On April 21 HeartSong Retreats brought family and professional caregivers together to share their stories. There were stories of caring, stories of remembrance, stories of sadness and frustration, and stories of joy - the spectrum of the caregiving experience.

As participants gathered, they compared their journeys and offered support and care for each other. They shared a feeling of safety and wellbeing as they related the many similarities in their lives as caregivers.

Linda Lehman-Murphy, retreat facilitator, presented the "HeartSong ABCs of Caregiving." First, she noted that caregivers must Acknowledge the issues of their role and be Aware that they do have the power to choose the character and spirit of the caregiving journey. Then, caregivers were reminded that they must create Balance in their lives, and that Connection with others is crucial to the creation of that balance. Baby Boomers, many of whom have come to accept these 'ABCs' as intellectual fact, now are beginning to feel the very emotional and spiritual realm experienced by the caregiver.

'Boomers' who are new to the role listened intently as those who are more seasoned in the role shared their expertise. There were assurances that there are resources and places to turn for help -- and that caregivers do not need to be alone through this journey. Throughout the day, stories and experiences were related to the easy-to-remember 'ABCs' as they acknowledged their issues, learned ways to create life balance, and enjoyed connection with others in the caregiving role. An outcome of the day is the HeartSong Caregivers' Network that will provide ongoing support and resources to these dedicated caregivers.

One special caregiver resource was presented by Corinne Bock, an expert in recording life memories through scrapbooking and other graphic representations. She provided each person with a beautiful 380-page book entitled "The Story of a Lifetime" where they will begin to enter these memories. The caregivers learned that it is especially meaningful to create the life records as an ongoing shared activity with their care recipients. Answers to the frequently asked caregiver and care recipient question "Who am I now?" often emerge from this experience.

Throughout the day ideas for self-care and healing were presented, and each person enjoyed a relaxing chair massage provided by certified massage therapist Jim Trader. The day of learning and connection ended with a ceremony in which caregivers honored their care recipients and celebrated themselves and their own wonderful contributions.

To receive information on HeartSong Retreats and the printed materials from this retreat, contact Linda Lehman-Murphy at 720-323-8596, or email your request to kindheartedwoman@msn.com. Check out the HeartSong Retreats website www.heartsongretreats.com for information on the next HeartSong Self-Care Retreat for Caregivers to be held on Friday, July 27, 2007.