So the WSA helped you a lot! Please join!

[Richard]

So the WSA helped you a lot! Please join! You can sign up here:

http://www.wellspouse.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=30&Itemid=30

For just $25 a year (or $45 for 2 years) you can help us bring more support to more spousal caregivers. One of our biggest challenges is to make the lives of spousal caregivers better known -- to the public, and especially to ill spouses and their s.c.'s who don't even know they are well past Caregiving 101, and in over their heads!

Please read on, for the background to this call for a big increase in membership:

Dee asked an important question in a recent post, here:

http://www.wellspouse.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5530

How do people avoid offending the ill spouse, when they're trying to pass on info. about the WSA to their spousal caregiver?
It warmed my heart to see so many people replying and affirming how much the WSA has helped them.

The personal approach is the best, of course.
By all means, hand out business cards, download the WSA pamphlet, or the complimentary Mainstay issue, and call the Office to get printed copies of both.

We all meet people that fit this description --

He acknowledges being a WS, but "everything is just fine".

In a recent study it was found that of all family caregivers, spousal caregivers are the last to self-identify -- i.e. to tell others that they are caregivers.

Well, the reason for this post is to say, that if the WSA can begin meeting this big challenge, and raise public awareness of the life of the spousal caregiver -- with your help -- you will find it easier to talk to others about the emotional needs, in particular, for yourself and other s.c.'s , and to promote the value of the WSA in helping meet these needs.

Remember, membership in the WSA Forum is free, provided by the WSA, but a paid WSA membership will bring more benefits for you, such as our newsletter, Mainstay, AND also help us to do more outreach.

AND, as a bonus, there will be fewer offended ill spouses out there -- simply because one can't be offended by something that is common knowledge and makes common sense -- When one is sick, two need help!

Thank you!

[Guest]

guilt guilt guilt

thank you for the reminder, Richard.

Yet once again I have let my membership lapse.

[OldNTired]

Yet once again I have let my membership lapse.

Ha! Suddenly I don't feel so bad. I realized that mine, too, has been lapsed for a few months.

Thanks for the tactful reminder, Richard.

[noodle3]

It took me many months using this forum to realize that there was a membership to WSA that was separate from just using the forum.

I love the Mainstay newsletter, and got so much out of the national conference sponsored by Well Spouse Association. Thanks Richard and the others who volunteer to keep this organization available.

Gee, my January visit to my counselor cost $265.00 (deductible not yet met .)

I think $25 a YEAR is a bargain for all the help I get from WSA !!!!!
noodle

[jj]

Me too ! Mahalo (thank you) for WSA ! And Richard for posting the reminder. I'd planned on joining right after I started using the site and then got so wrapped up in eveyone and everything here I forgot. Can't wait to get my first issue of Mainstay.

jj

[Kronberg]

Like noodle,

It took me many months using this forum to realize that there was a membership to WSA that was separate from just using the forum.

Guilty. How I wish I could find $25 for a membership. This willl have to go on my wish list for now. Trying to keep warm; WC4 has no lunch money for tomorrow. Poverty sucks!

[speedygal]

Thanks for the reminder. I paid my dues. I was always putting it off. How convenient for ME. Anyway I've reformed.

[Guest]

Hello all I'm a major lurker, I've been here for at least 2 years or more and I too had no idea there was a membership to WSA. I quickly found the signup page and paid for 2 years and set it up to autopay. I would have paid 3 times the amount to know that I can help in some small way the place that has help me me so very much. I can come here and know that someone is feeling my pain and knows EXACTLY what I'm going thru. The countless times I've come here with questions and find the answers without ever having to ask. My life would be so different if not for this place. So I'm glad to give whatever I can. I may not say much here but I am grateful.

[Devotion and Hope]

How nice of you, Lilith. Welcome to posting. I hope you'll share more with us.

[Katt]

Lilith,

I remember some of your previous posts. It is good to hear from you.

I so agree that this place is just the ticket when things get rough.

Love to hear from you more.

Kat