Page 1
Page 2
Page 3
Page 4
Page 5
Page 6
Page 7
Page 8
Page 9
Page 10
Page 11
Page 12
Opening up new lines of communication and finding a precious gift As hes taken care of his mother Audrey Paul Schultz has found that the greatest treasure has been getting to know her. Our parents never tell us the full story about their lives about the regrets the hard parts of their childhood says Paul who lives with his mother. Now that were together and my mother has to trust me more Ive been able to hear all about her life. Paul took on his caregiving role several years ago. As the only single Schultz sibling he says it was a no-brainer for him to step up. She went through a lot for us kids he notes. This is my turn. It hasnt always been easy. Audrey 84 suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among other ailments. Paul notes that his main challenges involve helping her stay positive and convincing her that caregiving isnt a duty he truly wants to take care of her. That can be frustrating. In comparison dealing with the medical stuff is easy he says. But at the same time Ive been given something priceless Ive gotten to know my mother as a human being. Not all of us are able to do that. The teamwork approach As a small town police officer and cashier at the local grocery store the Sundvalls always got by on a modest income. When Martin Zooner Sundvall was rendered paraplegic by a rare autoimmune neurological disorder he and his wife Sue took on the challenge as a team. A good example is how they managed the issue of transportation. When Zooner couldnt get in the car anymore we went to a mobility expo and learned it was possible to convert our new minivan into a ramp van says Sue. In addition to converting the van they purchased a mobility scooter for Zooner and also took the major step of building a new accessible home. He would get in his scooter and check on the builders progress Sue says. It was a great outlet for him. That level of creativity served them well for many years. They were fortunate to be able to make these modifications while enjoying their life together. Sue took full-time care of her husband for 12 years until he passed away in January 2015. Sue cherishes how she and Zooner worked and planned together. On one hand doing so allowed them to stay together under one roof something they both wanted. At the same time something as instrumental as a rail lift system in their home also saved them from an estimated 300000 in assisted living costs. Today Sue is determined to give back. She serves on the board of a local organization that helps people live independently and she regularly offers counsel to other caregivers. I have a strong sense of responsibility to pass on what I learned she notes. Challenges make you stronger they make you realize how good you have it. Paul Schultz Sue Sundvall Congratulations to David Allen Payne of Cincinnati OH David who cares for his spouse was among those who completed the caregiving survey in the previous issue of HONOR. His name was drawn as the winner of a 50 Visa gift card. 7degreeofhonor.com Winter 2016 HONOR