance, the big black Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix. All characters in the story are based on Sandra's real life family. The book is filled with softly blended watercolor photos of her loved ones. Her most significant adoption was her son, Terry. He was considered a special needs child because he was born with a genetic disorder known as Fragile X Syndrome. The disorder can cause many cognitive disorders, such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, mental retardation and depression.

I think the story would be difficult as a read alone book for those children under the age of 8 but it would be a treasure to read together with your child. Older children will find the story a good read and will long for a dog of their own, but some may miss the deep rooted message the author intended. All in all, a heartwarming honest and loving book about both animals and children who need to find a place called home. It will act as a spring board for discussions with children about adoption, special needs, and making one feel loved.

Tips for Distracting Children in Pain

2011-02-23T00:01:00.000-08:00

It can be very difficult to get an intravenous line in a screaming infant or a blood sample from a toddler in pain. It is especially hard when a preschool child has already encountered numerous tests and knows what happens next as a professional in scrubs comes close with a needle. What things work in distracting children from painful tests or general pain from an injury or illness?

Try these tips:

1. Explain in a simple way that the procedure must be done and describe the distraction that will be used, for example: " The nurse needs to do a special test. While she is doing that lets sing... hold your arm and lets make a song" yada yada.... Use language that your child understands and an activity that is new or interesting to your child as well as age appropriate.

2. Play a favorite video or music on a portable player. Talk to the preschooler about what is playing and engage them in conversation while trying to keep their level of vision away from the procedure.

3. Have bright colored toys or movable rattles for toddlers and infants. Very small infants may suck on a pacifier dipped in "Sweet ease" which is a slightly sweetened water solution. This has been proven to be very soothing in combination with sucking on the pacifier.

4. Offering a stuffed animal to squeeze during the procedure also is a spring board for talking with the child. " What is your friends name?" or similar questions can distract the child during the event. Children become engrossed in talking about their favorite pets, stuffed animals, favorite vacation, or favorite cartoon. Know the age of the child and the level of understanding to be able to better relate in conversation.

5. Allow the staff to do the restraining if an infant or toddler must be held tight for the procedure. That keeps the child from associating the painful experience with the parent and most often the professionals can get it done quickly. You can then console the child after the event.

6. Moving lights, motion screens or mobiles, bubbles, music, and sometimes just plain silly actions can distract children fairly easily for short procedures. If a procedure is lengthy, consider asking your physician for pain relief or sedation to ease the event for your child.

7. Offer small rewards for success. Stickers, rocking, cuddling, or small healthy treats may be in store at the end of a painful procedure. Praise and gratitude also help toddlers and older children to learn to cope with repeated procedures.

There is nothing that will completely remove all pain that a child might endure during a lifetime, but these small tips may help to make the pain of a necessary procedure more tolerable. If any parent has other suggestions for tips that have helped their child, please leave a comment or email them to me so I can pass them along. Parents and nurses together can make many needed procedures less stressful if we work together.

Book Suggestions for Kids Whose Parents Have Cancer

2011-02-16T02:36:00.000-08:00

As a parent we are the adults who protect our children and help them to battle when they become ill. Who helps a child protect and battle when the parent is the one seriously ill especially with a disease as frightening as cancer?

Here are a few books that address this problem for kids whose parent may be dealing with cancer.

1. Butterfly Kisses and Wishes on Wings
2. My Book about Cancer
3. Becky and the Worry Cup
4. Once Upon a Hopeful Night
5. The Paper Chain
6. Someone I Love is Sick
7 My Mommy Has Cancer

Here are just few books to get you started with open discussions and conversations with your child. Discussions can be simple, age appropriate, and hopeful. The important thing is to remember that your child will sense something is different. His or her imagination may be more frightening than the truth, and the truth is always better from the parent. Read books together as a spring board to questions that your child may have and be afraid to ask. Contact your family physician or the American Cancer Society for more information on how to talk to your child about your cancer diagnosis.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Help 911

2011-02-16T02:14:00.000-08:00

Link to a good article on why and when to call 911. Basic information that may save a life.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Help 911: "It is so important for everyone in your home to know how to dial 911. It is also important to know WHEN to call 911. Here is a clear explana..."

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Hospital Critterz- The Prairie Pet by Author Stace...

2011-02-12T16:12:00.000-08:00

Here is a great review of the book if you can't wait to have it posted here.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Hospital Critterz- The Prairie Pet by Author Stace...: "The nurse in me loves this book, and the parent in me thinks this is a magical adventure that kids will love to read. Look for more about t..."

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Author Stacey Laura Lloyd Talks about Hospital Cri...

2011-02-12T16:08:00.000-08:00

This is such a fun adventure story for kids with the protagonist as a hospitalized patient. More about this series to come but check out ths SFC blog for a preview.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Author Stacey Laura Lloyd Talks about Hospital Cri...: "First, let me say how much I enjoyed speaking with author Stacey Laura Lloyd. She is fun, passionate, and full of excitement for her book Ho..."

Children Grieve, Dispell the Myths.

2011-02-07T08:32:00.000-08:00

Author Jewel Sample has written a book for siblings titled Flying Hugs and Kisses. It is listed on the web page of Bonnerup Funeral& Cremation Services website. I am blessed to know Jewel, but the article offered on the site is even more important. It lists several myths about grief and children.

Many parents dismiss grief as real for kids. A myth exists that convinces parents that kids don't feel loss. Really....? Think again. Kids feel grief more deeper than they have the ability to express and the adults around them need to understand that.

How about should kids go to funerals or stay home? Arguments on either side of the fence can be found. However, in most cases, all you need to do is ask the child. All kids express grief in different ways and it is important to not force your feelings onto your child, nor attempt to sweep your child's feelings under the rug.

This article brilliantly points out that kids can "talk" about their feelings in art, music, playing, or writing and not always sitting down face to face to talk. Check the site for the entire article if you know a child who may be feeling a loss. Remember, that for a child the death of a goldfish maybe as painful to them as the death of a loved one. Loss of friendship, relationships, or pets can trigger the feelings of sadness and loss.

Be there for the children. They need the support of the adults around them when they experience a sense of loss.

Press Release : The Cancer Prayer Book

2011-02-04T18:35:00.000-08:00

Finally I can talk about and start promoting Dreamwords Publishing and my book The Cancer Prayer Book.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MARY ELIZABETH-publisher

February 4, 2011 (219) 384-8884

____________________________________________________________________________________

Chicago, IL—DreamWords Publishing, LLC, opens its doors with the announcement of two books: The Cancer Prayer Book by Terri Forehand, RN, and The Depression Prayer Book by Lynne Jordan, RN. Forehand and Jordan who are both nurses and writers believe in the mission of DreamWords Publishing, LLC, which is to offer readers “comfort and strength with challenging emotional, medical, and spiritual issues.”

In The Cancer Prayer Book, Forehand compassionately and creatively provides a way to connect with God in the wake of a poor diagnosis or illness. “It is my prayer that this book will help you find the comfort God offers, the wisdom you seek, and the peace you need to deal with the emotional and physical trials that have come your way.”

In The Depression Prayer Book, Jordan elegantly and eloquently offers prayers of healing and hope for
the body and the mind. Jordan began her career as a registered nurse and quickly realized that “humanity’s need for healing extended beyond the physical.” She believes that “strength can be accessed via prayer.”

Publisher, Mary Elizabeth, a former medical social worker, has always “wanted to start a business that combined my psychology and journalism degrees.” During her visits to bookstores and hospital gift shops, she discovered a need for prayer books that deal with specific medical and psychological issues.

The Cancer Prayer Book (ISBN: 978-1-4507-2599-6) and The Depression Prayer Book

(ISBN: 978-1-4507-2604-7) are currently available for order at http://www.dreamwordspublishing.com/.

Other books in the series are available for pre-order. These include: The Abusive Relationship Prayer Book, The Addictions Prayer Book, The AIDS Prayer Book, The Anxiety Disorder Prayer Book, The Arthritis and Chronic Pain Disorder Prayer Book, The Autism Prayer Book, The Bi Polar Depression Prayer Book, The Childhood Cancer Prayer Book, The Diabetes Prayer Book, The Divorce Prayer Book, The Fibromyalgia Prayer Book, The Heart Disease Prayer Book, The Hypertension Prayer Book, The Lupus Prayer Book, The Multiple Sclerosis Prayer Book, The Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Prayer Book, The Schizophrenia Prayer Book, and The Tourette Syndrome Prayer Book.

The Writing Mama: Interview Friday with SFC: Families Matter Blog Ed...

2011-02-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

You can find out more about me and the prayer book I have coming soon at the blog of author and publisher, Virginia Grenier. Check it out for fun and for facts that I don't always share.

