Lara Garey & Mary Ward explore their journeys in the context of being an ALS Caregiver and the Beyond. Beyond is the afterlife of ALS when the person they are caring for has passed away. They are authentic in their conversations, strong in advocacy, embrace humor, and share BIG feels as needed. Mary has been caring for her husband, Tom, for many years, the last thirteen have included ALS. Lara cared for her husband, Tom, ...
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The first quarter of the year is wrapping up and it's been a whirlwind for both of us. We share where we are in this caregiver life (Mar) and where we are in the Beyond (Lara). There has been lots of growth for both of us. As always there isn't a minute of our conversations that we do not enjoy thoroughly. No one sees us more clearly than those who know ALS. We talked about Mel Robbin's podcast episode: The #1 Menopause Doctor: How to Lose Belly Fat, Sleep Better, & Stop Suffering Now with Mary Clare Haver, MD Have thoughts you'd like to share? Drop us a note: maryhahnward@gmail.com laragarey@yahoo.com Check out Lara's blog: Tom's Troops Check out Mar's Etsy shop: Cottage at Marehaven
In this episode, Mary and Lara discuss the strategies they have learned and continue to practice to help ease the ALS caregiver and survivor journey. Both Mary and Lara discuss how they came to these practices at a time that was right for them. They both still struggle with their journey, but having something to lean into when the journey becomes too hard has been the key to finding their paths forward. We hope that by seeing how differently we both came to mindfulness and meditation it is never too late or too early to find peace in the chaos of this ALS life. Check out Lara’s latest blogs, Ending 2023 with gratitude and Finding peace just outside my door regarding how she feels she is transitioning from deep grief to healing: https://tomstroops.com/2023/12/31/ending-2023-with-gratitude/ Check out Mary’s Cottage at Marhaven Etsy shop. This Caregiver Life podcast episode: Give Your Mind a Rest Guided Meditation by Tara Brach
This time of year, the holidays, can be a challenge for us in the ALS community, now and in the afterlife. We do our best to figure out ways to make it palatable. Sometimes we succeed. Sometimes we don't. It's very individual to know what will work for you. Lara and I agree that staying away from Social Media for a few days before, during, and after a holiday can be helpful. Several years ago, when I was fully engaged in co-hosting the podcast "This Caregiver Life" I interviewed Lara. Lara shared her strategy for getting through: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thiscaregiverlife/episodes/E18-Upside-Down-Holidays-e8j029/a-aqktp0 Check out Lara's latest blog post: https://tomstroops.com/ Check out Mary's Cottage at Marehaven Etsy shop. Have some thoughts you'd like to share: Mary's email: maryhahnward@gmail.com Lara's email: laragarey@yahoo.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ALSCaregiversandBeyond #ALScaregivers #Caregivers #Survivors #Sympathy #Podcasts #ALS
Lara and Mary dig into their experiences when sympathy from others produces big feelings that are not always positive. Lara says "It's the look" and it is, isn't it? They also share some big laughs when Mary shares the crazy things Tom says! With each podcast, it is easy to see how this concept can be applied to them: To be listened to is healing. (The Covenant of Water, Abraham Verghese). If you are struggling, please find someone who will listen you without judgment. Check out Lara's latest blog post: https://tomstroops.com/ Check out Mary's Cottage at Marehaven Etsy shop. Have some thoughts you'd like to share: Mary's email: maryhahnward@gmail.com Lara's email: laragarey@yahoo.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ALSCaregiversandBeyond #ALScaregivers #Caregivers #Survivors #Sympathy #Podcasts #ALS
Mary & Lara chat about finding grace and its value to their life. They have each discovered in their own way that grace frees them from the constraints of feeling guilty, encourages them to be kind to themselves, and gives their hearts relief. Have you found the gift of grace? Please let us know and we will share it on the podcast. We enjoyed another Pema quote this episode: From the very beginning to the very end, pointing to our own hearts to discover what is true isn't just a matter of honesty but also of compassion and respect for what we see. Pema Chödrön, When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times Check out Lara's latest blog post: https://tomstroops.com/ Check out Mary's Cottage at Marehaven Etsy shop. Have some thoughts you'd like to share: Mary's email: maryhahnward@gmail.com Lara's email: laragarey@yahoo.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ALSCaregiversandBeyond #grace #ALS #endALS #ALSsurvivors #ALScaregivers