A Personal Ask

As you all know by now, Courage to Caregivers was founded out of my family’s story of unconditional love and loss – our story of the journey of being caregivers to our brother living with a brain difference and losing his battle to mental illness by suicide.
 
I’ve shared very personally over the years about almost every detail of that journey of providing love and support – so much so that each and every one of you has become like family to me. You have encouraged and supported me, and loved me through this.
 
I’m writing today with a very personal ask for your continued love and support as well as your prayers. No matter WHO you pray to – any Higher Power within your practice.
 
Our beloved oldest son, Andrew (28) was in a horrible motorcycle accident Friday night. Our entire family drove to be with him Saturday in the early morning. He is strong and a fighter – yet, it’s bad. Traumatic brain injury is never good. Which is why I am writing you with this very personal request. I am a strong woman of faith and I KNOW the healing power of prayer. Andrew will need all the positive thoughts and prayers you have to offer to get through this.
 
As for me, and us, we've all been here before – handling, coping, dealing with trauma.

Please know that as part of my own self-care you may see less from me on social media, or you may see more. My taking the time to put this in words – to ask for your help at one of my most fragile moments in life is indeed self-care. Don’t you worry, I’m getting sleep, eating right and trying to get movement as I can. I need to be strong for my strong-willed son.
 
I feel very blessed that Courage to Caregivers is at a place in our pilot where we have an excellent team of staff and volunteers who stand at the ready to support both me and you. None of us is alone.

It just so happens that this week’s topic for our programs is “Declutter Your Space.” In my mind, that involves a whole lot of “letting go.” And that is JUST the reminder I need this week.
 
Let go of the worry and anxiousness … let go of expectations of recovery on a timeline … let go of doubt and concern.
 
And then again … NOT letting go of positivity, optimism and above all HOPE.
 
What’s most important right now is that Andrew is here – he's fighting – and he's supported by the most loving and caring community of love I know. A loving girlfriend and her mom and a family that is prepared to fight for him with all the love and courage and HOPE that we have.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Kristi