The Writing Mama: Interview Friday with SFC: Families Matter Blog Ed...: "This week you get to meet the Stories for Children Publishing Families Matter Blog Editor Terri Forehand. Terri is a pediatric/neonatal crit..."

The Importance of Play

2011-01-29T19:16:00.000-08:00

Play is so important even if your child is ill. It is difficult when your child doesn't feel well to include play during part of the day. However, if your child can sit up in bed with a doll, match box cars, or even crayons or play dough, it can distract from the pain and discomfort of being ill.

Things to consider when you child is playing in bed.

*Portable bed tables make a good surface for drawing.
*Use a clip board if a tray table is not available.
* Plastic place mats make an easy surface to do clay and play dough projects because they are portable and clean easily.
*Keep books, crayons, plastic scissors, and glue sticks in a tote bag for easy reach and organization. They are easy to carry to the hospital or bedside for a quick art and craft playtime.
* Play music or music videos in place of television. Music can be soothing and comforting during playtime.
* Offer opportunities for your child to pretend and use their imagination. Playing and pretending is a form of guided imagery allowing your child to forget for a moment pain or treatment that may be part of the day.
* Make sure that after playtime is over that toys and choking hazards are removed from the bed. It is important that your child is not lying on something that could cause skin breakdown.

Ideas for playing in bed:

Dressing up with silly hats or PJ's and playing with stuffed animals
Making cards, posters, or door decorations to spruce up the "sick" room.
Making forts, mountains, and roadways with blankets, pillows, and towels to use with small cars or trucks.
Board games or card games
Hand held electronic games
Portable crafts specific for boys or girls. Boys can paint wooden toys or dinosaurs, Girls love to paint wooden frames or pictures.
Felt, foam, pipe cleaners, pom-poms, and glue... all kinds of crafts can be dreamed up with these items.
Decorate hats, aprons, or bags with paint, jewels, or fabric and buttons.

The ideas are endless. When you your child is ill for a day or two these ideas may seem unimportant. If your child is seriously ill for months and even years, making time for play is invaluable. Helping children play in an age appropriate way is priceless.

Why is a Urinalysis so Important?

2011-01-17T05:58:00.000-08:00

Your child is being examined by the doctor and routine tests have been ordered. Maybe he is not feeling well. Maybe the child is running a low grade fever, maybe the fever has been over 100.4 for several days. Could be the child has many other symptoms: cough, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, or maybe no symptoms at all. The infant is cranky, the toddler won't pee, the elementary age child refuses to go in the cup, the teen thinks this is all ridiculous and you are beginning to think so too.

So why when your child is being evaluated by the family doctor or emergency room physician for whatever reason, is a routine urinalysis so important?

Here is why. The urine is inspected for blood, particles, or pus. It is inspected for microscopic ingredients like proteins, white blood cells, sodium, bilirubin, and glucose. It is analyzed for osmolality or how dilute it is. It can contain certain hormones that are only excreted when pregnancy, tumors, or other serious conditions are present so analyzing the urine during a diagnostic workup becomes valuable. All of these results are part of the bigger picture of your child's overall health.

The results of a urinalysis can tell the physician if the kidneys are working to filter correctly. A urinalysis can tell if there is an infection in the kidneys or bladder, if the child is hydrated, dehydrated, or has sustained an injury to the bladder or kidney. A urinalysis can indicate a possible concern for diabetes, kidney disease, kidney stones, abdominal trauma, and muscle breakdown from too much exercise or trauma.

A urinalysis can also tell the physician that an illness is benign, the child is adequately hydrated, and the virus will pass. It is hard to believe that all that information can come from less than a tablespoon of urine. Understanding of the importance of this data will make obtaining the specimen all the more important and helps you to help your child cooperate with the procedure.

Normal Urine values:

Appearance: clear, yellow,
PH 4.5-8
Bilirubin - Negative
Colony count- less than 1000 in an infant
less than 10,000 for children
Protein-Negative
Glucose- Negative
White blood Cells- 0-4
Blood- none to rare cell
Osmolality- 50-1,200 mOsm per kilogram of body weight

A urinalysis can be an important diagnostic tool to help the health care provider determine the direction of care that your child might need. It can also be a confirmation of good health. So be happy and just pee in the cup please.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Book Review: Little Shepherd

2011-01-12T17:40:00.000-08:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Book Review: Little Shepherd: " Little ShepherdCheryl C. MalandrinosAUGUST 2010Print ISBN 13: 978-161633-085-9$12.95Ages 4 to 8Rating: 5 starsReviewed by Irene S. Ro..."

New Year- New Chances

2011-01-07T19:33:00.000-08:00

I got word this week that one of my cousins passed away. He was 10 years older than I and I have many good memories from when we were kids but the sad truth is he died alone and empty. Years of poor choices and bad things happening hardened him to life and love. It makes my heart hurt.

Which brings me to my point today. It is a New Year and a new opportunity for all of us to let those we love know it. Do the people around you know how much they mean to you? Have you shared with an estranged family member lately...even if it is not acknowledged? A note or email might plant a seed.

In my case, I have sent cards and even a few phone calls in the past several years. I don't think it made a difference in how empty he felt or how sad the end of his last years became, but only God really knows. Maybe I could have done more, maybe not. I will probably never know. But I can trust that God has a plan for each of us including me and that has to be enough for a New Year. What new chances will I have for 2011?

Blessings for new chances for all of you, a new chance at health, recovery, remission, or relationships. What ever your new chance might be, God Bless You in 2011. And may my cousin be in peace with his eternity. Love you G.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Book Review: Amazing Cows plus a giveaway.

2011-01-03T12:36:00.000-08:00

Visit the Stories for Children blog for a book review of Amazing Cows and a chance to win a free copy of the book. It is a fun book that may provide the distraction a child needs especially if undergoing medical tests and treatments this new year.

Humor can be the best medicine and this book will be a laugh. Check it out.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Book Review: Amazing Cows plus a giveaway.: "Enjoy this review of Amazing Cows by author Sandra Boynton. Leave a comment and an email contact for a chance to win a free copy of this fun..."

Wishing You Health and Happiness in 2011

2011-01-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

As the first day of 2011 comes to a close, I want to wish all of you health and happiness for the New Year. It may be that 2010 wasn't your best year, or maybe it was. and for that I am thankful.

As a whole, the economy was not encouraging, politics were disturbing, and moods seemed to be less than happy for a good part of the year for many of you. Add illness or poor health to the mix and most of the friends I know are saying farewell with a level of enthusiasm not seen in other years. Good bye to ......... fill in the blank.

Looking forward, I want to offer encouragement, resources, health related information, and tons of new material here for those who will be encountering an illness or a health related problem in the new year. I hope to use the blog as a jump start to a better year for both adults and kids who have had to battle some really tough stuff the past year.

Topics we will cover here over the course of the next year will include grieving, rejoicing, prevention, cures, and treatments for many of the illnesses that plague American children and also adults. I hope to encourage and give tips that will be helpful when a new and stressful health issue develops. Keep tuned in for not only posts about topics you want info on but also products you may need.

Here is to a great 2011 for all of you. Please email me for questions, suggestions, or needs. Blessings for a better, happier, and healthier new year.

Terri

When Your Child is Sick During the Holiday- tips to lessen the stress

2010-12-13T16:51:00.000-08:00

When your child is sick, especially over the holidays, it seems to just add stress upon stress for parents. Here are a couple of tips to lessen the stress and enjoy the holiday more.

1. Forget about a to-do list. You can only do so much and when your child is ill, that is the top of the list. Give yourself permission to decorate less, bake less, go fewer places, accept fewer invitations, volunteer less, give fewer gifts, and simplify your holiday this year.

2. Stay in the moment. If that means a Cat Scan, blood tests, or holding a puke bag so be it. If you are blessed to have healthy kids over the holidays, be grateful and enjoy each moment. Still follow the tips listed above, and enjoy the tasks you do have time and energy for. Make those activities the ones that mean the most to you and your children.

3. Shop less. Shopping less doesn't mean you necessarily give less, but hopefully it means you spend less. Choose one meaningful gift rather than several especially if you have a child who is ill. Parents seem to think that buying more for the child or the siblings may make up for the fact there is an illness hanging over everyone. It doesn't work that way and after the holiday, the debt will only add to your stress. Have your kids make a list with 1-3 things on it that are really important to them. Go from there.

4. Store bought cookies and fudge don't taste the same as homemade, however, most are quite edible. Have fruit, cheese, and crackers on hand for an easy snack or unexpected guests. And take advantage of friends who want to do something by asking them to bake a batch of your kids favorite cookies if you are tied up with a sick child. Most friends would be thrilled to be asked. And don't forget the grandparents... we always want to help in an important way. Providing meals or baked goods during the holidays while a child is ill can be very meaningful to the person being asked.

