“Surviving Sue” – On the Road

One of my not-so-secret secrets about literally surviving Sue?

Finding every resource I could – friends, family, new acquaintances – who had input and insight to share. Even better? Finding whole-hearted folks who understood the power of humor to keep me aloft.

Of all the workshops I offer, “Navigating Elder Care with Humor & Grace” is the one I enjoy the most and I get to do it again – soon!

The fine folks at the Wauconda Public Library invited me to present on Thursday, June 19 and registration will open in two weeks. Here are the details:

Navigating Elder Care with Humor and Grace | Wauconda Area Public Library

In this session I share the buoyancy I gained by connecting with others during my caregiving journey with my mom, Sue. Valuable lessons – applicable – still – in my role as guardian and advocate for my disabled sister, Lisa.

Swapping ideas and discoveries, leaning into newfound friends – who’ve either traveled the same path – or are in the midst of it is invaluable. It’s the reason why I love this program so much; the community building which naturally occurs when we come together and connect about caregiving challenges.

If you haven’t read “Surviving Sue” and want to learn more, visit these posts or my website. Eckhartz Press is the exclusive publisher of the paperback, and the eBook can be found on Amazon.

Support from readers means the world to me. Thank you so much – and if you’re in the Chicago area, I’d love to see you next month at the library!

-Vicki 😊


Navigating Elder Care with Humor and Grace | Wauconda Area Public Library

Hi – I’m Victoria, Vicki, Dr. Vicki. I hold a doctorate in Adult Education and I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and author of Surviving Sue | Eckhartz Press.

Check out this link to learn more about my book “Surviving Sue” – all about resilience and love.

Click here for Sharing the Heart of the Matter podcasts. Listen and subscribe. Thank you! Click here for videos of our podcasts.



70 responses to ““Surviving Sue” – On the Road”

  1. Keep rockin’ Vicki! 🤘 😎🤩

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I will if you will! Thanks for all of your support and enthusiasm, Todd! 🥰😎🥰

      Liked by 2 people

  2. I’ll do my best! 💚

    Liked by 2 people

  3. I always think of you as spreading buoyancy as opposed to absorbing it from others, Vicki. I guess the secret is that it has to be a two-way street! Have fun!! 😊💕

    Liked by 2 people

    1. What a beautiful compliment, Jane! I try…I try. Xo to you for being a source of buoyancy! Xo! 🥰

      Liked by 2 people

  4. Vicki I am takingbyou with me on vacation.
    I will finish your book my friend.
    Best wishes for this ❤️ your beautiful character and experience as a caregiver will be invaluable to others!.🙏🤗🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Maggie! I love going on holiday with you, LOL! Make sure you take plenty of time for yourself and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy – especially your birthday. Big hugs! 🥰💕🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Always room for you Vicki ❤️
        Thank you xo
        Big hugs back and thanks for your patience !🥰🤗

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Oh my goodness…I’m just happy to get to know you and enjoy your poetry. Anything more is a bonus! 🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Likewise dear Vicki ❤️🥰❤️
            Thanks again for being here !

            Liked by 1 person

  5. I love, “Finding whole-hearted folks who understood the power of humor to keep me aloft.” A great mission and I love that you share so much goodness and wisdom! What a great session!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Love ya, Wynne! Grateful to you for being YOU! 🥰

      Like

  6. Go girl! 👌 I’m still reading your beautifully flowing words, making it easier for me savour. Too important to skim – I need the space to link in and to reflect. Hope this makes sense Vicki 🤔

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, it does. It does! So grateful to you for reading, Margaret. Truly. I’ll look forward to your insights. Much love – and thanks for the cheer! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  7. I was in Wauconda just recently – really just passing through. My daughter and I were giggling about how we didn’t know the fictional Wakanda (Marvel Black Panther) was named after an actual town.

    Sadly, I’m nowhere near now, or I’d love to come hear your presentation. Elder care is challenging!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh my goodness…what a fabulous coincidence, David! I missed you by a few weeks. Sending hugs to you — and your daughter. That Wauconda/Wakanda thing still makes me giggle. 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  8. Have a great visit and program, Vicki! 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Xo! ❤️🥰❤️

      Liked by 1 person

  9. drgeraldstein Avatar
    drgeraldstein

    This will be necessary for many. Brava to you, Vicki. On a lighter note, drinking a six pack daily might help the desperate!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL — perhaps. But you know, those short term “solutions”…sigh. 😉
      Thanks, always, for your support, Dr. Stein! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Buoyancy. Oh I love that use of the word. A fun way of looking at how others along the way keep us afloat. Good luck too with your presentation! We need to sneak a camera in and have a zoom session for everyone to get involved!!!! Ha ha!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh…you are so sweet! Thank you so much for your support, my friend! You’re the best! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I get this image of me floating in the ocean like Tom Hanks in castaway. I’m doing okay then I start to sink and someone comes along and pulls me back up. I do okay and then start to fall again and someone else comes along. We have people in life who are there for us. Thanks for the image Vicki!

