My wife, Laura, has been my caregiver for the past 16 years. I believe caregivers have the toughest jobs. As the patient, I know my job. I take my meds, listen to my doctors and take care of myself. Of course there is more, but you get the point. The caregiver’s role is much more complicated. There is no playbook on being a caregiver. At least as a patient, I get some patient pamphlets.

We can never forget the caregivers that are living around us. They could be your neighbor. They could be your coworker, who is not only working a full time job, but is then going home to take care of a loved one. They could be in your own family. They are the unsung heroes. I want to encourage everyone who knows a caregiver, to make sure they are taking care of themselves. Most of the time, they are so focused on caring for their loved one they forget to take care of themselves. Here are a few ways you can help a caregiver in your life.

***Volunteer to sit with their loved one, so they can have some time to themselves.

***Offer to go grocery shopping for them. Or sit with their loved one, so they can go grocery shopping.

***Offer to give their loved one a ride to an appointment. So many caregivers are taking time off from work to take their loved one to doctors appointments, treatments or therapy.

***Offer to clean their house or pay for their house to be cleaned.

***Offer to cook for them. Start a Meal Train.

There are many other ways to help, these are just a few. I encourage everyone to reach out to a caregiver and offer a helping hand. The focus tends to be on the patient and sometimes we forget about the caregiver. Please do not let a caregiver walk the journey alone. ~OC

Good morning! I am planning my 2019 Speaking Schedule. My story is about hope, encouragement and overcoming. If you would be interested in hearing more about my crazy/beautiful journey, feel free to click on the Booking Information Page. I would love to speak with you. ~OC

If you have a roof over your head, be Thankful.

If you are waking up in a warm bed this morning, be Thankful.

If you have access to food today, be Thankful.

If you have a working vehicle, be Thankful.

If you have people who love and care for you, be Thankful.

If you have some money in the bank, be Thankful.

If you have a job, be Thankful.

If you have healthcare insurance, be Thankful.

If you woke up this morning and took a breath, be Thankful. ~OC

Today’s a new day! A true friend is someone who knows the story of your life and is not afraid to start the next chapter with you. ~OC

I have been given many nicknames over the years. I have shared some of those nicknames in a earlier post. Besides the nicknames, I am also known for wearing t-shirts with a message. It is something I started doing after I had to retire early, based on my health issues. For years, I had to wear dress shirts and ties. I actually loved dressing up for work. But after being forced to retire, I decided I would start wearing t-shirts that had a message, a conversation starter. Most of the t-shirts I wear are about encouraging people, fighting human trafficking or social justice issues. It is amazing how many conversations have been started by one of my t-shirts. So the next time you buy a t-shirt or put one on, think about what message you might be sending. What kind of conversations do you want to start? ~OC

Today’s a new day! During my days as a marathon runner, all the hours of training and painful muscles were worth it when I added another mile to my total and when I crossed the finish line and received my finisher’s medal. I loved every minute of running.

Today, God has me running a new race. This race doesn’t consist of miles run or a finisher’s medal. This new race consists of encouraging others, as we run the crazy/beautiful journey God has us all traveling. Sometimes, there is still some pain and discomfort involved, but it is all worth it. When I am able to pray for someone as they face one of life’s storms, it is all worth it. When I am able to help someone navigate the world of health insurance and doctors appointments, it is all worth it. When I am able to rejoice with someone after they defeat that life storm, it is all worth it.

I still miss lacing up my running shoes and going out for a nice run. I still miss the excitement of marathon mornings. I still miss the excitement of crossing the finish line and having that finisher’s medal placed around my neck. I suppose I will always miss my running days. I believe God has me running the race He has planned for me, at this time. But, I still have my running shoes, just in case my miracle comes and God allows me to run again. Go run your race! ~OC

Praying everyone has a day filled with beautiful moments and God’s blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! ~OC

Creating a beautiful moment does not require much money, time or planning, yet the memory can last a lifetime. Those moments can shape who we are and who we become. Laura and I have experienced many amazing moments during our crazy/beautiful journey. What are some of your favorite memory moments? ~OC

I continuously make mistakes. I say the wrong thing or do the wrong thing. I am never enough. Do you ever feel that way? Want some good news? God still loves us and says we are already enough. ~OC

Today’s a new day! I know God’s sweet peace. I have felt it many times. It surrounds my body like a warm blanket. ~OC