5. Take time for rest. Resting, showering, watching a good holiday movie with the family, even taking time to read a good book can lessen your stress during the holiday. Soak up as much family time as you can without running errands, going to parties, or attending events that really are not important.

6. Take one day at a time. Don't waste time worrying about what you can't do or what doesn't get done. Enjoying a simple holiday celebration can be much more meaningful during the time of a child's illness and will lessen the stress.

When a child is terminally ill during the holiday it is even more stressful. As a nurse, I have seen all too often that a child actually gets worse during the holiday and everyone questions why this is happening. I can't answer the whys and why nots. I can only say that families that choose to make the time important with simple celebrations and will let go of what they may have always done, do seem to have less stress and less regrets after the holiday.

Please let me know of any prayer needs you or someone you know may need during this time of year. I would be glad to pray, offer encouragement, and help to find resources if I can. Blessings to all as the season approaches and remember to take care of yourself.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Meet Marsha Cook- Author and Agent

2010-12-13T16:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a great site with some good books to consider for gifts for those kids who may not be feeling well this season. Parents can find several good books to choose from with this post and past posts on this site.

Enjoy some stress free browsing and learn a thing or two about some great authors for books for kids.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Meet Marsha Cook- Author and Agent: "Meet Marsha Cook. Her three published books for kids are fun. Great gift ideas for the kids on your list. Here is more information about th..."

Looking for Kids who Help Kids

2010-11-27T11:43:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving and the upcoming Holiday season always makes me want to do more for others. It also makes me want to write about those that do for others, particularly kids helping kids. But I need your help.

If you know of a child or teen who is dealing with a serious illness but goes above and beyond to help other kids who have an illness or other need, please let me know who those special kids are. I want to write a book about just those kind of children.

Kindness and giving seems to make a difference in the healing and the pain for those who give. And I know there are kids in every state that have their own foundations, have their own charity projects, or in some way help other children. Can you share those with me? I have a vision for what could be a great book project to encourage, promote, and even raise awareness and funds for these kids. I want to interview each child or teen and get their perspective on giving and how that makes them feel. What great stories are out there and need to be told.

Let me hear from you about those kids you know who have made a difference beyond their own illness. I can't wait to get started, how about you?

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Happy Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T20:48:00.000-08:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Happy Thanksgiving: "Thanksgiving is the time to express gratitude for the blessings of the past year. How do you go about helping children to understand that..."

Books for Kids on Grief or Loss

2010-11-18T19:58:00.000-08:00

Parents may not think talking to a child about death and dying is a top priority when all is well with the world. I think the topic might be introduced by reading a good picture book dealing with the subject with your child well before the child has their first experience with loss. However you choose to deal with the subject, meaning now or not until the time comes, here are a few good books to read with your child to help you with the discussion.

Teachers, parents, and grandparents may choose to use one or more of the following books when helping a child deal with grief. Check with your pastor, librarian, or physician for other suggestions.

1. When Your Grandparent Dies: A Child's Guide to Good Grief by Victoria Ryan and R.W. Alley

2. Water Bugs and Dragonflies: Explaining Death to Young Children by Doris Stickney

3. I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas and Leslie Harker

4. What On Earth Do You Do When Someone Dies? by Trevor Romain

5. Sad Isn't Bad- A Good -Grief Guidebook for Kids Dealing With Loss by Michaelene Mundy

6. When Someone Very Special Dies by Marge Heegaard

7. Always my Brother by Jean Reagan

8. Punk Wig by Lori Ries

This list is a start. I think it is helpful when parents are able to review books and open a discussion in an age appropriate way long before a child experiences their first loss. Grief and loss are painful for both the parent and the child. A basic understanding about family values regarding death and dying and an introduction to the reality of life and death may ease the situation when death comes as an unexpected crisis, as it most often does. Let me know what you think or share in the comment section how your family handles this topic. Blessings to those dealing with a loss today.

C. Hope Clark: Writing for the Christian Children's Market - Gues...

2010-11-12T17:58:00.000-08:00

I can't wait to read Kathleen's new book. I am hoping it will help me with my prayer book for kids with cancer. The Cancer Prayer Book for adults that I have written is due out in Jan 2011. But I fully believe that Kids need one too. What do you think?

C. Hope Clark: Writing for the Christian Children's Market - Gues...: "Kathleen Muldoon is a retired journalist and current instructor for the Institute of Children’s Literature and also for local continuing edu..."

Things to Consider This Holiday.....

2010-11-07T16:52:00.000-08:00

It's a fact, the holidays are already upon us and some of you may be feeling the pressure of what foods to make, what gifts to buy, and where you will find the time and money to do all the things that YOU think you need to do for the holidays. If you have a sick family member especially a child, it is time consuming and only adds to your stressed out feelings this time of year. Consider this....

It takes from 5 hours to 25 hours to prepare a Thanksgiving meal that is eaten in less than 7 minutes.

Baking, wrapping, shopping, and cooking take up the better part of two months and the gifts are unwrapped in less than 60 seconds, and the percentage that are returned in the 24 hours after the holiday is staggering.

Those facts alone make you want to reconsider how you spend your time and money. Remember that time spent with a loved one can more than make up for a store bought gift. Several small gatherings over finger foods and cookies can be more relaxing than one big bash that exhausts the hostess.

What works for your family and your situation is what your holiday should entail. Don't let the media or well intended relatives dictate how you spend the holidays this year especially if you are dealing with a sick loved one during this time. And don't feel pressured to spend more than you have just because it is the holiday.

1. Make your holiday meaningful by giving smaller token gifts to family and friends . It is less expensive and will show how much you care. A special ornament, your prize homemade fudge, a bottle of wine, or unique picture frame make wonderful small gifts.

2. Be prepared for the kinks in the month that are sure to come. The unexpected fever, a hospitalization, or any number of health related incidents can come up when you have a sick child. Don't let those ruin your holiday spirit, instead roll with it. The holidays are the holiday when you can be with family and enjoy... if it doesn't happen on the scheduled day don't fret.

3. Homemade gifts are wonderful and thoughtful. Spending time with the kids making cookie mixes and layering them in jars is one way to get the gifts done, involve the kids, and spend quality time at home. There are many good recipes online and in cookbooks for layer cookie mixes, soup mixes, and dips.

4. Books make great gifts as hostess gifts, thank you gifts, or teacher gifts and gifts for family members too. Check out the discount sections of your local book store for great bargins for both adults and children.

5. Family first... keeping that motto during the holiday can be the best advice you ever get. What is best for your child's health and the well being of your family should be the most important item on your holiday list. Don't feel guilty if you need to say no to events or parties that will just put too much pressure on you at this time.

6. Allow others to offer to help and then allow yourself to accept it graciously. If a neighbor or grandparent offers to sit with your sick child for a few hours to give you some time to attend to holiday things with the other members of your family, do it and don't feel the guilt.

Most of all, parents of a child who is seriously ill during the holiday season already feel the pressure. Keep things simple. Quality time together may mean a holiday in the hospital, but that's what works this year. Let go of past expectations and grab the golden ring of this holiday. Be grateful, spend time in conversation, and love each other. Isn' that what really makes the holidays so special in the end?

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Cold and Flu Tips for Moms and the Kids they Love

2010-11-04T09:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a great post about cold and flu symptoms. Check it out.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Cold and Flu Tips for Moms and the Kids they Love: "Cold and Flu season is upon us and it will be one of the most trying times in family life....when the little ones get sick. Here are a few t..."

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Tips from Stanley and Tyke on Gratitude

2010-11-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Tips from Stanley and Tyke on Gratitude: "Fall is upon us. The air is crisper. The wind is cooler. And around the world, people everywhere are bundling up to face the elements. Here ..."

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Gentle Is the Night-Book Review

2010-10-31T16:45:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you just need a good nighttime story for your child. Here is a great suggestion.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Gentle Is the Night-Book Review: " Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE ..."

Stanley Bookman

2010-10-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Try This Reading and Writing Activity with Your Ch...

2010-10-30T20:45:00.000-07:00

If you have a sick child and have run out of ideas for an easy and fun activity, give this one a try. Let me know how it worked.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Try This Reading and Writing Activity with Your Ch...: "Do you want to include a fun reading activity with a twist during family night this week? Here is an idea. Take this easy reader story and c..."

SFC Blog: Families Matter: ClickN Kids Online Learning Program Review

2010-10-30T20:04:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: ClickN Kids Online Learning Program Review: "ClickN Kids Review by VS Grenier I love when companies contact us for a review. Why? Because we have the best testers around . . . our k..."

