Jan 24

Starting Your Own Cleaning Side Hustle

Starting Your Own Cleaning Side Hustle

Do you enjoy cleaning?  Maybe you are great at organizing unruly spaces. Bachelors, busy professionals, overworked moms, vacation rentals, condos, beach rentals, Airbnb hosts, banks, office complexes, move-outs, real estate agents, and just people who hate housework, are all your target audience. This is where you come in and save the day by offering your services to help with the cleaning. This makes you an invaluable resource, and people are willing to pay for those resources, and this is how you get started with your own cleaning side hustle.

There are a few basics that apply to starting any side hustle.

  • Identifying a problem.
  • Solving the problem.
  • Selling your solution, by obtaining clients

Let’s chat about obtaining clients.

Create an ad. This could be a graphic image or just a short blurb about the services you are offering. Remember you could have the best service business in town but if people don’t know you exist you can’t sell your service.

  • Seek out local Forums, Facebook groups, Taskrabbit, and Craigslist, to post about your services.
  • Check with your local chamber of commerce, networking clubs, and real estate agent association.
  • List your business on online directories like Yelp, Google My Business, or Angie’s List. Create your own website and use Search Engine Advertising through Google, Yahoo!, Bing, and social media ad services.
  • Network. You never know when you’ll overhear a conversation, or be asked for advice on a subject that will lead to a sale. Keep your business cards on you at all times.
  • Word of mouth will eventually be your best marketing strategy. Happy clients who would like their friends to also utilize your services. So make sure you keep HAPPY clients!

There’s An App For That: Cleaning Help

There are several apps that connect homeowners with professional cleaners for their home or office. Some popular options include:

  • Handy: This app allows homeowners to book professional cleaners for their home or office. Cleaners can create a profile and list their qualifications, experience, and availability. Homeowners can also read reviews from other customers before making a booking.
  • TaskRabbit: This app connects homeowners with local cleaners and other handymen for various tasks, including cleaning services. Cleaners can create a profile and list their qualifications, experience, and availability. Homeowners can also read reviews from other customers before making a booking.
  • HomeAdvisor: This app connects homeowners with local cleaning services, as well as other home services such as handymen, painters, and landscapers. Homeowners can view cleaners’ profiles and reviews, and book them directly through the app.
  • Cleanify: This app allows homeowners to book professional cleaning services for their home or office. Cleaners can create a profile and list their qualifications, experience, and availability. Homeowners can also read reviews from other customers before making a booking.
  • Thumbtack: This app connects homeowners with local professionals, such as cleaners, for various home services. Cleaners can create a profile and list their qualifications, experience, and availability. Homeowners can also read reviews from other customers before making a booking.
  • Turno: offers professional cleaning services for vacation rental properties. Their team ensures each rental is spotless and ready for guests, giving hosts peace of mind.

It’s worth noting that most of these apps have a free version and also a paid version that grants access to more features and benefits, and many of them have the option to pay the cleaner through the app.

Even though these apps exist many locals aren’t aware they exist. These apps could also work to your benefit, you may be able to contact them and offer your services through the apps.

As with every side hustle make sure to keep your receipts. Track your supplies, mileage, and other expenses. You’ll also need to track your income from your side hustles so that you can file your taxes appropriately at the end of the year. Please consult your local tax professional for details.

Cleaning as a side hustle can be lucrative most professional cleaners’ rates start at $40 – $65 per hour. So if you enjoy cleaning this might be a great side hustle to add to your bag of tricks.

 

Jan 24

Starting Your Own Tutoring Side Hustle

Starting Your Own Tutoring Side Hustle

Are you good at Math, History, Science, or Economics?  Maybe you speak a second language? Parents everywhere are busy! This is where you come in by offering your services to help with homework or tutor their students. This makes you an invaluable resource, and people are willing to pay for those resources, and this is how you get started with your own tutoring side hustle.

There are a few basics that apply to starting any side hustle.

