My Carer poems...

Hi guys, with time spent at home again, I've been in a reflective mood and...with Carers Week upon us, I dug around the blog for my Carer poems....here!

Having just received the report from the 'Carers' Parliament 2013' through the post, I've settled on this one, it's the one I wrote and delivered at the first Carers Rally in Edinburgh over five years ago - I can't believe it's been that long!
Check me out in the fetching 'Tartan and high-vis' vest! lol

‘Just a little Peace’

We don’t need any help, we’re managing fine,
Pile it on…pile it on…never look for a sign.
Carers work on with not much of a break,
They continue to care for a loved ones sake.

As the caring goes on and the load does increase,
God send us some respite, just a little peace.
Some time to go walking, kicking leaves in the park,
even just sleeping when everything’s dark.
The caring continues deep into the night,
we struggle and strive and continue to fight.
For help it is out there or so we are told,
but trying to find it...you need to be bold.

Some time for a break, to do something new.
Maybe just sit still and take time for you.
Reading a book or watching a show,
Finish something, not having to go.
As the caring goes on and the load does increase,
God send us some respite, just a little peace.

It’s not easy to spot us, we look just like you.
Carers are working and constantly too.
When others go home at the end of the day,
We still keep on working, minus the pay.
Please listen now, it’s so easy to find,
Yourself as a Carer and stuck in this bind.
Nobody knows how, it just happens unplanned,
as quick as that jar with the small grains of sand.

Heed what we say as we carry on,
caring and struggling way past the dawn.
we know lots of Carers who live in this way,
it’s not what they asked for, this role that they play.

Some time to themselves it’s not much to expect.
It’s down to government and Scottish Exec.
Some help with this task that never seems to cease.
as caring goes on and the load does so increase,
please send them some respite and just a little peace…

It still kinda covers all that I want to say. We've a long way still to go!
Keep strong my friends,
(((hugs)))
Maz

Carers circle of support...

Hi Guys, with all this talk of a more personalised care model on the horizon, I'm feeling more optimistic!

Maybe the thoughts and hopes in my poem will reflect life for Carers in the future and just maybe we can avoid the pain and suffering of that unsupported place I call the black hole...

‘The Carers Circle’

We care because we love.
We love because we care,
It’s as natural as breathing in freshest Air.
To love, hope and strive and continue to care.

This circle of caring, life, love and hope.
That’s what helps us continue and aids us to cope.
There’s another circle, it’s hopeless and bleak, a black hole.
It pulls down Carers, and so saddens their soul.

Some support is needed to help Carers through.
Please make sure they get it, it’s all up to you.
We can help with support and speak our mind.
For one day as Carers ourselves we may find.

By Maz

I honestly do feel, we Carers are living in a kind of circle at times and I wish we all had access to a huge circle of support too!

I hope you liked the poem!
(((hugs)))
Maz x

Meetings, Ponderings and poems...

Hi Guys, so...how did it go today at the meeting with my Local Authority? Well...pretty good in my opinion!
I managed to raise some points and speak up for Carers so I'm happy!

Today helped remind me of the time I joined with other Carers from all over Scotland to march and rally at our Parliament. Is it really two years ago? I hadn't realised but it was over two years ago my wee Carer group made the trip to Edinburgh and spoke up for themselves...so exactly what has changed? Have things improved at all for Carers?

Well, financially things are much the same - not good.
Carers allowance is still the lowest paid pension of all and really isn't fit for purpose anymore. Many of our politicians have said as much themselves and on numerous occasions too but it's still a real big issue that needs attention and the sooner the better!

On a positive note though, Carers have become more vocal and now do have some confidence to take on the big Care Agencies, the Local Authorities and the N.H.S. too for that matter. I think more and more often Carers are realising they have to step up and be prepared to lobby for changes and better services.

Two years ago a consultation which included both Carers and Service-Users would have been unheard of. Social Workers and their managers would have gone away wrote a document and probably said - take it or leave it!  This time around...this just has not happened!
The council, have actively engaged and asked Carers for their opinion on what does and doesn't work and that's a major mind-shift and has to be great news for Carers!

I think the poem I wrote two years ago for the march on parliament is still so very real and apt today, I guess we still have a lot more to do don't we...

Here's my poem...

*** ‘Just a little Peace’***

We don’t need any help, we’re managing fine,
Pile it on…pile it on…never look for a sign.
Carers work on with not much of a break,
They continue to care for a loved ones sake.

As the caring goes on and the load does increase,
God send us some respite, just a little peace.
Some time to go walking, kicking leaves in the park,
even just sleeping when everything’s dark.
The caring continues deep into the night,
we struggle and strive and continue to fight.
For help it is out there or so we are told,
but trying to find it...you need to be bold.