Halloween Safety

2010-10-30T19:43:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween. Be safe and help your kids to be safe too. Here are a few tips:

1. Use flashlights and flameless candles for light and atmosphere this Halloween
2. Check for loose or hanging strings, belts, or ties on your child's costume that may cause a fall or could be a choking hazzard.
3. Check all treats before the kids get a hold of them. Discard open packages or anything that may look tampered with and all small plastic parts that may cause choking.
4. Watch for pedestrian traffic as well as bikes, wagons, and moving vehicles. Know where your kids are at all times.

And remember to have fun..... the safety tips aren't meant to discourage you and your kids from having a great time. They are created from the injuries and accidents I have seen as a nurse from several years of emergency nursing. So really, it is okay to have fun. Just be careful and put some thought into the evening of disguises. Let me know how it turns out. I will be waiting.

Kids and Illness, Serious Illness.

2010-10-20T20:32:00.000-07:00

Kids get sick and kids get better. But what do parents do when a child doesn't seem to recover as quickly as mom and dad might think?

Follow your gut. If your child doesn't recover from an illness such as the flu or upper respiratory illness within a reasonable length of time revisit your physician. There can be a variety of reasons including becoming reinfected with different strains of the same illness that can make a child ill. However, it can also mean there is an underlying reason for the child to be ill.

Recently I have learned of a couple children who had an underlying serious illness that kept them from recovering from a simple illness.

Don't panic if your child doesn't seem to be getting better, but also don't hesitate to follow your gut and recheck with your physician. If you don't get the answers that make sense to you, also don't hesitate to ask for a second opinion.

Give yourself permission to question and to seek answers. It is your job as a parent to do that. Remember for 98 percent of children suffering from flu and respiratory illness, recovery comes in a timely manner and usually within 10-14 days. But in those rare cases where after a month or two and your child still isn't himself, follow your gut and seek a second medical opinion. That's my two cents worth of advice. Let me know what you think.

Prayer chains, Do they work?

2010-10-11T10:43:00.000-07:00

Do you believe in one creator? When I see the beauty around us I believe. But what about when we are not surrounded by such beauty and instead are surrounded by bad news, critical diagnoses, and sickness and poor health. Can we believe in one creator then?

Regardless of our personal religious beliefs, we all look for some comfort and direction when things go south. Illness, pain, financial difficulties, divorce, death, and job concerns can be overwhelming. My personal belief is that prayer works.

I pray in the car, while making dinner or doing laundry, when caring for my little patients, and basically every minute of every day. It works for me, even in bad times. What about you?

Dreamwords Publishing has a new site where you can ask for prayer requests and a prayer chain can be started. It is non-denominational and for people of all faiths. If you have something you need prayer for stop by the site or leave me a comment here and we will get the ball rolling. Everyone at some time needs alittle prayer. Dreamwords Publishing is the publisher who is publishing my book for those dealing with cancer. It is run by a compassionate and caring team who have committed themselves to praying for others. Give it some thought and let us pray for you.

Visit http://www.dreamwordspublishing.com/ Let me know what you find.

Photo is of Alaska and was posted by my friend Amy. She is a wonderful example of a nurse with compassion and caring. She travels all over the world doing hospital mission work. Love you Amy.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Here is a Fun Fall Activity

2010-10-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Here is a Fun Fall Activity: "Bobbing for Apples by Tash Hughes of Save Time Online Bobbing for apples is an old party game that can still be a lot of fun at parties or..."

my blog: Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless t...

2010-10-06T11:52:00.000-07:00

my blog: Letter to my daughter ( in the wake of senseless t...: "Hello my girl, I wanted to say hi and tell you how much I miss you and that I hope your classes are going well and that you are having fun ..."

SFC Blog: Families Matter: October is International Dinosaur Month!

2010-10-04T09:15:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: October is International Dinosaur Month!: "I’m Stanley Bookman. Tyke and I would like to tell you about a great learning opportunity. October is International Dinosaur Month! Dino..."

The Writing Mama: Don’t Miss the Exciting Changes at the SFC: Families Matter Blog

2010-09-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Writing Mama: Don’t Miss the Exciting Changes at the SFC: Families Matter Blog

Look for My New Ebook... Tips for Parents when a Child has Cancer... need your input

2010-09-19T09:33:00.000-07:00

I am working furiously on my Ebook for parents who have a child with cancer. Although the tips I give would be beneficial to parents with a seriously ill child, I have a passion for those kids I have cared for who battle cancer.

Before the final edition, I am opening up the comments to any other suggestions from family or friends who have tips that may benefit a parent going through this trial. I will use those tips and comments to help me finalize the content of the book. I want to offer a free shorter version here at the blog for those who sign up for the mailing list and the longer version with more resources will be available here and on my website stores.

Feel free to suggest future titles for parents who are dealing with these types of issues outside of the normal child raising routine. There are tons of books available on how to raise healthy normal children, but I find that resources can be limited on just what a parent needs when their child is diagnosed with a critical ailment.

I am open to any and all comments and suggestions. I have many years as a nurse watching and caring for children with cancer, sickle cell anemia, arthritis, asthma, cerebral palsy, and other metabolic disorders that change the way a parent imagined their life would be. My goal is to offer what resources and support I can to help them feel confident and fulfilled parenting a child who is ill.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Please leave comments by Sept 30th so I can move forward with this project ASAP. In the mean time, Blessings for a great day.

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Healthy Tips for Flu Season

2010-09-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

SFC Blog: Families Matter: Healthy Tips for Flu Season: "Autumn is one of the best times of the year. Cooler weather, beautiful fall colors, less humidity, and time to get outside to walk and enjoy..."

What to do when things don't go as planned?

2010-09-08T12:15:00.000-07:00

What happens to the family when things don't go as planned. I work in a neonatal intensive care unit so I see first hand how the best laid plans take a downward swirl in a moments notice.

A perfect planned pregnancy and delivery takes on a different level of stress when baby needs oxygen, antibiotics, or has a defect not detected in utero.

The same can happen when a routine doctor visit detects a lump or a routine blood count detects a blood cancer. We are all just a moment away from having something stressful change the way we have our lives planned. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when life throws a wrench in all the best laid plans:

1. Take a deep breath. Give yourself a few minutes to grasp what it is you have just been told. Taking those first few deep breaths helps to avoid panic and allows your body to gather the hormones and the energy needed to move forward.

2. Make note of the three most immediate tasks that need to be addressed before moving on. Nurses are trained to check for airway, breathing , and circulation before addressing any other need for a patient. Deal with what you have to in the same way. Make a list of the three most immediate tasks to complete before dealing with anything else. It may be child care, transportation, financial, or it may be make an appointment, get another diagnostic test, talk about your options. No matter what has just happened, it can be handled in a systematic way if you take it a step at a time.

3. Call on your family and friends for support and for assistance. Don't let pride get in the way of asking for help with your needs. Friends want to do what they can, so give them ideas and accept it when they take it upon themselves to cook, clean, or offer services.

4. Communicate. Keep the communication open between your immediate family especially a spouse or significant other and your children. Don't make this a time to close out those that love you. Often spouses will get left in the dust when a child becomes ill. Don't let that happen, and rely on each other for strength.

5. Keep your faith and don't push your religion away. Let your inborn beliefs and family values help to keep you strong no matter how tragic a situation may appear or no matter how angry you are with God.

6. Be grateful and look for the hidden blessings in any serious situation. Whether it is a friend, the timing of the incident, a staff member, the weather, what could have happened.... there is always some little blessing to be grateful for. Practicing gratitude helps to keep a balance in a stressful or unhappy situation. Try it.

7. Continue to eat healthy snacks for energy, rest when you can, and stay hydrated. Keeping the body strong keeps the emotional and mental side of a person strong and able to cope with stress in a more effectual manner.

When things don't go as planned, try to avoid panic, hasty actions, and reacting to the anger. Take a deep breath so taking one step at a time becomes easier to do. Email comments or other suggestions so I can share them with the readers. Life will throw a wrench when ever it can, so having an idea about how others deal with life's zingers may just be what you need when your wrench comes down.

Guest post for parents: Back to school colds and flu

2010-08-26T19:13:00.000-07:00

I have a guest post today for parents who have kids going back to school. Here is some expert advice about colds, flu, and fever. Take advantage this great info: feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Back-to-School Blues - Is School Making My Child Sick?

A new fall wardrobe, school supply shopping, new teachers and reuniting with friends all contribute to the excitement of heading back-to-school. But all too often that excitement can be dampened by the dreaded common cold or flu that can leave your child feeling miserable.

Young children, more than adults, are particularly susceptible to colds, especially in the fall and winter when they are back in school. Children usually get colds from other children. When a cold virus is introduced into a school or day care, it can quickly travel through the class. In the early school years, your child's immune system is put to the test daily. Large groups of young children are breeding grounds for the organisms that cause illness. In fact: The common cold is one of the top five reasons children miss school.

