Hello!
I don't know about you, but I've been living this quote:
“When shifts and transitions in life shake you to the core, see that as a sign of greatness that’s about to occur.” ~Anonymous
Yes, indeed, I have been shaken to the core. Many of us have! Although my retreat center plans for Ripple on Silver Lake have been significantly affected by the pandemic, in addition to my Dad's need for some extra support with some health challenges, we have pivoted and some great things have resulted! I haven't given up on my original vision to create a place for people to gather, learn and grow together. It's actually still happening, despite the fact that it looks way different than my original plan and timeline.
Currently, the main house at Ripple on Silver Lake serves as home to several traveling health professionals who have come to the Mount Washington Valley from around the country to support healthcare staffing shortages in the area.
I recently decided to collaborate with a local sponsor to host a wonderful family who is resettling here from Ukraine. A very brave Mom and her two wonderful daughters arrived here in August and have settled into their new school, work and home routine at the Ripple. This has been an amazing experience. It validates that humans can endure profound challenge being able to experience pure joy at the same time. It reminds me that although we speak different languages and not always understand each other clearly, there is a Universal energy that connects us deeply and speaks the same language of the heart. It has reminds me of how grateful I am for the technology we carry around on our phones. I'm amazed at how we've been able to communicate with translation apps and get to know each other, share photos, videos, stories and laughter!
I am constantly reminded that the power of a community coming together is truly amazing. It certainly takes a village and I am grateful that my village begins at Ripple on Silver Lake. And, I can literally feel my Mom surrounding us all. When I was younger, our family hosted several exchange students. Today, I know Mom is very happy with my decision to open up my home to Tamara, Sofia and Anastasia. As she said in her final words to me, "Love is all that matters. Only love. Only love. Only love." As I remember Mom's words and reflect on all that is happening here at Ripple on Silver Lake and the feedback I get from all who pass through here on their journey, there is love here. There is magic here. And I am so grateful to share it with all who pass through.
I also have the pleasure of hosting some short term guests who come to Silver Lake, NH for weddings, family reunions or to simply enjoy some rest and relaxation and, my favorite, foliage season! Here is the link in case you or someone you know needs a peaceful, beautiful space to get away for a bit: https://www.vrbo.com/2050036
As I write this, I am reminded that each person who stays here or visits us has a story; many stories, actually. Ripple on Silver Lake provides a wonderful space for those stories to be shared and for our stories to connect all who visit. The energy here is peaceful, calm, joyful. There is magic in the air. I am sure that my Mom, the person who inspired the name Ripple, is happy with all that is happening here. I can feel her presence in the Monarch butterfly that often lingers in the garden, the dragonflies that pay frequent visits while I'm enjoying my coffee on the deck and the cloud formations I see as I look out over Forrest Brook towards Mount Chocorua at sunset.
All these changes have given me the ability to pay the bills while having some time to rejuvenate myself. This summer, after returning from Florida where I was caring for my Dad through some new health challenges, I actually checked into a few of my own guest rooms and allowed myself to simply enjoy the vibe and relax, just like my guests do. During this time I was finally able to receive and act upon the inspiration that has been trying to get my attention for over six years ...
I'm excited to announce that I have finally created an online course titled Supporting Your Aging Parents: An Essential Guide to Navigating Life's Final Chapter!!! It has been rumbling around in my head since I first started my caregiving journey about eight years ago. The course is set to launch on October 18th and I couldn't be more happier to share what I've learned, and continue to learn, through my journey.
I became a sudden caregiver over six years ago when my Mom a stroke at the dinner table. What was supposed to be a quick visit to Florida for a round of golf with Dad and some shopping and beach time with Mom turned out to be my sudden launch into caregiving. As a health care provider, I knew what to do ... at least initially I thought I did. The truth is, being a health care professional certainly helps with being a caregiver, but I must say I was ill-prepared for what has turned into a long and every changing journey.
Shortly after my Mom had her stroke, my younger brother Kevin called to tell me he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He asked me to help him navigate some pieces of his end of life journey. Mom died three months after my brother's call. My brother died three months to the day after Mom died. And the day after Kevin passed, Dad had a cardiac event that earned him an ambulance ride, open heart surgery, an unexpected code blue and two weeks on a ventilator, which we all thought was the end.
But my caregiving journey continues ...
After an against all odds miraculous recovery that I could write an epic novel about, Dad has been doing quite well. He has been tenacious and fiercely independent throughout a pretty tough journey. He got back to living on his own, playing golf and teaching golf lessons in his community! Recently, after a wonderful week visiting with Dad, things turned on a dime. Dad had a stroke while he was getting ready to take me to the airport.