Some time for a break, to do something new.
Maybe just sit still and take time for you.
Reading a book or watching a show,
Finish something, not having to go.
As the caring goes on and the load does increase,
God send us some respite, just a little peace.


It’s not easy to spot us, we look just like you.
Carers are working and constantly too.
When others go home at the end of the day,
We still keep on working, minus the pay.
Please listen now, it’s so easy to find,
Yourself as a Carer and stuck in this bind.
Nobody knows how, it just happens unplanned,
as quick as that jar with the small grains of sand.


Heed what we say as we carry on,
caring and struggling way past the dawn.
we know lots of Carers who live in this way,
it’s not what they asked for, this role that they play.


Some time to themselves it’s not much to expect.
It’s down to government and Scottish Exec.
Some help with this task that never seems to cease.
as caring goes on and the load does so increase,
please send them some respite and just a little peace…

It still kinda covers all that I want to say.
Stay strong,
(((Hugs)))
Maz x

Carers and Angels...

Hi Guys, I came upon this quote again today an thought I'd share!

It's funny but when I'm kinda struggling and things are a bit difficult, I seem to stumble across this quote or maybe this quote just seems to find me!



We are each of us angels, with only one wing. We can only fly by embracing each other.

*Luciano De Crescenzo*

Isn't that a pretty phrase?
I think so!

It always inspires me and I think it's really so very apt for Carers.
I find it quite uplifting and some how it makes me feel stronger!

However I find it or for that matter it finds me, I'm just glad that it does keep popping up from time to time!

(((hugs)))
Maz x

Carer's Christmas song...

Hi Guys!

Well, it is that time of year yet again! LOL

so...here goes!

When you’re a Carer (sung to: Frosty the snowman!)

When you’re a Carer
You need to keep on top.
You’re a doctor, nurse and chemist too,
Everything seems left to you.

When you’re a Carer
Forget about your own life.
It’s second place, if you’ve got space,
muddled in with all the strife.

(Change tune!)
It’s thanks to other Carers
That we manage to stay sane.
It’s only other Carers who,
can understand the strain!

When you’re a Carer
Strength is needed too.
A helping hand and a smile or two
And the Carers sail on through!

My little Carer group sang this last week to entertain other Carers!

Sending some happy Christmassy thoughts your way!

(((hugs)))
maz x

My Poem on Carer's ...

Hi Guys, I was trawling my P.C. hard-drive and came across some more of my poems so I decided to share...


‘The Carers Circle’

We care because we love.
We love because we care,
It’s as natural as breathing in freshest Air.
To love, hope and strive and continue to care.

This circle of caring, life, love and hope.
That’s what helps us continue and aids us to cope.
There’s another circle, it’s hopeless and bleak, a black hole.
It pulls down Carers, and so saddens their soul.

Some support is needed to help Carers through.
Please make sure they get it, it’s all up to you.
We can help with support and speak our mind.
For one day as Carers ourselves we may find.

By Maz

I honestly do feel, we Carers are living in a kind of circle at times.
I Wish we all had a huge circle of support too!


I hope you liked the poem!

Keep strong,
(hugs)))
Maz x

Carer Poems...

Hi guys, I mentioned in my 2009 relection post, I'd had my poems published with funding from the N.H.S.
More information here, it's to help find hidden Carers and encourage them to seek out some help and support any way they can!
Here's one of my poems from the booklet and it's kinda apt that it's here on a web blog as it's about Carers supporting each other on the Internet!


Carers Connect…

I am a Carer and someone’s wife,
The person I care for still shares my life.
We’ve been through the wars my loved one and me,
It seems such a long time so far back to see.

When first you’re caring it’s all raw and new,
lots of appointments and hospitals too.
In early days you still hope for a cure,
but as time keeps going hopes get fewer and fewer.

Pills and potions giving anything a try,
therapies and treatments to help you get by.
Nothing is working and time still goes on,
Keep struggling and striving into each dawn.

When meeting friends who in years you’ve not saw,
They ask how things are but talking is raw.
They can’t understand and what support can they show,
of an lifestyle we hope they won’t ever need to know.

Information is power, we all need to know,
best ways of coping, for help where to go.
‘Selfish Pigs Guide’* is a good book I read,
it changed me completely, the things that it said.

It told about Carers, people like me,
millions all out there, why couldn’t I see…
I’m not on my own, lots of Carers I’ve met,
They chat and connect via the Internet.

It takes some time to build confidence too,
And state, I’m a Carer’ and that’s what I do.
It’s not who I am but it is a big part.
Carers keep caring body, soul and heart.

*The Selfish Pigs Guide to Caring is written by Hugh Marriott It's a wonderful book if you're new or even not so new to caring.
I hope you get a chance to read it or borrow it from the local library, honestly it's so worth the effort!

maz x

Reflection on 2009...

