All other content:
(back to - Gemini Glitter on pg. 1)
name: Kel Hartunian
date: 1.5.8
location: usa
pre-caregiver hobbies: listening to music.writing and performing music on the bass guitar.reading/discussing about science, music, technology, philosophy and how any/all of those relate to each other
post-caregiver hobbies: See all of the above.
etc.:
Hiya. I'm a co-founder of Ouchies and Gem's caregiver. My role in the group is to provide support like any member, but I also am here as a representative of the caregivers: the spouses, siblings, parents and friends out there who do what they can to help in the life of a person with a chronic or invisible disease.
Over the years since Gem and I have been together I've seen, both in real life and on online support venues that we participate in, that caregivers and close family members like any human beings have the capacity to be both good and bad, cruel and kind. The worst feeling for someone with an invisible condition is that the people around in their life cannot understand them.. or even actively disbelieving them. Education and understanding are the keys to success between ouchies and caregivers. I've seen my relationship with Gem transformed and deepened as I've learned and understood more about what she goes through and the ways that she relates to her situation.
So, the main thing I wanted to say here is please, if you have a caregiver in your life and you're planning on joining us in Second Life, go ahead and invite that person in your life to give Second Life a try as well. See you at the clubhouse!
(back to - Gemini Glitter on pg. 1)