In literally a minute, my brothers and I were launched into full caregiver mode once again.
Dad is back home again and doing well with some in home support. He proudly displays the "My Hero" coffee cup I gave him on Father's Day while I am doing all I can do to support him and my family in our mutual goal to help Dad remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.
Now, in between managing Ripple on Silver Lake, I have finally listened to the inspiration to capture my caregiving journey with the intention of supporting others in their own caregiving journeys. I've spent the better part of the summer organizing the insights, knowledge and resources I've gathered through my experiences with my Mom, my brother and Dad in my new course, Supporting Your Aging Parents: An Essential Guide to Navigating Life's Final Chapter.
Feel free to share the link with whomever you are inspired to share with. In addition to helping individual caregivers and I'm being told that this course should be offered as an enhanced benefit by employers who are feeling the impact the caregiving crisis is having on their employees as well as workplace productivity. So share away!!! And reach out to me if you are connected to individuals/organizations who might be interesting in discussing this further.
As Rosalyn Carter said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
Additionally, as I learn the Teachable online course and coaching platform I'm using to launch this course, I am seeing lots of possibilities for additional online courses and coaching products to support personal growth and transition while expanding my ability to connect, teach and coach from wherever I am. I'll be in touch as I move forward with these offerings.
Of course, my intention is to spend as much time as I can at Ripple on Silver Lake, however, for now my plan is to do what I need to do to pay the bills while supporting Dad's next steps and taking good care of myself. One thing I've learned for sure ... self-care is of the utmost importance ... and it's a critical part of my new caregiving course!
These times have certainly posed some challenges for many of us, however the opportunities for growth seems unprecedented. I wish you well in your journey and invite you to reach out if there is anything I can do to support you.
In the meantime, I am already exploring ideas for the future, namely turning Ripple on Silver Lake into a vibrant, heart centered living community. Get a glimpse of what the vision looks like here.
With light, love and profound gratitude,
Trisha Jacobson
Founder, Ripple on Silver Lake
www.trishajacobson.com
www.rippleonsilverlake.com
[email protected]
I don't know about you, but I've been living this quote:
“When shifts and transitions in life shake you to the core, see that as a sign of greatness that’s about to occur.” ~Anonymous
Yes, indeed, I have been shaken to the core. Many of us have! Although my retreat center plans for Ripple on Silver Lake have been significantly affected by the pandemic, in addition to my Dad's need for some extra support with some health challenges, we have pivoted and some great things have resulted! I haven't given up on my original vision to create a place for people to gather, learn and grow together. It's actually still happening, despite the fact that it looks way different than my original plan and timeline.
Currently, the main house at Ripple on Silver Lake serves as home to several traveling health professionals who have come to the Mount Washington Valley from around the country to support healthcare staffing shortages in the area.
I recently decided to collaborate with a local sponsor to host a wonderful family who is resettling here from Ukraine. A very brave Mom and her two wonderful daughters arrived here in August and have settled into their new school, work and home routine at the Ripple. This has been an amazing experience. It validates that humans can endure profound challenge being able to experience pure joy at the same time. It reminds me that although we speak different languages and not always understand each other clearly, there is a Universal energy that connects us deeply and speaks the same language of the heart. It has reminds me of how grateful I am for the technology we carry around on our phones. I'm amazed at how we've been able to communicate with translation apps and get to know each other, share photos, videos, stories and laughter!
I am constantly reminded that the power of a community coming together is truly amazing. It certainly takes a village and I am grateful that my village begins at Ripple on Silver Lake. And, I can literally feel my Mom surrounding us all. When I was younger, our family hosted several exchange students. Today, I know Mom is very happy with my decision to open up my home to Tamara, Sofia and Anastasia. As she said in her final words to me, "Love is all that matters. Only love. Only love. Only love." As I remember Mom's words and reflect on all that is happening here at Ripple on Silver Lake and the feedback I get from all who pass through here on their journey, there is love here. There is magic here. And I am so grateful to share it with all who pass through.