Hi Guys, I found these questions on Carer, worker, mother, wife's blog and found them interesting so I've decided on a little 2009 reflection myself...

What was your biggest triumph in 2009?
Getting my Carer poems published with funding from NHS

What was the smartest decision you made in 2009?
To employ some time managment.

What one word best sums up and describes your 2009 experience?
Roller-coaster!LOL

What was the greatest lesson you learned in 2009?
If you try...sometimes, you get what you need!

What was the most loving service you performed in 2009?
Supported my mum, made her smile and shop! during her own health issues this year.

What is your biggest piece of unfinished business in 2009?
Carer poverty is still very much an unfinished issue.

What are you most happy about completing in 2009?
The march down the Royal mile and speaking at the parliament rally.

Who were the three people that had the greatest impact on your life in 2009?
*Coo, who constantly struggles and all with a smile that reminds me every day why I love him.
*My mum, she's battled with cancer this year and smiled on through tough times too.
*Looby - without her willingness to help, I'd never have any respite or sleep time!

What was the biggest risk you took in 2009?
Signing up for a local island sponsored walk - I didn't think I'd make it all the way around the island but I did...eventually!

What was the biggest surprise in 2009?
A wonderful gift of a relaxing spa day from Coo's mum!

What important relationship improved the most in 2009?
My Dad and I, we've always been close but he was so proud I spoke out for Carers at the Parliament!

What compliment would you liked to have received in 2009?
I like your Carer prose - very powerful...and I got it too from a work colleague!
What compliment would you liked to have given in 2009?
To Coo - you are everything, your star still shines brightly, you're still the one and I love you.

What else do you need to do or say to be complete with 2009?
I'm not sad 2009 has gone.
It's been a bit of a roller coaster ride for sure but we've both come out stronger than ever and still with a smile too!
Speaking of which...
Now, do these birds look like a pretty cool smile to you? LOL

Keep smiling and stay strong!
maz x

That Drug See-Saw again...

Hi guys,
That dreaded drug see-saw, all these up'n'downs! it's more like a yo-yo at the minute! LOL
It's just as well we waited on the blood results before adjusting any meds!
Coo's AED (Anti Epilepsy Drug) has show a sharp dip and we can't account for it.

He doesn't have any of the usual suspects, you know the ones...cough, cold, temperature or virus so God only knows what's causing it this time!

I've contacted his E-Nurse for some advice but for the moment it's hard hat and flap jacket time again and just hope things either peak - the sniffles arrive or they begin to level out again.

Hear's hoping!

Other news...
I've recently been working with a couple of other Carers on a book of poems and verses and I'm so excited as we've had word it's going to be published soon!

Our local NHS Trust supported the project and helped us along and best of all...the booklets will be ready for the printers in the next week! wooo hooo!

The books are going out to Community Buildings, Carer Centres, Doctors Surgeries and Libraries so they'll be around and about!

Some of my poems have already been posted from time to time here on the blog but it'll be real nice to see them all together and in print!

I guess the roller coaster ride continues! LOL
It is nice to hear some good news though isn't it!

I hope you get some good news too!

maz x

Carers find their voice...

The march was a blast...not that you should use that word regarding a parliament visit - but it was! LOL

We left from the coast at 10 o'clock and arrived in at edinburgh at quarter past twelve.
The weather behaved, I'm so glad the sun came out as it made the march much more enjoyable!

Here's some pics...you can't miss me!
I'm the one in the eye-catching fashion combo...
Red Tartan and hi-vis yellow vest,




Making our way down the 'Royal Mile'





Well, I guess I was visible! LOL



Let's hope our government listens...






We are now officially youtube stars!LOL

Carers Speak

April 22nd is a date we now know,
That Carers took action and to Parliament did go!
Well Carers at last decided to speak.
To tell of their issues and the help they seek.

From all corners of the land,
They were at Parliament as planned.
It’s so sad they needed to take to the street.
To plead and inform all they could meet.

The question is will our government take heed,
of struggling Carers stressed and in need.
Who knows, we will see.
What will be will be,
but surely someone will help with this burden of theirs.
After all, dear Lord, there must be at least one who cares!

It’s a long hard fight and we’ll struggle on through.
Please remember Carers for it so could be you.

Maz x

Carers and the Parliament...

Hi guys!

My Carer group are gearing up for the visit to the Parliament.

Today we were making up our banners so everyone will know who we are - we're a shy lot really! LOL

Our own MSP (Irene Oldfather), won't be there on the day as she is in Brussells but we've found another one to step in and meet with us on the day so we'll be fine.