· Children ages 12 and under can get up to 12 colds per year. · The common cold usually lasts 7 to 10 days, but some symptoms can last for up to three weeks, which can make it seem like your child has one
cold after another. Many parents are often confused about how best to treat their child's cold or flu. This confusion may also include the differences between ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Adding to that confusion this year are the recent recalls of several over-the-counter children's pain relievers and fever
reducers over the past few months.

The good news is that Children's Advil® is NOT part of the recent recalls and is currently available nationwide. In fact, ibuprofen, the medicine in Children's Advil® is the #1 pediatrician recommended pain reliever. In addition, Children's Advil®:

· Reduces fever faster* and lasts longer than the medicine in Children's Tylenol® (acetaminophen).

· Lasts up to eight hours and relieves the minor aches and pains caused by the common cold and flu, as well as sore throat and headache in children ages 2 to 11 years.

· Is safe when used as directed

Tips on how to help prevent colds and flu
The difference between a cold and flu, and how to treat the symptoms of each
When you should treat a fever
The most effective ways to treat a fever
The differences between ibuprofen and acetaminophen

Additional Background on Spokespeople:

· Dr. Alexander serves as medical director of the Madison

County/London (Ohio) City Health Department.

· As a school nurse, Ms. Shamberger advises and counsels parents and

school staff on childhood illnesses and the management and control of

infections and communicable diseases.

· Dr. Alexander and Ms. Shamberger are partnering with Pfizer and

Children's Advil® on this initiative. However, they are independent

spokespeople and are not being compensated for their time.

August and New Beginnings...

2010-07-29T15:03:00.001-07:00

As July comes to a close, the dog days of summer are also ending. August can be a new beginning for so many things...
It is the beginning of a new school year, football season, fall soccer, the upcoming holidays, and a fresh start on the final 5 months of 2010.

For some of you August may mean doctors appointments, chemotherapy treatments, surgery, or unexpected hospitalizations. How do you prepare for the next chapter in life? Follow these tips to be able to cope with new beginnings.

1. Review the goals you set for the first six months and make changes to reflect what you need today.

2. Be flexible with expectations but keep your standards high. If you expect good outcomes, you will attract blessings.

3. Look at what you cannot change and learn to accept it without guilt.

4. Look at what you CAN change and make a list of small steps to take towards changing.

5. Take one step at a time. If you are undergoing a series of medical treatments that will take weeks or months, rest in knowing that is all you can do now. Sometimes being in a holding pattern is just exactly where we are supposed to be.

6. Find a moment of joy sometime throughout your day. Recognizing a joyful moment and being grateful are important to keeping a good attitude with new beginnings.

7. Do your best. It doesn't matter if it is a new job, new school year, or new medical treatment, practice doing your best at the task at hand.

8. Encourage others who might be starting out in a new situation. That feeling of encouragement will be returned sometime when you need it most. We reap what we sow as the old saying goes and I have found it to be true.

I encourage all of you to do your best with the start of a new month. A new job, a budget, classes, treatments, a relationship, or simply working on the status quo are all situations each of us can use to encourage someone else.

My new beginning includes more posts here and at http://heartfeltwords4kids.wordpress.com/ for those of you who are dealing with health issues. I also will be writing articles on a regular basis at http://www.lovetoknow.com/ and continuing to write my ABC books for kids with various illnesses. I have a new job in a wonderful Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and I am blessed to be back in the critical care arena. I have a prayer book coming out in the fall for people going through a cancer diagnosis or treatment and will be writing another book for the same publisher for 2011.

New beginnings... Here is to all of the new beginnings that will start with the new month. Feel free to share what your new beginning or your new goal is for the rest of 2010. Let me encourage you as you make this journey.

New blog, site for children and teens, New blog for parents

2010-06-05T06:50:00.000-07:00

Curious like this bear..... check out the website I just put up for kids and teens.

My goal is to have a safe place for kids and teens to ask questions, vent, and find inspiration and encouragement when they are dealing with an illness or serious situation in their lives. Check it out at http://heartfeltwords4kids.webs.com/ and see what you think.

A safe place with free arcade games

A blog

A comment section for teens to vent

Short articles on information important to kids and teens dealing with an illness or treatment unlike what their peers have going on in life.

A place to be real.

Parents will benefit too.

Then also cruise on over to http://heartfeltwords4kids.wordpress.com/ for a new look and some great information for parents who are dealing with a serious illness in their child.

My goal has always been to provide inspiration, education, and encouragement for those going through a serious illness, it is just the nurse in me. Check it out but I will continue to post here as well. Looking forward to gaining new readers in the process.

Blessings,

Kids with Cancer and other serious illnessess... moving the blog soon

2010-05-14T06:45:00.000-07:00

Update for parents and kids with cancer and other serious illnesses:

I am in the process of updating the blog and writing new and more useful information for parents and kids who are dealing with cancer and serious illnesses. I will soon have an e-book on tips for parents to cope with the situation. Look for that hopefully by the end of June. I want the information to be meaty and full of helpful tips to decrease your stress while maintaining some normalcy during trying times.

I am also in the process of working with children with behavioral and emotional/ mental conditions that are challenging for me so I am sure can be challenging for parents, things like addictions, substance abuse, anger issues, etc. These can be as devastating to a family as cancer and can lead to an untimely death as well. Information for parents and kids may also be posted on the new blog.

I will continue to offer support for those children and parents with cancer.... I have a prayer book for adults coming out in the fall for those being diagnosed and treated for cancer. My goal is to also get one published for children. I am currently waiting on responses from publishers when it comes to my picture book about my fictional character who has leukemia. Maybe you remember meeting her here.... Lilly? She has a lot to say about what it is like to deal with leukemia and I think she offers not only information but a real connection for children who are dealing with the same thing. I hope a publisher feels the same way. I will keep you posted.

If you have information about resources for parents and kids who are dealing with these serious issues, email them to me so we can share them with others. It never hurts to offer more information, even if you assume that others are aware of the sources. Some parents really do not know where to turn.

Keep visiting here for the updates and feel free to offer your personal input. No one can know exactly how it feels to have your child be seriously ill unless you have cared for or experienced it first hand, so I appreciate the input.

Tip for the day: Plan a little fun into everyday.... even on chemo days, blood draw days, MRI days, scary days, and painful days. Fifteen minutes of silliness and laughing can ease pain, decrease stress levels, increase the hormones in the body that promote healing, and break the tension that most parents are feeling and trying to hide. Silly hats, face painting, a red rubber nose or a silly pair of glasses can evoke a smile and a deep sigh. Give it a try and live your best life.

Leukemia and Lymphoma newsletter

2010-04-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

Although my logo copy still says 1949-2009, rest assured that the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has a current logo for 2010 and has the most current information available for parents.

Log onto their website at www.lls.org and read about new studies, current treatments, and awesome rates for remission and cures for children with blood cancers. Look for the free web tele-classes and phone conferences offered and sign up for one today.

I am registered for the phone conference on May 4th for the newest updates on the treatments of childhood leukemia. I will post information as I find it regarding this class.

Check out the site often. There is a vast amount of information for parents there. Here are just a few tips I found on how to help your child cope.

1. Give them age appropriate information as they need it.

2. Let them digest the information and ask questions at their own pace.

3. Share with them that the caregivers that are treating them may also have to cause them pain, but that they will also treat the pain. It is all to make them better and tests and treatments should be explained in a way that the child can understand.

4. Take a deep breath, and take one day at a time. Spend as much time as you can with your child, but explain to the child if there are times that you must be away to tend to business.

Check back often here and at www.lls.org for more tips on helping your child cope.

Working on a fresh look....... coming soon.

2010-04-11T11:39:00.000-07:00

Spring is here and it is time for a fresh look to my blog for parents and kids dealing with a serious illness so I will be working on getting new and improved information to share with you.

More importantly to me, is the children's book that I am working on for children who are dealing with cancer. You have met my character here, Lilly Isabella Lane, but she needs her story finished. So while I am working on freshening up this blog, I will also be getting her story polished and off to a publisher, so for a time, the posts here may be less frequent.

I am passionate about providing stories for kids about characters doing and feeling the same things that real kids do and feel. So I am committed to getting her story out there for those readers who need to get to know her.

While I know that writing about uncomfortable subjects like kids dealing with cancer may not be popular for everyone, as a nurse, I know it needs to get done. Look for more about Lilly here. Comments and suggestions are always welcome here or by email at terri.forehand@gmail.com if you have something to add to the topic. Parents who have been dealing with a sick child may have important information to share, and I would be glad to include it with the book. Email if you have suggestions.