  • Identifying a problem.
  • Solving the problem.
  • Selling your solution, by obtaining clients

Let’s chat about obtaining clients.

Create an ad. This could be a graphic image or just a short blurb about the services you are offering. Remember you could have the best service business in town but if people don’t know you exist you can’t sell your service.

Seek out local Mom Forums, Facebook groups, Craigslist, and post about your services.

Flier gyms, parks, and any other place you often see moms visiting.

Network. You never know when you’ll overhear a conversation, or be asked for advice on a subject that will lead to a sale. Keep your business cards on you at all times.

Word of mouth will eventually be your best marketing strategy. Happy clients who would like their friends to also utilize your services. So make sure you keep HAPPY clients!

There’s An App For That: Tutoring or Homework Help

  • TutorMe: This app connects students with certified tutors who can help with a wide range of subjects. The tutors are available 24/7, and students can access live help through the app’s chat feature.
  • Brainly: This app provides students with immediate homework help and explanations for a variety of subjects, including math, science, and history. Users can ask questions and receive answers from other students and experts in real-time.
  • Chegg: This app offers live homework help in a variety of subjects, including math, science, and engineering. Users can connect with tutors through the app’s chat feature and also access step-by-step solutions to problems.
  • Socratic: This app uses AI technology to provide students with instant homework help. Users can take a picture of their homework question and receive step-by-step solutions and explanations.
  • Photomath: This app allows students to scan a math problem and receive a step-by-step solution, as well as an explanation of the problem. It also includes a notebook where students can keep track of the problems they have solved.

It’s worth noting that most of these apps have a free version and also a paid version that grants access to more features and benefits.

Even though these apps exist many local parents won’t be aware they exist. Some may also prefer someone to come in person to tutor. These apps could also work to your benefit, you may be able to contact them and offer your services through the apps.

As with every side hustle make sure to keep your receipts. Track your supplies, mileage, and other expenses. You’ll also need to track your income from your side hustles so that you can file your taxes appropriately at the end of the year. Please consult your local tax professional for details.

Tutoring as a side hustle can be lucrative most tutoring rates start at $20 per hour. So if you’ve got the patience, knowledge, and communication skills this might be a great side hustle to add to your bag of tricks.

 

Jan 24

Sell Your Time by Offering Services

Sell Your Time by Offering Services

There are a variety of services you could potentially sell, depending on your interests and skills. Some ideas could include:

It’s important to keep in mind that you will need to follow your local laws and regulations regarding self-employment and any necessary licenses or permits.

Jan 24

Handmade Items: What to Sell and Where

Handmade Items: What to Sell and Where

There are truly countless options when it comes to handmade items that can be sold. The range of possibilities is limited only by your imagination, interests, and skills. When considering what handmade items to create and sell, it’s essential to consider your interests and passions. If you love knitting, for example, then creating and selling handmade scarves, hats, and blankets would be a logical choice. If you enjoy woodworking, then creating and selling handmade tables, chairs, and other wooden furniture would be a great option.

Additionally, it’s important to consider your current skills and abilities. If you already have experience working with textiles, then creating and selling handmade clothing, scarves, and other textile items would be a logical choice. On the other hand, if you’re new to crafting and don’t have much experience, then it may be best to start with simpler projects that don’t require a lot of specialized knowledge or skills.

Another important factor to consider is your target market and what kind of products they may be looking for. It may be helpful to do some market research to find out what types of handmade items are in high demand in your area, and what kind of prices people are willing to pay for them.

Overall, when it comes to selling handmade items, the options are truly endless, and it depends on your interests, skills, and target market. By combining your passions and abilities with market research, you can create and sell handmade items that are both meaningful to you and in demand.

