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gifRichard Morgan Workshop

Leaving a Legacy: Your Spiritual Will

The 21st century is unlike any century we have ever known. The increased mobility of our times caused family dislocation, as the traditional family is being replaced by families separated by great distances. The shadow of 9/11 continues to lurk in our minds that causes us to think that unknown perils can strike us at any moment. Lost is the dream that we are safe in America from the pain and vulnerability of others. This makes all of us realize that life is short, we are all terminal, and we need to get our act together now.  Two truths become clear. Because death is always a reality we must live life to the fullest, cherish each day, and we need to leave something of ourselves behind for future generations.

Due to these realities, many people now want to leave a legacy that goes beyond material things, who-gets-what. They want to leave values, not just valuables. They want future generations to remember them by the beliefs they cherished and the lives they experienced. Alongside of inheritance wills and living wills, ethical or spiritual wills are being written by people of all ages.

Spiritual wills have the potential to affect multiple generations, so that you will be remembered hundreds of years from now. The Sioux Indians have a saying, "We will be known by the tracks we leave." What tracks will you we leave for our children, grandchildren, and future generations? By faded snapshots in a photo album? By a few sentences engraved on a tombstone? Only by the legacy of your wisdom, values and beliefs. This workshop helps persons to write their spiritual wills. or heartfelt letters. 

Dr. Morgan is available in libraries, churches, and other communities in the Greensburg-Monroeville, Pennsylvania area. You can contact him at (724-864-4205) or by email at writerrichard@verizon.net.

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Spiritual  Caregiving for Families and Persons with Dementia

We live in a country of caregivers.  22 million people  in America are caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The great majority of these are women, who  usually are the primary caregivers. Often sandwiched between aging parents, children and there work, these caregivers are subject to great stress. That number will  dramatically grow in the next few years unless a cure is found for these diseases of the brain. This workshop also gives a good description of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, so that the caregiver has information about the nature and treatment for their loves ones. Although a person's identity is taken away by this dreaded disease, their personhood remains. We need to go beyond the medical model to a person-centered model where spiritual care is added to medical care. As one Alzheimer's patient said to me, "Talk with me, for I'm still in here." Creative listening and going into their world creates incredible moments of   meaning for the care receiver and care giver as well. Anyone can learn communication skills for persons in all stages of Alzheimer's disease. We must learn their language before the lights go out.

Workshop 2

This workshop presents helpful ways to listen and talk with loved ones with dementia, even though they do not know you, their families or even themselves. It is also helpful for families who struggle with the 24-7 care of loved ones at home, and who need self-care. The care receiver can only be as healthy are the caregiver. It also helps caregivers wrestle with such issues as family rivalries, distant caregiving and when to make the decision to place the loved one in a care facility.

Dr. Morgan has taught classes at Westmoreland County Community College on spiritual caregiving for persons with dementia.

Dr. Morgan is available in libraries, churches, and other communities in the Greensburg-Monroeville, Pennsylvania area. You can contact him at (724-864-4205) or by email at writerrichard@verizon.net.


  
© Copyright  2007 - Richard L. Morgan