SAVED BY THE ROPE By Charlotte Groarke

In 2010 a toastmaster friend encouraged me to write a book called "Cool Tips" sharing how to " take care of yourself" when supporting a loved one living with mental illness/addiction. I was honored to be asked to write the tips of self care that is versatile.

COOL TIP #1 of 10 tips - OH NO!- " Take 15 minutes a day just FOR YOU" - to walk in the park, soak in a bubble bath, or grab a latte at your favorite shop. It's your choice.

This can be used when:

• you feel overwhelmed, lost and out of step

• doing routine expectations for success no longer seem achievable

You have choices: bury your head in the sand ( AKA denial) or wail " OH WOE ME" and assume the victim position...or you can "SNAP TO IT" and take creative action toward finding solutions.

The book is dedicated to all the families who attended Family Peer Support of Canadian Mental Health Association, Calgary, Alberta 1998- 2016.

Charlotte Groarke ( who celebrated her 97th Birthday recently) was one of the peer supporters when I was facilitating weekly family peer sessions. Raising 9 children, her wisdom, insights and energy was a gift to the group. Her youngest daughter was diagnosed with Schizoeffective who spoke at several sessions sharing how she managed her illness with the support of her mom.

TITLE: Saved By The Rope - Extraordinaire Poem Writer Charlotte Groarke

      As we sit around a table

There may be gloom in the room.

        We are a festering fellowship of pain.

On every face, sadness and strain.

      We understand each other.

All have been there, in despair,

And found a stair to climb,

Slowly from the bottom of the pit.

        Mona hands a rope of hope

To each in turn.

And rope by rope

We pull together.

        The top is hard to reach.

The stairs are steep.

We slip and slide

And grasp the rope again.

        We cheer each other on

And slowly it is gone.

The fellowship of pain

           No longer festering.

         But warm and loving,

In the gentle way

Only a fellow sufferer can understand.

Never judging.

THANK YOU CHARLOTTE AND ALL THE PEER SUPPORTERS

of YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FUTURE

SPECIAL TRIBUTE TO:

#Karen Tober - editor

#Debbie Elickson - Project Manager

#Charlotte Groarke

#Toastmasters/Friends Supporters

#Supports in Self-Directed Peer Support

#CFS Team Support

Contact Mona - mona.cooley@coolfamilysolutions.com or complete our family dynamics sheet available at our website to book a 30 minute complimentary session - www.coolfamilysolutions.com