In the mean time, Happy Spring and Health and Blessings to all.

PS: I have a prayer book for adults dealing with cancer at the publisher now and will include links as soon as it is printed. I also am working on a children's version of prayers for kids with cancer. Keep checking.

beautiful boy... a book review

2010-03-31T09:20:00.000-07:00

beautiful boy- A father's journey through his son's addiction

Author: David Sheff

IBSN 13-978-0-618-68335-2

Houghton Mifflin-2006

As a nurse and writer of this blog, sometimes I neglect to write about and offer resouces for parents who have a child suffering from addictions.

And let me tell you, any parent who has a child going through an addiction problem whether it is drugs or alcohol, sex or pornography, feels that their child has a terminal illness. Parents will discover that the same feelings and emotions a parent experiences when their child is diagnosed with cancer or other serious illness also experiences those same emotions when they find their child afflicted with substance abuse.

Substance abuse destroys families, it underminds trust, and changes family relationships. It is financially and emotionally devastating.

beautiful boy- a fathers journey through his son's addiction is a great resource for parents because it is a real life account of what a family has felt. It validates the emotional roller coaster that a family experiences and offers a guide to how one family coped. The book offers resource sites at the end of the book as well, however, the impact from the book is the validation of a parent's feelings.

If you or someone you know has a child dealing with addictions, suggest this book as another source of real life information. It does not offer a cure, but does offer hope and a real life account of how you keep going. Check it out and let me know what you think. This can be purchased at your local book store, found at your local library, or at www.amazon.com I think you will find it eye opening and honest.

A great resource for leukemia and lymphoma research

2010-03-24T09:32:00.000-07:00

Another great resource for parents and children diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma, is the Leukemia Research Foundation.

Someone is diagnosed with Leukemia or lymphoma every 5 minutes....EVERY 5 MINUTES. That is an astounding statistic. And where do those parents go when they have been handed this blow.

I have many times suggested www.lls.org and now I am pleased to add this new site as well.

Check out www.leukemia-research.org and find out more valuable information. LRF donates over 1 million dollars a year to research for a cure for leukemia. They also offer over 200,000 dollars in financial help for families. Check out there site to see what they offer. I think you will find information, fundraising sites, and more tips for dealing with this disease. Let me know what you find so we can share it with other parents and kids fighting this fight.

Tips to Help Your Child With Bad News

2010-03-22T08:45:00.001-07:00

Parents often feel like they need to have all the right answers for their children. That theory is blown away when the parent must share information that is heart wrenching. When the news is about the child, the parent remains in some control and may choose to share the information about a diagnosis or treatment plan in small snippets.

But what if the information is bad and it is about the parent rather than the child? How does a parent go about telling a child about an illness or other bad news when the parent knows it will break a child's heart? Here are a couple of tips to consider when sharing information with your child about your own health.

1. Be honest and age appropriate. A teen can digest more information at one time than a 5 year old. Information given on a need to know basis must be honest and timely. For instance,don't wait to the last minute to tell a child you are in a terminal state. A child should be part of the diagnosis and treatment process as their age allows and as your treatment plan changes.

2. Be frank about what your treatments will involve, what the child can expect from you, and what they can do to help. Do not make your child responsible for your care, but let them know what symptoms you may experience during treatment so the child is not so frightened. Suggest things the child might do to help you, like keeping their room clean, making a snack, or playing quietly from time to time when you are not feeling your best.

3. Understand that your illness will be heartbreaking for your child, but that children may not show their true feelings the same way you do. Children will go on and play, be with friends, and often act out in anger and or other behaviors because they do not feel in control of what is happening. Avoid reacting in anger towards your child, but attempt to have open and honest conversations. Let your child know that no matter what the future holds, your love for them will never change.

4. Allow your child or teen some choices about what directly involves them. Maybe they can choose whether to spend the night at a friend's home or a grandparent's home for one of the nights if you are hospitalized. Maybe they can decide if they want to miss a practice or game rather than you telling them what to do. Allow them to set the tone for hospital visits as well, and avoid being hurt if your child chooses to stay away for a time. Remember children process things differently than an adult, and may not always be able to handle the hospital atmosphere.

5. Never lie to a child if the diagnosis is serious. You can have honest conversations about outcomes without being morbid. Always point out the brighter side of things as well as the more serious side, but never promise that everything will be fine especially if you don't know. It is better to help the child or teen work on coping skills for the time when things might get tough.

It is always always difficult to tell your child you have been diagnosed with a serious illness. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, our children were 5, 10, and 12. It was a very tearful and heart wrenching time but we were honest and gave them the information in small amounts. The children knew when we had doctor's appointments, they knew the day of surgery and they attended school with a grandparent waiting for them after school, and they knew when radiation treatments started. We talked about the side effects of the treatment that they would visually be seeing and we talked about the prognosis with a hopeful spin.

Above all, the children knew that they were loved and that as a family we would handle what came next with the faith and strength God would give us. It was a very hard time, but we made it through. With these tips, you take things one day at a time and love, always love.

Expert in Arthritis Author Irene Roth

2010-03-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome Author Irene Roth to the blog today. She is a known author, expert in arthritis, and has recently published articles on arthritis in a national newspaper.

Children suffer from arthritis too, and Juvenile Arthritis is one of the number one illnesses for children under the age of 18.

Here Irene gives you some very basic information and links to more information for those of you who have or think you may have arthritis.

About the article: Title: Are you too young to be achy and sore?

In this article, I examine how kids can cope when they feel different because they have arthritis. They may feel slower than their siblings because of stiff and sore joints. They may be slower getting out of bed because of the pain in their joints. I then list a few things that kids could do if they have arthritis to cope with the disease.

Some of the things that I suggest are as follows:

1. Realize that you're not alone;

2. Tell your teachers about your diagnosis;

3. Accept your disabilities by using a few self-management techniques such as pacing yourself and to listening to your body.

About my experience with arthritis: I have been leading arthritis self-management workshops for almost ten years. It is a six week workshop on how to manage arthritis. It includes a book and a lot of reading material on the different types of arthritis. P

articipants are given a lot of valuable information during the six weeks and feel much more able to live with the least amount of pain.

I was first diagnosed with arthritis in 2000, and I took this very same workshop myself. I felt so alone and out of control. I was 40 at the time and felt that life has somehow cheated me.

The workshop so changed my life and my confidence level that I just knew that I had to help others have the very same feeling that I had at that moment.

So, I got trained through the Arthritis Society to run the workshop and have been running them ever since then here in Perth county and London, Ontario.

I also run some workshops in Kitchener, Ontario.

Visit these links for more information, for copies of the original article, and for links to Irene's sites. Let me know what you find.

http://www.arthritis.org/

www.kidshealth.org/parent/medical/arthritis/jra.html

The name of the publication that the article appeared in was: The Beacon Herald. It appeared in the Saturday edition of the paper. The web address for the Beacon Herald is: http://www.stratfordbeaconherald.com/.

http://www.arthritis.ca/

Writer's Blog: http://www.irenesroth.wordpress.com/Adolescent blog for girls: http://www.adolescentgirlsblog.wordpress.com/Philosophy Blog: http://www.switankowskyphilosophicalreflections.com/Member of: http://www.scwbicanada.com/Member of: Children's Writers Coaching ClubMember of Children's Writers NetworkICL Member Member of CBI Clubhouse

Arthritis and Children, New Cancer Site, and More from Lilly

2010-03-12T19:14:00.000-08:00

We have seen signs of spring this week, birds, sunshine, and the scent of spring rains. Spring brings a sense of adventure and new beginnings.

Here at Heartfelt4kids we are feeling the same sense of adventure. We will be honoured to host author Irene Roth next week. Irene is an expert in arthritis in adults and children. She is a published author with articles about the subject and we will share her information early next week with links for parents who need more information.

Lilly, my fictional character who is teaching us about Leukemia will also give us another sneak peak into her book The ABC's of Cancer According to Lilly Isabella Lane. Stay tuned for that snippet.

Finally, I will be linking you to information about another fantastic agency that funds Leukemia research and assists families who are dealing with this and other blood cancers.

I am always looking for more sites for information for parents and kids with serious or terminal illnesses, and I will be gathering more information on other illnesses besides cancer.

Check back often next week for all of this current info and updates on things you may want to know. In the mean time, enjoy whatever signs of spring are sprouting up in your area. Keep a look out for the robin. I have seen robins, blue birds, a cardinal, and two raccoons so far this week. Can spring be far behind?

Leukemia and Lymphoma newsletter

2010-03-08T08:35:00.000-08:00

I have posted about various organizations that help families dealing with cancer but I cannot post enough information about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

This organization offers so much to families who are dealing with these blood cancers. They offer clinical information, financial assistance in some cases, and more importantly they offer hope for a cure for these diseases.