        Liked by 1 person

        1. You betcha! Great imagery…and that’s the best thing about friendship. Call me “Wilson”. 🥰😎🥰

          Liked by 1 person

  11. I love how you say that it helps you to connect with others who are experiencing caregiving, too. I would think that you are the one helping them. I love that it’s mutual.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So, so, so mutual, Elizabeth – especially as I continue to learn how to do the job and juggle responsibilities as Lisa’s guardian. Lots of facets. Big hugs to you for your kindness – always! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I love how you are helping others — and you’re continuing to learn from them.

        Like

    1. Aww…thank you! 🥰

      Like

  12. Just added an email subscription so I’ll receive notifications of your posts. Good to be back in the loop. Rock on, Vicki!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. So strange! I haven’t been seeing your posts either — but WP says I’m still subscribed. Oy! Take good care.
      🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  13. how wonderful, Vicki! so many people need this and will benefit from hearing you. the people who help others need so much help themselves to keep afloat. keep on keepin’ on, girlfriend! a lot of it we have to learn as we go, and it’s so helpful to hear from someone who’s been there

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Aren’t you right on about that – learn as we go – OMG, yes! Thank you so much for your big heart – advocacy and voice of reason. Go, Beth! Love ya! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  14. petespringerauthor Avatar
    petespringerauthor

    Finding humor in difficult circumstances helps get us through some of life’s hardest situations. When Mom moved into assisted living, Debbie and I developed a regular schedule to visit. I would go after work on Wednesday and again on Sunday. Debbie, who was also still working at the time, usually went on Saturdays to help Mom with her more feminine needs. Occasionally, Debbie had another commitment and I tried to pinch hit for her, but that was pure comedy. I walked around aimlessly at the drugstore looking for a particular face cream that Mom wanted. More than likely they hadn’t been selling it for 20 years. 🤣🤣🤣 You’ve got a have a sense of humor about these things.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Oh, Pete…you are a delight. Your mom must’ve been the same! I’ve got a vision of your beautiful mother longing for her favorite face cream and you – the diligent son doing his best to find it in a sea of oh-so many products at the drugstore! If you lived closer, I’d have you join me for this presentation. Your stories are excellent examples, my dear friend. Xo! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Your presentation sounds wonderful. Your very first sentence is so important; “Finding every resource I could – friends, family, new acquaintances”. It took me a long time to figure out life was better with a circle.😊🤗🥰

    Like

    1. Oh, Rose! I love that — and so true. Life IS better with a circle. Thank you for being in mine.
      🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  16. After a week and counting with my parents, I need all the humor and grace I can get!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. LOL! And survival techniques! I bet you know a few! 🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Oh my dear Vicki, you are going to do a FANtabulous job in your presentations. What a wonderful honor. CONGRATULATIONS my dear Doc of All Trades! I know many people will be blessed by your message you’re going to deliver my friend. Hugs and smooches! 🥰💖😘

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You are so lovely, dear Kym! Thank you…thank you…thank you! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Oh Doc, you know it is always my pleasure my sweet and dear friend. I mean every word of it. Love, hugs and smooches lovely lady! 🥰💖🤗💋😘

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Mwah!!!! 🥰❤️🥰

          Liked by 1 person

  18. This is such amazing news, Vicki, and you will do wonders for many, I know! Huge Congratulations and can’t wait to hear all about it. Sending love and hugs! 🥰🌷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, dear Lauren! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Awesome, Vicki! 2hrs 42mins🤔

    Liked by 1 person

      1. I’ve been thinking about attending one of your talks for a while now, so this might be the one. 🤞

        Liked by 1 person

        1. You are so sweet! If not this one, maybe another that wouldn’t be quite so far for you to drive? I’ll keep you posted! 🥰

          Liked by 1 person

          1. Thank you, Vicki. 🙏🏼

            Liked by 1 person

  20. Humor and grace is the best way to approach eldercare, Vicki. I’ve relied on it for the last 8 years as I continue to care for my dad. It’s hard, funny, eye-roll worthy, awkward, embarrassing, intimate, and most of all an act of love – that’s what keeps the “grace” in place, a recognition that it’s my choice. I wish I lived near you and could pop over to the library. I hope your talk goes well. ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You said that so well, Diana. Embarrassing and intimate with love underlying. ❤️❤️❤️
      Big hugs! I wish you were closer, too!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. Way to be awesome! Keep on keepin’ on!
    Happy Mother’s Day! 💐

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Nancy Lou! Same to you!
      🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  22. Happy Mother’s Day!!! And congratulations on all you are doing!!! XOXOX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Much love to you! Happy Mama’s Day, dear Vickie! 🥰❤️🥰

      Liked by 1 person

  23. […] though I’m extra busy right now with writing and upcoming presentations (one of which is a free public event in the Chicago area – at the Wauconda Public Library next […]

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  24. I’m sure you’re a fabulous speaker, Vicki. I’ll watch for your other presentations. Caregiving is a good one. Very humbling.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Much love to you, Mary! Xo! 🥰

      Like

  25. […] P.S. If you’re in the Chicago area, join me for a free event on Thursday, June 19 at the Wauconda Public Library: “Surviving Sue” on the Road – Navigating Elder Care […]

    Like

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“Surviving Sue”, a special story about resiliency and love: Eckhartz Press (paperback) and eBook on Amazon.

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Chicago Writers Association Speakers BureauWriting for Wellness; Navigating Elder Care with Grace & Humor; How to Create a Writing Platform; AI for Caregivers

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