By Vena Stewart-Semprie


​My inspiration to write this book is based on my own life experience and the many challenges navigating through a very difficult pathway. My desire to share the difficulties and rewards of care giving is to pay it forward so readers can think of the road ahead and be better prepared to deal with care giving challenges of family members.  Let’s face it; care giving is here to stay.
Simply put, I struggled for very many years before I got a handle on my situation, I did not know what to do. I am not a nurse, psychologist, social worker, nor do I have a designation in health services. What I do have is a wealth of practical experiences and an abundance of healthy, support of stories from caregivers in my support groups, comments on my website and caregivers whose experiences are shared. I read articles relating to care giving, books and research related topics for continuous learning.
My greatest challenge came in 1992 when care giving became my new reality. Prior to that I cared for our four children and longed for the day when I will escape care giving. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.
When the universe throws you a curve ball that you were totally unprepared to play life can become adventurous.

​Vena Stewart-Semprie is a new author caring for her husband inflicted with multiple sclerosis for over 23 years. Her struggles and triumphs have inspired her to share her personal experience with the world so caregivers/carers will be better prepared to deal with challenging times.
Her recently published book Caregiver Triumphant - How to Overcome Stress and thrive in your role as a family caregiver is available on Amazon.
In addition she has a blog in support of caregivers to help them cope in caring for their loved ones http://caringforcaregiver.com

My inspiration to write this book is based on my own life experience and the many challenges navigating through a very difficult pathway. My desire to share the difficulties and rewards of care giving is to pay it forward so readers can think of the road ahead and be better prepared. Simply put, I struggled for many years because I did not know what to do.
I am not a nurse, psychologist, social worker, nor do I have a designation in health services. What I do have is a wealth of practical experiences and an abundance of healthy, support of stories from caregivers
in my support groups, comments on my website and caregivers whose experiences are shared. I read articles relating to care giving, books and research related topics for continuous learning.

My greatest challenge came in 1992 when care giving became my new reality. Prior to that I cared for our four children and longed for the day when I will escape care giving. Unfortunately, it was not meant to be.

My husband, a detective with Toronto Police Service was diagnosed with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis in 1992. This diagnosis shattered him and devastatingly impacted our entire family. Four years after the diagnosis my husband retired from policing.
Not knowing how to deal with my new circumstances I got stronger every day navigating through whatever had to be done to keep our family going. My goal was to ensure that our children get a good education.

Thankfully, they all graduated from university and are now contributing members of society.
I became a member of the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and joined a local chapter in my neighbourhood. I must learn all I can about multiple sclerosis to understand what we're dealing with.  I started to attend meetings at the chapter and realized that everyone was in the same situation, carrying a tremendous stress load and had little to no communication at home about the elephant in the room. We were all very sad, emotionally drained and broken. I had to do something more for myself and for my support group.
 
I developed some personal friendships within the group and we spoke at length. The conversation always started off with frustration, stress, anxiety followed by tears. By the time the conversation was over there was relief, laughter and a better perspective. My friends often thanked me for listening and making them feel better

Moving forward, I decided to start a blog (http://caringforcaregiver.com) helping caregivers to navigate through their complex role. I trust that the information posted will impact caregivers and all readers in a positive way. Ultimately, I wish to make a difference in the lives of caregivers everywhere. We undertake a very important responsibility that is often  undervalued and underappreciated.
Also, I remind caregivers that taking care of you should be your No.1 priority. To be better able to take care of your loved ones, you must first take care of you. 

​David j. McMullen:
Who am I – good question, I wonder that myself sometimes.
Well what I am is an Aussie author/songwriter (more a lyricist than a songwriter although I do play guitar, most would say not very well, but I can come up with a melody). My family tree is littered with literary folk, the best known being the much revered iconic Australian author/poet, Henry Lawson – so I guess I was always destined to be a wordsmith!
I was born in Tasmania – my mother was Tasmanian born, my father a US Marine from The Bronx in New York:

Where is Tasmania I hear you ask – Tassie is an island state off the south coast of Australia with rolling green hills and large areas of pristine wilderness much of which still unexplored and untouched by man – a secluded paradise with a climate/landscape much like England often referred to as The England of the south.

I have been writing ever since I could hold a pen: I have so much unpublished work you could probably fill The Library of Congress with it. But I also have a fair catalogue of published works which include two collections of poetry: Oz Words & Oz Words Too. A Children’s Illustrated Picture Book: Eucalypt Stew on which I collaborated with Michelle Molinari – one of Australia’s finest up and coming multi award winning young artists. A book of song lyrics: Just Add Music – for those musicians out there in need of a little lyrical inspiration. And my latest endeavor: A fictional journey through the 60’s 70’s music era, The Fearless Five trilogy which follows the characters through three distinct periods of their teenage hood. The first book ‘The Fearless Five – One Up’ as young teens, the second ‘The Fearless Five - A Journey of Discovery’ as mid-teens, and the last book in the trilogy, ‘The Fearless Five – Searching for a Niche’ when they are late teens and conquering the world with their unique blend of Blues & Rock through their band, Constellation J.

My song writing came about as a consequence of my books. I needed to write the lyrics for the songs the characters “wrote/sang” in the story – so to cut a long story short I wrote the soundtrack to the story, which included the fictional album, ‘Universe’ that, in the story,  the band recorded in LA, as well as a number of other tracks “written” by the characters in the books. I had the entire soundtrack recorded, capturing the sound/feel of the era, using experienced musicians in both Australia and The USA.  Many of them can be heard @ http://soundcloud.com/jamsongs
All my books are available @ http://davidjmcmullen.com as well as bookstores and all the online sites.
I am currently working on a follow up to The Fearless Five trilogy. A novel entitled ‘The Jordie Harper Hang-Up’ – it’s a continuation of the story. The music goes on!  
Feedback: Yes please – on my books, on the songs I’ve created @ [email protected]