April 2014

We’re  all  Dorothy.

And  we’re  all  looking  overthe rainbow towards our fu tures.

But life changes in an instant.You or a loved one gets sick.

And  you’re  not  in  Kansas  anymore.

You meet a lot of new people, experience new cultures and learn new languages.

Some of these people are tru ly great.

But make no mistake -you are in the middle of a storm.

And navigating the system is nearly impossible -it is not a question of intelligence.

The healthcare system is intimidating.

And not every character is good.

There always seems to be someone blocking the door.

The weight of it all is almost too much to bear -for both the care recipient and their family.

And you often feel all alone on your journey.

We all need help , but from where?

Lots  of  time  to  think  when  you  are  sedated…

There is no great and powerful Oz.There is only you.

It’s  not  so  easy  to  go  home  again.

The good + bad in the healthcare system.

Compassion and heart, yes.But competitive and not altru istic.

Healthcare is a right - NOT an entitlement.

If  I’m  Dorothy,  why  does  everyonekeep treating me like Toto?

Accountability.

Foresight + planning = control.

Organization.

Advocacy.

Own it.

We are all Dorothy.

And our families need us to be better.

My over the rainbow.My no place like home.

Thank you.