Are you currently caring for a family member or spouse? Drop by the cafe to share your insights with Jackie, Jeff, and friends.

Long after most of our friends had gone home, a group of us sat sipping lattes talking about how much attention we have given to our loved ones this past winter and spring; and how little attention we had given to ourselves.

As I gazed at my Cafe friends, I realized we each bore the scars of caregivers who were doing a great job getting their loved ones to check-ups and physicals, but ignoring our own needs:

There I sat sportig a big bandage on a nose with stitches from a skin cancer procedure and realized that I hadn't even thought about going to a dermatologist sooner to check on a sore that wasn't healing.

Ellen, a slender woman, had clearly lost more weight this year and hadn't even considered speaking to her doctor about it.

Mary, who transfers her son from his wheelchair numerous times a day, never even mentions the pain she has in her back and neck on a constant basis.

So I think it's time for us to take a step back from our "To Do" lists for others and consider what small, but significant, things we can do to re-energize our own bodies and minds and spirits this Summer.

Here's just a few suggestions from your Cafe friends:

1. Make that appointment with your family doctor or ob/gyn or...
2. Make time for renewal of your spirit, whether it's a walk in a pretty park or sharing a pizza with a best friend or....
3. Definitely shorten your "To Do" lists. Your mind and body and spirit will surely thank you for it.
4. Sit back in a comfortable chair in a quiet room; close your eyes; and come up with your own soothing suggestions...

Because, you truly are too important to ignore!  Caringly, Jackie, Jeff & Friends