Hi Folks,

Just wanted to  let everyone know that I was out of circulation due to the fact that my mom had a stroke last year September. Not in the mood to do any thing with puppets. She is doing much better. But I am the main care giver so don't have much time to do anything else. I miss my puppetry, but don't feel very creative anymore. My mom is my biggest fan and my best friend, but she can't talk as yet, so it is very hard.
Just wanted to check in with you all, to share why I wasn't "here".
Take care.

I'm new to P&S since your mom had her stroke so we haven't met before.  Just wanted to let you know that my heart goes out to you caring for your mom.  My mom was much the same.  Make sure you take of your self while you take care of her.  God bless

I am sorry to hear about your mother. I do hope that she continues to improve.  Since she is your biggest fan, I wonder if dragging out some of your puppets or working on one while you sit with her might cheer her up and give her encouragement?

I too hope that your Mother gets better . I being the main caregiver for my Mother fully understand where you are coming from. It is a great responsibility and as you said does put a damper on your morale at times. I agree with Shawn if she is your favorite fan perhaps working on a puppet or both of you doing a litlle puppet show may encourage her and help with her speech therapy. Please keeps us informed on how the both of you are doing. Family is so important !!

From your Puppet Family

Billy D.

My thoughts are with you during this trying time......I do like the idea of working with puppets to help both of you through this.

I wish all the best to both of you and thanks for the update.

Daryl H

Hiya,
I just wanted to wish you and your mother the very best. It is an admirable thing to become the main carer for her. Family is everything. I do hope your mother continues to get better. Be strong.

cheers
Spam 

Hi Shereen,

I'm really, really sorry to hear about your mom. I've actually been thinking about you lately, and wondering what it would be like to live in a tropical paradise. Every time I see or hear a reference to the Caribbean or Curaçao it reminds me of you and your puppetry there.

I hope that things do start getting better again for you and your mother. Family is the most important thing in my life too, even more than puppets. I know that when your spirits are down that it can be hard to be creative, or find happiness in things that you normally enjoy.

Take care.

 

Ron G.

To my Puppet Family,

Thank so much for the words of encouragement:)
First I was hesitent to write about what happened, since this is a puppet forum. But since I have no other "puppet family" I guess I felt like bearing it all here:(
Thanks for the tip Shawn, will try it! She gets physical therapy at home 3 times a week, but I am not convinced that it is enough so I work with her too in the physical area and speech. So.......will do a puppet show for her and have my girls 3 and 5 do some entertaining aswell.
Ron, same goes here, my thoughts were on you too:) How weird is that, huh?! lol.Remember I was telling you my plans to start a "work-shop" here for kids. Well, on the day that I had an appointment to see the location, she got the stroke.

Once again, thanks for your replies. Will keep in touch to see some great new puppet pics:)

Hi:

I'm new to the forum.  My sympathies to you and your mother.  I wish you both a speedy recovery.

To emphasize what Shawn said; a few years back I worked with a sheltered workshop in MI with people having mental and emotional difficulties.  Some were Downs syndrome, some autistic, some long term brain injured.  Ultimately, the project ceased due to non-funding.  The success of the program was more important in that some of the participants were obviously helped by working with the puppets.  Eg. one of the autistic individuals came out of his shell and could communicate more clearly with a simple sock puppet on his hand. 

Although there are many individual differences between people and their problems, puppetry is used for therapy, both physical and psychological, more and more these days.  Maybe if you made matching puppets for the two of you  your mothers speech, coordination and outlook would improve.  Creativity is also a great way to offset stress, depression, doubt etc, so getting back into your creative pursuits should benefit you as well.

Take care,

MR

Thank you so much for your tip MR, I will try it. It would give my hands and brain a "break" aswell. I already started to take out my stuff to start the creative juices jumping. And just thinking about what all I can do, makes me happy. Cause I haven't thought of my hobby since what happened.
I will start and let you know how my progress is.
Once again..."Thanks"

Shereen