Here is a list of ideas for handmade items that sell:

  1. Jewelry: Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings, and pendants
  2. Clothing and accessories: Handmade clothing, scarves, hats, bags, and purses
  3. Home decor: Candles, pottery, vases, wall hangings, and home fragrances
  4. Personal care products: Handmade soap, lotion, scrubs, bath bombs, and lip balms
  5. Paper goods: Handmade cards, journals, notebooks, and scrapbooks
  6. Food items: Homemade jams, jellies, baked goods, pickles, and candy
  7. Crafts: Handmade toys, stuffed animals, and other crafts
  8. Furniture: Handmade tables, chairs, bookcases, and other wooden furniture
  9. Art: Handmade paintings, prints, and sculptures
  10. Beauty and skincare: Handmade cosmetics, skincare products, and hair care products
  11. Textile items: Handmade quilts, blankets, and other textile items
  12. Pet accessories: Handmade collars, leashes, and other pet accessories
  13. Kitchenware: Handmade pottery, kitchen knives, and cutting boards
  14. Stationery: Handmade journals, notebooks, and other stationery items
  15. Accessories: Handmade wallets, keychains, phone cases and other accessories
  16. Decals, stickers, vinyl and wall arts
  17. Handmade candles, incense, and aroma diffusers
  18. Handmade pottery, ceramics and other decorative items
  19. Handmade hair accessories, such as headbands, hairpins and hair bows.
  20. Handmade knitted or crocheted items, such as scarves, hats, and blankets
  21. Handmade soap, bath and body products
  22. Handmade leather goods, such as belts, wallets, and bags
  23. Handmade glass items, such as vases, ornaments and sun-catchers
  24. Handmade upholstered items, such as cushions, and footstools
  25. Handmade soap, bath and body products.

This list is not exhaustive but it gives you an idea of the wide range of handmade items that can be sold. Remember that the key to success in selling handmade items is to create high-quality, unique, and desirable products that appeal to your target market.

Where do I sell my Handmade items?

Ah, the age-old question. Where can I sell my crafts? I thought you said if you make it they will come! Well yes if you market properly. Marketing plays a huge role in your ability to sell your products. You can be the most amazing artist, you could make bath bombs so soothing a bomb could go off and you wouldn’t move from your tub, you could make ambrosia that tastes like it was sent straight from the banquet of the gods, but none of that matters if people don’t know you exist. Here are a few places to get your stuff out in front of an audience.

Locally:

  • Craft fairs and markets: Look for upcoming craft fairs and markets in your area, where you can set up a booth and sell your handmade items directly to customers. Facebook Events is a good place to start when searching for upcoming events.
  • Art and craft shows: Look for shows and events in your area that feature handmade goods and apply to be a vendor.
  • Local shops, antique markets, and boutiques: Contact local shops and boutiques that sell handmade items and inquire about consignment or wholesale opportunities.

Online:

  • Your own website: Create your own e-commerce website to sell your products online. This will give you more control over your brand and customer experience. Shopify is a great option but there are many other options out there.
  • Online marketplaces: Use online platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and Handmade by Amazon to sell your products to a global audience.
  • Social media platforms: Use social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your products and connect with potential customers.
  • Online communities: Join online communities, such as forums and Facebook groups, that are focused on handmade goods and sell your products there.Here’s a more extensive article on places to sell your handmade items online. (Update with link)

It’s important to note that different platforms and channels may be better suited for different types of products, and it’s important to choose the right platforms and channels that align with your target market and business goals. Additionally, it’s important to invest in marketing and promotion, to reach your target audience, and drive sales.

 

Jan 23

Becoming a Brand Ambassador

Becoming a Brand Ambassador

 

Let’s start by answering the question what is a Brand Ambassador?

A brand ambassador is a representative of a brand who promotes the brand’s products or services to a wider audience.

What does a Brand Ambassador do?

The specific responsibilities of a brand ambassador vary depending on the brand and the role, but some typical duties include:

  1. Representing the brand at events, such as trade shows, product launches, and in-store promotions
  2. Creating and sharing content on social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter, to promote the brand and its products or services.
  3. Networking with other industry professionals and building relationships with key decision-makers within the brand’s organization.
  4. Providing feedback to the brand on customer preferences, market trends, and other relevant information.
  5. Collaborating with other brand ambassadors and industry influencers to increase brand awareness and reach new audiences.
  6. Act as a liaison between the brand and the public.