It was a bit of a panic though as without an MSP, people can't get any further than the foyer area so I'm glad we found someone else willing to lend a hand!

Well, our bus is booked and we found a driver willing to take us up to the capital so we are all set.

I am saying a few words and reading my poem.

I'm getting a wee bit jittery about speaking at the parliament but I'm ok...I'm sure it'll all be fine once I get going!LOL

The press and the T.V. people have agreed to cover the day in both Edinburgh and London so watch out on the news! maybe you'll see us all!

Incidently, we will be wearing tartan and our banners all say North Ayrshire, Three Towns Carers.

Good Luck to all who are marching and speaking out, we'll do it for those others who just can't get there themselves!
Wish us luck!

maz x

Poem: Carers and Flowers...

Hi guys, another of my poems with all the hassles over the last few week I've been in a bit of a pensive mood...

‘Caring Flowers’

The strong flower in some,
strives to reach for the sun,
to push for the best of funding and rest.
While timid souls stop in shock and ask why?
all their precious petals just curl up and die.

Carers nurture another, a wife or a brother,
some friend, maybe neighbour or kin.
They struggle and care,
On a wing and a prayer,
no support, for the Carer within.

So hard to understand,
the deal of this hand.
So easy to find,
your in such demand.
An accident or illness is all that it takes
And just like most Carers, your life hits the breaks.

To let Carers flower,
We need to empower.
To help them continue their role,
In safety and comfort,
with less of a struggle,
that should be our far reaching goal.


Don’t sit on the side,
And this issue hide.
We all need some kindness
And support, it’s so true.
Look closely at Carers,
It so could be you.

We Carers need to remember to keep carefully tending the flowers in our own soul too!

Take care of you!
Love
maz x

My Carer Protest Poem...

The fight goes on...

I'm involved with the group trying to get some justice and support for Carers.
We're marching on both parliaments in London and Edinburgh on April 22nd.

There's more information here too - we've been busy! LOL

Our march and rally is really to raise awareness of Carer issues, the low level of Carer Allowance and the fact that once you reach pension age, you will continue caring probably until your own health fails or you drop but our government says your a pensioner now so you no longer qualify for Carers Allowance anymore!

Now where's the justice in that?

Another issue we're protesting about is the lack of services and respite to enable Carers to continue in such a difficult caring role long term.

So to aid the cause I've penned a poem.
I've given permission for someone else to read it on my behalf in London as I will be reading it in Edinburgh at practically the same time and I haven't mastered being in two places at once...yet! LOL

Here's a sneaky peek...

‘Just a little Peace’

We don’t need any help, we’re managing fine,
Pile it on…pile it on…never look for a sign.
Carers work on with not much of a break,
They continue to care for a loved ones sake.

As the caring goes on and the load does increase,
God send us some respite, just a little peace.
Some time to go walking, kicking leaves in the park,
even just sleeping when everything’s dark.
The caring continues deep into the night,
we struggle and strive and continue to fight.
For help it is out there or so we are told,
but trying to find it...you need to be bold.

Some time for a break, to do something new.
Maybe just sit still and take time for you.
Reading a book or watching a show,
Finish something, not having to go.
As the caring goes on and the load does increase,
God send us some respite, just a little peace.

It’s not easy to spot us, we look just like you.
Carers are working and constantly too.
When others go home at the end of the day,
We still keep on working, minus the pay.
Please listen now, it’s so easy to find,
Yourself as a Carer and stuck in this bind.
Nobody knows how, it just happens unplanned,
as quick as that jar with the small grains of sand.

Heed what we say as we carry on,
caring and struggling way past the dawn.
we know lots of Carers who live in this way,
it’s not what they asked for, this role that they play.

Some time to themselves it’s not much to expect.
It’s down to government and Scottish Exec.
Some help with this task that never seems to cease.
as caring goes on and the load does so increase,
please send them some respite and just a little peace…

It kinda covers all that I want to say.


If you can't make the march please sign the petition as every name counts!

We all must stand together.

Let's hope for some sunshine, lolly pops and rainbowns!

A positive thinking,
maz x

Inspiration...

I came across a quote today which made me smile.
It's so apt for Carers that I wanted to share it with you.



We are each of us angels, with only one wing. We can only fly by embracing each other.
Luciano De Crescenzo


Isn't that a pretty poem?
I thought you'd like it!


Carers do such an important job, giving up a chunk of their time and sometimes their dreams to help another person and sadly, they don't always get the appreciation they truly deserve.

My granny used to say: "never mind hen, they're up there shinning up your halo!"
When I think of that, it makes me smile as sure as can be they were up there shinning hers too!
My granny died in a December and I miss her especially near Christmas time.
It's true what they say though, they're never really gone, while you can remember them with a memory and a smile.

Take care,
Love,
maz x