Elder Dreemers Project, Papa

We went to Phoenix' home town to visit with her Papa for the weekend. He has suffered a brain tumor and several strokes, making mobility difficult and this means he spends most of his time indoors. Papa is full of beautiful stories of the adventures he used to have when he was younger and more able, but now he considers it too much of a hassle to do outside of his routine most of the time. Of course this is no way to live out your life, especially at only 56 years old.

So we decided to challenge Papa and created a homework assignment that he and we did - to create a list of at least 3 Dreems that you have and want to accomplish. At dinner that night we shared our Dreems with each other, and immediately set up a plan to fulfill one of his: To take a day trip to Bass Lake, where he met Phoenix' grandmother.

Such a day trip seems simple enough for most people, but with his handicap it can be a very difficult thing to do for him. But we encouraged him and kept him motivated until we were ready to take off. He navigated the whole ride and then we all spent the day in the sun by the lake, with sandwiches and lemonade for lunch!



It's such a tragedy that elderly and handicap people feel trapped or limited in their ability to create their Dreems. Goals and desires don't stop with age, mental, or physical handicap. This is why it is my desire to have a department of Dreem Reality's focus be to the wellness and Dreem accomplishment of the elderly and handicap population.

This department would provide services such as:

• Wellness education/training
• Goal awareness and achievement
• Social connection and activities
• Assisted Independence Training (Bill refinement, document translation, financial training, etc)

Presently, I am looking getting him involved in the local senior center for social and physical activities. Perhaps Dreem Reality can provide services to help set up such things for elderly and/or people with handicaps.

~Dani

Dreem Reality Hiatus

It has come to our attention that right now we (the directors) aren't ready to organize this non-profit yet. We hope to keep it alive, like a glowing ember, ready for us to stoke it when we are prepared.

The project ideas are still flowing through excited brainstorms, but as far as creating something "official" - that's on hold for now.

Here's an idea that I'm really excited to pursue eventually as it pertains to the senior programs that was discussed at one of the last meetings: Stroke Victim Group Walks. Again starting "locally", Phoenix' grandfather has had several strokes and is working on improving his strength, flexibility, and independence. It occurred to me last week that a Stroke Group Walk would be motivational to the walkers, and therapeutic in physical, emotional, and social ways! Eventually, with success and growth of the program, we could have volunteer physical therapists chaperon the group and make suggestions for stretching and such. Perhaps even have other types of volunteers that could give them advice and techniques while walking.

That idea and others will continue to come and when we are ready to take on this project fully, WE WILL! Preparation is an essential part to creating your Dreem, and we are taking the time necessary to prepare fully to be successful.

Until next time...

~Dani