Visit the site and sign up for their newsletter. Here you can find so much factual information and good places to contribute time and funds for research.

When my fictional book about my character Lilly gets published, this will be the first place I contribute a portion of any profit the book makes. As a nurse, I have seen first hand how this agency helps families deal with these blood cancers. I give it an A+ as a service agency and highly recommend it as a resource for parents with a child newly diagnosed with leukemia.

Check it out at www.lls.org

Another piece of my children's story about kids with cancer.....

2010-02-22T19:56:00.000-08:00

I have a passion for kids going through serious illnesses especially cancer. The attitude that these kids have is one that every adult on the planet should adopt. Their attitude for the most part is positive, realistic, and these kids know what is important long before the average adult figures it out.

That attitude in the kids I have cared for over my nursing career is what inspired me to write a children's book where the main character has leukemia. I want kids to read about fictional characters with great attitudes and positive outlooks on life. Kids see joy where most adults don't see anything. Kids see awe in the average day things like the antenae on a butterfly and the guts of a squished worm. Kids watch ants work like a well trained army and we adults just grab a spray can of bug stuff.

So, my fictional character, Lilly, will show the reader about attitude and a bunch of other realistic kid like things in my childen's book tenatively titled The ABC's of Cancer According to Lilly Isabella Lane. And here is a snippet of what she has to say:

I have a childhood form of cancer called Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia. Some kids might say it stinks. This is what I have to say about it in my own words.

A is for Attitude. It is all about attitude, a spunky, silly stubborn attitude, which my parents say I have. They also say that is a good thing if you have cancer. I don't think my teacher agrees, at least not during Math, but my new middle name is Spunky.

Parents: Please feel free to comment and give me your thoughts on your child reading about a fictional character that is going through a real life illness. Would it be helpful? Would it be too realistic and make you uncomfortable for your child to read this? Let me know. Check back soon to see what else Lilly has to say.

2010-02-19T11:09:00.000-08:00

I am a nurse, but I am also a freelance writer. In the years that I have taken care of sick children, I have noted a lack in realistic yet hopeful children's books for kids who are dealing with real life diseases like cancer, stories with characters that let kids be kids even if they are very ill. It seems there is a limited number out there and that adults may be squeamish when it comes to reading books aloud to their children who are also sick, especially if the book includes a child who is ill.

I want to create fictional characters for children that they can read about and relate to but who are most definitely fictional. If a child has a friend who may be ill or if the child is sick, it can be comforting to read about characters who deal with these same issues in the safe pages of a book.

My hope and prayer is that as I create these books and get them in the hands of children, that they may also help to open the line of communication between parent and child when scarey health situations occur.

I am going to introduce some of these fictional characters to parents and friends on this blog. They are based on children that I may have cared for or observed over the course of 34 years of nursing and are not meant to be true accounts of any one child. They are the products of my imagination and are given admirable characteristics of the children I have seen who have dealt with their illness with dignity and bravery. You may see the bright blue eyes of a toddler, or the heart of a teen. You may watch the chubby cheeks and curls of a first grader, or you may hear the tears of a child in pain. As I write these stories from my heart to the heart of the reader, may you feel and understand what these parents and kids go through.

I hope you will love them like I do. Please feel free to email me or make comments and let me know how I can address the needs of someone you may know or love.

Meet my first new character, Lilly Isabella Lane. She is nine years old and she loves silly hats, cats, friends, and soup. Lilly has a disease called Leukemia and she is going to tell a story about what it is like to have cancer in my new book, The ABC's of Cancer According to Lilly Isabella Lane. This is what Lilly has to say about cancer.

Look for another post soon about what Lilly has to say.

PS. The picture is of my writing partner and grand-daughter who gives me much insight into the hearts of first graders. Love you K.

Gut Wrenching Emotions:

2010-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

As a nurse I have seen families go through gut wrenching emotions as they watch their child be diagnosed.

Other parents go through these same emotions as their son or daughter serves the military, hoping against all hope that they come home safe.

I know this and I can say I feel this. Our own son is in the process of seeing physicians for nodules he found in his back. He called me this week, told me he has had them a few weeks, and that he just doesn't feel right. He is scared.

My heart sank at his words. The words of faith and hope that I believe seemed more like words at that moment, empty and false. Hours later when my husband and I arranged our schedules to be with him at his doctor's appointment ( He lives 120 miles from us and is an adult child- none the less he wanted us there.) and we had gone from diagnosing him ourselves to saying okay God, give us strength to handle what ever this is, we are told he has benign lipomas. The doctor thinks they are benign but he referred us to a surgeon anyway, so we wait for that appointment. He diagnoses this without feeling our son's neck, without having him get undressed, and without so much as a drop of blood or urine to test. Do I believe him?

The bottom line, faith and hope is all you really have when life seems as if it is falling apart. The diagnosis will be what it will be... and we as parents will gather the strength to deal with it. We as parents who are both nurses, must trust that the physicians are right and wait patiently for the appointment with the surgeon. And we pray. Pray for strength, for good health, and for our son.

For all you parents who have children that are dealing with an illness or are in harms way as they serve our country, I feel for you and what you are going through. There is no greater love than that of a parent for a child. May God give each of us the strength to be the parents we need to be for the situation. May God sooth our gut wrenching pain, and make us whole.

2010-02-08T10:39:00.000-08:00

We all have a past and some of it isn't pretty. We feel loss, grief, anger, hurts, and any number of incidents in our lives that could bring us down or make us less. But there is hope for all of us. Author Mary DeMuth's new book THIN PLACES shows just how a negative can bring a positive to our lives and the choices we make can change us. Here is her story. Please get a copy of her book soon. It is life changing.

My True Story

By Mary DeMuth

When I started my writing journey toward publication, I thought I’d always be a novelist. My agent at the time suggested I write parenting books, something I balked at for quite some time. I was a storyteller after all. And because of my upbringing, I suffered from deep wells of insecurity in my parenting. And yet, I sold three parenting books. I wrote them from a position of weakness, and I prayed other parents with struggles similar to mine would be encouraged that they’re not alone. One facet strung its way through all my books: story.

I can’t help but tell stories, whether they be fiction or nonfiction. As I brainstormed with my next agent and my editor about who I wanted to be when I grew up, we all came back to story. I am a storyteller. We decided it would be best for me to place my primary focus on novel writing, but keep the storytelling alive in nonfiction.

Two years ago, I sensed the need, urge, and desire to write a memoir. I’d come a long way in my healing journey, enough that I could write it without bitterness, with a view toward God’s intervention. Thankfully, my vision for a memoir fit well within the story idea, and Zondervan took a risk and bought the book.

I wrote the book much like I’d write a novel, with an inciting incident, some flashbacks, a rising action and a late climax. Of course, as memoirs go, I had more freedom to explore and meander through the story, but I kept the book mostly in scenes, written in first person present tense to create intimacy and immediacy with the reader.

It was difficult to create me as the main character, to place the potential reader into my own head, to play it out in a way that would woo the reader to turn the page. In doing that, I learned even more about myself, how I viewed the world (sometimes in a warped way!), and what possible impact my journey might have on fellow strugglers.

Though I knew well the landscape, setting, and characters of my life, it proved difficult to give myself permission to truly delve in deeper, to re-feel my pain, angst, joy, frustration, anticipation, and worry. Once I let myself go there, the memoir progressed. And my editor helped me shape the book more chronologically, something for which I’m deeply thankful.

The end result is story: mine. It’s the story of a little girl who faced sexual abuse, neglect, drug-using parents, fear, death of a parent, and a host of other malevolence. And yet it’s a hope-filled story, where the bright light of God’s climactic redemption outshines the dark places. It’s a story of God’s nearness when I thought I’d nearly lose my mind and will to live. How grateful I am for the beautiful love of Jesus, how dearly He chose frail me to shame the wise. It’s really His story after all.

Author-Alice J Wisler

2010-02-05T07:29:00.001-08:00

I have found an author who has experienced the same grief that many of our readers have felt and she has taken that sadness and turned it into books and journaling programs to help others.

Alice J Wisler has a blog at http://alicewisler.blogspot.com/ where she shares her loss and the feelings of grief she has felt since her son passed away from cancer. Those of you who are parents may relate well to what she has to say and benefit from signing up for her newsletter.

It is easier to relate to a parent who has experienced the same kind of grief you have experienced and it is important to reach out to someone when you are going through the pain. Online contact can be encouraging even if all you do is read her posts and know that you are not alone in your feelings.

Alice also has a website to promote her books and her workshops on journaling through the grief. Check out her site at http://www.alicewisler.com/ for more information.