I also have the pleasure of hosting some short term guests who come to Silver Lake, NH for weddings, family reunions or to simply enjoy some rest and relaxation and, my favorite, foliage season! Here is the link in case you or someone you know needs a peaceful, beautiful space to get away for a bit: https://www.vrbo.com/2050036
As I write this, I am reminded that each person who stays here or visits us has a story; many stories, actually. Ripple on Silver Lake provides a wonderful space for those stories to be shared and for our stories to connect all who visit. The energy here is peaceful, calm, joyful. There is magic in the air. I am sure that my Mom, the person who inspired the name Ripple, is happy with all that is happening here. I can feel her presence in the Monarch butterfly that often lingers in the garden, the dragonflies that pay frequent visits while I'm enjoying my coffee on the deck and the cloud formations I see as I look out over Forrest Brook towards Mount Chocorua at sunset.
All these changes have given me the ability to pay the bills while having some time to rejuvenate myself. This summer, after returning from Florida where I was caring for my Dad through some new health challenges, I actually checked into a few of my own guest rooms and allowed myself to simply enjoy the vibe and relax, just like my guests do. During this time I was finally able to receive and act upon the inspiration that has been trying to get my attention for over six years ...
I'm excited to announce that I have finally created an online course titled Supporting Your Aging Parents: An Essential Guide to Navigating Life's Final Chapter!!! It has been rumbling around in my head since I first started my caregiving journey about eight years ago. The course is set to launch on October 18th and I couldn't be more happier to share what I've learned, and continue to learn, through my journey.
I became a sudden caregiver over six years ago when my Mom a stroke at the dinner table. What was supposed to be a quick visit to Florida for a round of golf with Dad and some shopping and beach time with Mom turned out to be my sudden launch into caregiving. As a health care provider, I knew what to do ... at least initially I thought I did. The truth is, being a health care professional certainly helps with being a caregiver, but I must say I was ill-prepared for what has turned into a long and every changing journey.
Shortly after my Mom had her stroke, my younger brother Kevin called to tell me he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. He asked me to help him navigate some pieces of his end of life journey. Mom died three months after my brother's call. My brother died three months to the day after Mom died. And the day after Kevin passed, Dad had a cardiac event that earned him an ambulance ride, open heart surgery, an unexpected code blue and two weeks on a ventilator, which we all thought was the end.
But my caregiving journey continues ...
After an against all odds miraculous recovery that I could write an epic novel about, Dad has been doing quite well. He has been tenacious and fiercely independent throughout a pretty tough journey. He got back to living on his own, playing golf and teaching golf lessons in his community! Recently, after a wonderful week visiting with Dad, things turned on a dime. Dad had a stroke while he was getting ready to take me to the airport.
In literally a minute, my brothers and I were launched into full caregiver mode once again.
Dad is back home again and doing well with some in home support. He proudly displays the "My Hero" coffee cup I gave him on Father's Day while I am doing all I can do to support him and my family in our mutual goal to help Dad remain as independent as possible for as long as possible.
Now, in between managing Ripple on Silver Lake, I have finally listened to the inspiration to capture my caregiving journey with the intention of supporting others in their own caregiving journeys. I've spent the better part of the summer organizing the insights, knowledge and resources I've gathered through my experiences with my Mom, my brother and Dad in my new course, Supporting Your Aging Parents: An Essential Guide to Navigating Life's Final Chapter.
Feel free to share the link with whomever you are inspired to share with. In addition to helping individual caregivers and I'm being told that this course should be offered as an enhanced benefit by employers who are feeling the impact the caregiving crisis is having on their employees as well as workplace productivity. So share away!!! And reach out to me if you are connected to individuals/organizations who might be interesting in discussing this further.
As Rosalyn Carter said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: Those who have been caregivers. Those who are currently caregivers. Those who will be caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
Additionally, as I learn the Teachable online course and coaching platform I'm using to launch this course, I am seeing lots of possibilities for additional online courses and coaching products to support personal growth and transition while expanding my ability to connect, teach and coach from wherever I am. I'll be in touch as I move forward with these offerings.
Of course, my intention is to spend as much time as I can at Ripple on Silver Lake, however, for now my plan is to do what I need to do to pay the bills while supporting Dad's next steps and taking good care of myself. One thing I've learned for sure ... self-care is of the utmost importance ... and it's a critical part of my new caregiving course!
These times have certainly posed some challenges for many of us, however the opportunities for growth seems unprecedented. I wish you well in your journey and invite you to reach out if there is anything I can do to support you.
In the meantime, I am already exploring ideas for the future, namely turning Ripple on Silver Lake into a vibrant, heart centered living community. Get a glimpse of what the vision looks like here.
With light, love and profound gratitude,
Trisha Jacobson
Founder, Ripple on Silver Lake
www.trishajacobson.com
www.rippleonsilverlake.com
[email protected]
