I thought it would be a good start to a tremendous 2009 by relating the best thing I had read in 2008. Here’s hoping you have a truly great year.

The Paradox of Our Times

• The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
• We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
• We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice.
• Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.
• Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
• Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.
• Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
• Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.
• Remember - Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Take care

Gary Barg
Editor-in-Chief
gary@caregiver.com

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Take a look at the new books in our bookclub.  Listen to the interview with one of the authors.
Feature Article
Home for the Holidays
By Janice Wallace
Many of us live far away from our families. The holidays are times when we reconnect with our loved ones. Holidays are an opportunity to take an objective look at how the seniors in our families are coping. ....Continued
Additional Article
New Year's Resolution
Fitness at 50+: Five Barriers You Can Beat While exercise is often touted as a fountain of youth, it often gets harder to do as you get older. ...Continued
Today's Caregiver magazine
Caregiver Story
My Neighbor's Compassionate Act
By Joseph Beauchemin
In the middle of a raging snowstorm that had sleet adding misery to the weather conditions, I suddenly developed a severe case of Cellulitis in my leg and had spiked a high fever....Continued (Do you have a story? Tell us.)
New! on Caregiver.com Sharing Wisdom: Tips from Family Caregivers
The best ideas and solutions for taking care of  your  loved one often come from other caregivers.  Please post your ideas and insights here and we will share them with your fellow caregivers.
Caretips
Top Ten Things For Caregivers To Start Doing for the Approaching New Year
1. Keep records of all medications and reactions: make notes about what works, what doesn't and when you informed the physician of any problems...Continued
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Carenotes
Two years ago I had a stroke and my wife is my primary caregiver.  I am more concerned about her than I am about me, as she has become increasingly depressed and nothing seems to help her out of that depression.  She has tried therapy but says it does her no good.  I feel so helpless as I am afraid that one day she is going to just break down.  I have told her to arrange for someone to be with me while she takes a break but she wants none of that. What can I do to help her? Answer This Week's CareNote
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