Grief is a tangible pain. Seek sources to aid you through the process. Check it out.

Alice has written several books including Rain Song and How Sweet It Is. Get your copies of one of these books for your reading time. I am sure you will find something at her site or in her books that will touch your heart.

Suicide... Another kind of family crisis.

2010-01-23T10:33:00.000-08:00

I am currently working with teens who are depressed and have been at one time suicidal. It is an illness just as devastating as cancer or muscular dystrophy. It is a true family crisis when a teen has a behavior the parent cannot see or cannot change. It makes the family feel helpless and at a loss.

Consider this book for another point of view for parents who wonder what teen depression means to a family, especially if the end result is suicide.

A Parent's Guide for Suicidal and Depressed Teens: Help for Recognizing if a Child is in Crisis and What to Do About It By Kate Williams
Here is a review from Amazon.com :

Drawing from personal experience, Kate Williams provides support for parents seeking help for their teen . Williams helps parents recognize the signs of a child in crisis, how to find immediate and effective help, and how to deal with ongoing adolescent issues.

Customer Reviews
Needed addition in suicide literature This is the first book I've seen that looks at a suicide attempt from the family's perspective. In so doing, it acknowledges the family's terror, the stigma issues the family faces, and the family's love for their child as they struggle to try to understand and help.

Williams helps parents explore their own feelings about suicide, encourages parents to overcome their reluctance to reach out for help and support, then discusses suicide issues and therapeutic approaches.

On one hand, the book seems too simplistic. It doesn't discuss the impact of the suicidal person's moods and behaviours on the family; the terrifying roller coaster of therapists and medication before the right combination is found; the families torn as they try to help their precious child.

But the author's calm, compassionate presentation may be the more useful and helpful approach, particularly for parents who have never been to any kind of mental health professional and are afraid of being blamed for their child's behaviour.

Visit www.amazon.com to order your copy or to check on their list of other titles with similar topics. Teens can be challenging, but as parents we are responsible for their well being. Read what you can and seek professional assistance if your teen has symptoms of depression, a change in behavior, or you are concerned for their safety. You may save a life.

Book of Prayers coming soon

2010-01-17T15:39:00.000-08:00

We are now almost one month into the New Year. Not a one of us wants to have to deal with a serious health related issue in 2010 but the reality of life is that some of us will.

I believe in being positive and proactive with our health. Make time to get your yearly health exams done. Visit your physician if you feel a lump, a mass, or experience pain that cannot be explained. And monitor your children for the same. Life is unfair, and children do become seriously ill. It is important for early diagnosis for both adults and children for many diseases seen today.

But when you do have to face the fear of diagnosis and treatments, where do you go for support? I think most of us regardless of our religious beliefs will turn to some form of prayer to help us with the crisis. I don't attempt to be an expert on religion and I don't want to mistake my faith for yours, however, I think we all seek comfort from a higher power than ourselves.

I have partnered with another writing friend to offer comfort and support for those who need it during an illness or health crisis. We will soon be offering books written from our hearts to yours to help you through specific diagnoses and treatments. Look for these to be published in 2010.

2010 will bring us closer and I will continue to supply you with resources and inspiration through whatever trials come your way. As you know, I have a passion for helping you and your child deal with childhood illnesses. Visit the blog often for encouragement, book reviews, and health related information for you and your children. Here is to a better 2010 no matter what life throws our way.

New Year... New Goals...More resources and support for parents and kids dealing with illness.

2010-01-10T17:54:00.001-08:00

Welcome 2010.. bring on the New Year with gusto even for those of us dealing with loss, illness, and pain. Everyday is a new day, a lesson in living, and in some cases a lesson in how to die with love and dignity.

I have been lax in posting the past few months, not from lack of desire to provide but more from a lack of time. I have been working with special needs children who are ventilator dependent or who have extensive special needs and I have been helping to bring them home.

As a nurse in a pediatric home care agency, you see first hand what families deal with and how they cope. Not all coping is healthy. I have learned wonderful lessons and seen total dysfunction, but every day I have learned.

From my lessons as a nurse, I will again post as often as possible offering resources for parents and kids who are dealing with illness and special needs on a daily basis. I will also be offering pieces of a couple of children's books that I am working on.

I have seen a huge lack in books and resources for children, written for their level and addressing the fears and facts that children dealing with illness are asking for and deserve. I hope to be able to provide a series of books for children dealing with things like cancer, muscular dystrophy, and other childhood diseases based on facts woven with fictional characters that kids can relate to.

Parents may have a difficult time speaking to the emotional aspect of what children feel, largely because parents are dealing with their own emotions. I hope to help kids relate to fictional characters who have the illnesses or problems their friends or siblings may be experiencing and offer a link to helping them cope.

I will keep you posted here with excerpts and progress. I will also keep you updated on as much new medical material as I can find, books, resources, websites, and anything else I can find to help.

Looking forward to reaching you and expanding to more readers with heartfelt words to help.

P.S. The bears and future pictures may depict Alaska because I have dreams of going there in 2011 for some writing and researching. The pictures help me to focus on my goal and encourage me to work towards it especially when times get tough. What can you use to help you focus and look ahead to a better time?

Welcome Jean Reagan

2009-11-06T20:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Jean Reagan, author of Always My Brother. Here is a post directly from her about grief and how writing became an important part of the healing. Please feel free to comment or share your own experiences with grief and writing.

When my 19-year old son John died of a drug overdose, I was emotionally paralyzed. All the layers of hope for his recovery instantly vanished, yet still lingered in my mind and heart. I knew I should journal, but the task seemed overwhelming. At the same time I worried I would forget critical thoughts and memories if I didn’t write them down.

I’m a list-maker by nature, so I came up with a strategy that worked for me. Initially, all I required of myself was to list headings on the top of journal pages. Then, when I had the emotional strength to write, I tackled the heading that seemed most manageable. I could dabble or dig deep. And, with these topics, I could always trigger memories I feared I would forget.

Here’re some of my topic headings:

Words and advice that haunt me.
The first time I held John.
Telling our daughter about John’s death.
Specific memories of his laughter, his gentleness.
Relief from worry—really?
Scanning crowds for his face.

Eventually many of these emotional truths made it into of my children’s book about sibling loss, ALWAYS MY BROTHER. (Tilbury House Publishers, June 2009)

One unexpected joy I experienced in writing this story was that I could “rewind” John’s life to a younger and healthy period before he was tortured by drug addiction. For more information about the story behind the book, visit www.jeanreagan.com.

Thanks Jean for this valuable inspiration. The book is beautiful and your words will touch many.
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Join me for a blog tour....right here NOV 7th

2009-11-02T17:40:00.001-08:00

I am so happy to be able to participate in the virtual blog tour for

author Jean Reagan . She has written a beautiful picture book
about the grief children feel with the death of a sibling. She will
post about journaling and how important it is to write about how

you feel.

Always My Brother Tour

Nov. 1 — Welcome from Tilbury House - http://bit.ly/354orJ

Nov. 2 — Griefcase - http://griefcase.blogspot.com/

Nov. 3 — Author Jean Reagan's website — http://www.jeanreagan.com/Blog_tour.htm

Nov. 4 — Healing the Grieving Heart - http://www.voiceamericapd.com/health/010157/horsley081309.mp3

Nov. 5 — Grief Speaks - www.griefspeaks.com

Nov. 6 — Chronicles of an Infant Bibliophile - http://infantbibliophile.blogspot.com/

Nov. 7 — heartfeltwords4kids - http://heartfeltwords4kids.blogspot.com/

Nov. 8 — I Did Not Know What to Say - http://ididnotknowwhattosay.com/

Nov. 9 — Moziesme - http://moziesme.blogspot.com/

Nov. 10 — Anastasia Suen - http://asuen.wordpress.com/

Nov. 11 – Maw Books -http://blog.mawbooks.com/

Nov. 12 — Author Emily Wing Smith - http://www.emilywingsmith.com/

Nov. 13 — Bri Meets Books - http://www.brimeetsbooks.com

Blog Comment Prizes

We will draw 7 lucky winners from all of those who leave comments on the participating tour posts (Nov.1-13) to win one of the following prizes:

- A copy of Always My Brother signed by author Jean Reagan (5 available)*- A set of 10 winter notecards with art by illustrator Phyllis Pollema-Cahill (2 available)

* Winners are welcome to designate a grief center, school, or library to receive their signed copy in their place.All winners will be announced after the tour. US/Canada addresses only, please.

Twitter PrizeEveryone that tweets about the tour using the hashtag #AlwaysTour from

November 1-13 will be entered to win a set of three children's books from Tilbury House — your choice! Winners will be announced after the tour, US/Canada addresses only, please.