Our Silent Angels' Testimonials
Sharon Ann:
Being a caregiver for my husband is something that I do because I love him. It is so natural. However, getting a break for a day was rejuvenating. I hope this foundation becomes well funded so many caregivers can have a day of respite.
This wish experience meant a great deal to me. It not only gave me time away from my responsibilities, but it gave me a total spa relaxation. Spending the day with my friend who is a widow gave me time to share things that only caregivers understand. My wish expectations were more than met! The quality of the facial and massage were outstanding as was the food. I was surprised that Louise met us at the hotel. The basket of gifts for my friend and me was another unexpected surprise..
Cheryl:
I often think about the amazing “Wish” Joy Thru Tears fulfilled for me. Life has gotten back to MY normal but I continued to bask in the wonder of and value of what you have shown me. I now understand the importance of self-care and my need to continue doing it on a regular basis. This will allow me to care better for my sons, my husband and the other individuals who need my help. It is easier to care for others when you are rested.
During my massage, my thoughts went to “how do I relax”? Then I started to think of all the things I needed to do (guilt). At the end of the massage those thoughts were gone.
The yummy charcuterie luncheon, sparkling apple cider and the wonderful time with my sweet niece definitely nurtured my body, soul and spirit and gave me great rest; one that I didn’t realize how badly I needed. I am truly grateful to you for this gift of Self Care!
Julie:
It actually felt pivotal -like I now have permission to spoil and give to myself. It sounds like the perfect thing to say, but it’s really true. The last several years, I have been intentionally cultivating self-compassion and replacing my inner self-critical voice with one of encouragement and kindness. True self-care starts there. I felt like my 24 hours of pampering was a reward and validation of all my inner work as well as my giving to others.
Last weekend was pivotal in another way as well – it put an exclamation mark on my life as a mom to Garrett and Ryan. They were everything to me. Mothering for me meant giving every ounce of myself to them (a bit off balance, but my heart is my heart), and it kills me inside to not be able to physically demonstrate it to them anymore. My mind knows that they are always with me in spirit, but my heart doesn’t want to live without them, without giving a part of myself to them. This feeling is so strong today – it just makes me cry.
Caregiving for anyone else isn’t quite the same, but it fulfills my desire to give back to others what I have learned along the way. It reminds me of how I gave as a mother, and maybe how I can continue to demonstrate my love for Ryan and Garrett.
So for me, caregiving is a continuance of my mothering, with proper boundaries of course. I think its a beautiful thing, and now my heart feels comforted.
Keiry:
After you revealed that I would be receiving a Wish from Joy Thru Tears Foundation, it dawned on me that while giving away all of my time to care for others, I forgot to think about how I needed to care for myself. Big things! Not goals, but adventures. I’m always close by and available to anyone who needs me and although it gives me great satisfaction to meet the needs of others, I understand the importance of filling one’s own cup. Louises, your spark is inspiring! I look forward to this experience, and also to learning about your journey and how it led you to this.
Brianne:
Just being nominated for a Wish, let alone receiving the gift, meant the WORLD to me! 15 years of caregiving for others and I could not be more honored. What an amazing validation! This kind of work can be wild, fun, physically challenging & often times heartbreaking. Louise and Joy Thru Tears Foundation showed me how much value I have in this world! This weekend was so much more, than an experience of a lifetime! Every detail was planned perfectly and I will never forget it. I’m filled with gratitude.
