Celebrate Juneteenth!
Dear Caregivers,
This week we celebrate Juneteenth, one of the oldest international commemorations of the ending of slavery, and the newest Federal Holiday.
Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 when Union Soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and brought the news that the Civil War was over, and that all enslaved people were now free – more than two years after Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation had been made.
As the website Juneteenth.com states, the celebration of the holiday “is a story of pride, resilience and determination that will always be of historical and spiritual importance – as it serves us well to understand that together, we can overcome all obstacles in our path.”
Certainly overcoming obstacles is a core part of being a caregiver. I hope you can take a moment on this holiday to reflect on your critical role in the wellbeing of your loved one, family, and community.
Let the Music Flow:
Music is one of the most ancient forms of human communication and entertainment, and African American culture has played a huge role in musical trends for centuries. Listening to music has been shown to have mental health benefits as well. Here’s how to do music therapy with your loved one at home.
Food to Nourish the Soul:
Whether it’s an outdoor cookout, a pot luck family gathering, or just quietly breaking bread together, one of the great glues for relationships is sharing a meal. And while we are all used to eating three meals daily, it may actually be better for you and your loved one to eat more frequently. Find out more about the benefits of eating six small meals a day.
Finding the Joy as a Family Caregiver:
The challenge that family caregivers face is to learn acceptance, to live in the present moment, and to let go of things you cannot control. This is a challenge to be sure, but if there can be any joy in caregiving, this is where it is.
Remember, if you can’t find the information you need on our website, you can always “Ask NAN” by clicking on this link.
Best,
Rosemary D Laird, MD, MHSA
Founder and Chief Medical Officer
“Freedom is never really won, you earn it and win it in every generation.”
— Coretta Scott King