In general, a brand ambassador is responsible for promoting the brand, increasing brand awareness, and generating sales. The role often involves a mix of offline and online activities, such as attending events, creating content, and networking with others in the industry.

Who can be a Brand Ambassador?

Anyone can become a brand ambassador, even your dog, but typically individuals who have a strong understanding of the brand, a passion for its products or services, and relevant skills and experience in marketing and communication are the most successful. Additionally, having an established online presence and a strong network of industry contacts can also be beneficial. It is worth mentioning that there are also paid and non-paid brand ambassadors, the former is a full-time or part-time job, while the latter is more of a hobby or side gig, but both have the same role of promoting the brand.

How can I become a brand ambassador?

Becoming a brand ambassador involves building an online presence, networking, researching the brand, reaching out to brands that you are interested in working with, being prepared for an interview, and following up. It may take time and effort, but by having a strong understanding of the brand, good communication skills, an established online presence, and relevant experience, you increase your chances of success. It can also be helpful to keep learning and updating your skills and online presence.

Specifically, how would I contact a brand that I’m interested in working as a brand ambassador for?

There are a few ways to contact a brand that you’re interested in working as a brand ambassador for:

  1. Email: Research the brand and find the email address of the person in charge of brand ambassadors or the marketing department. Send a well-crafted email introducing yourself, explaining why you’re interested in the brand and why you think you would be a good fit as a brand ambassador.
  2. Social media: Reach out to the brand on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter. You can send a direct message or post on the brand’s page and tag the brand, explaining why you’re interested in working as a brand ambassador.
  3. Website: Many brands have a “Contact Us” page on their website, where you can fill out a form or find the contact information for the appropriate department.
  4. LinkedIn: Reach out to the brand or the relevant people in the company through LinkedIn, you can also use the platform to research the brand and find the right person to contact.

It’s important to keep in mind that when you’re reaching out to a brand, you should tailor your message to that specific brand and explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically. Also, make sure to include a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of your work, if possible, to showcase your skills and qualifications.

Also, don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back immediately, or if the brand isn’t currently looking for a brand ambassador, it is always good to keep your options open and reach out to other brands as well.

Jan 23

Encouraging Entrepreneurship In Teens

Encouraging Entrepreneurship In Teens

 

As an entrepreneur/small business owner, I find teaching children to be self sufficient, to look for side gigs, and prepare for multiple streams of income, to be super important. Lemonade stands are a classic fundraiser for people under 18, but in the digital age there is so much more that can be done online. Encouraging entrepreneurship in teens can have many benefits for both their lives and society in general. Here are a few key points for you to consider:

  1. Developing skills: Entrepreneurship can help teens develop valuable skills such as problem-solving, decision-making, and communication. These skills can be useful not only in starting a business, but also in other areas of life.
  2. Building confidence: Starting a business can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By successfully launching and running a business, teens can gain confidence in their ability to achieve their goals.
  3. Creating opportunities: Entrepreneurship can open up new opportunities for teens, such as the chance to create jobs and contribute to economic growth.
  4. Encouraging innovation: Entrepreneurship can foster creativity and innovation, as teens come up with new ideas and solutions to problems.
  5. Creating a sense of purpose: Starting a business can give teens a sense of purpose and direction in their lives.
  6. Encouraging self-sufficiency: Entrepreneurship can teach teens the importance of self-sufficiency and how to make a living independently.

Overall, encouraging entrepreneurship in teens can be a great way to help them develop important skills, build confidence, and create opportunities for themselves and others.

It’s important to note that, Encouraging entrepreneurship in teens is not only about making money but also about fostering creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills in them. It also helps them to understand their abilities and interests, which can contribute to their future careers.

In conclusion, Encouraging entrepreneurship in teens is a great way to prepare them for the future and to foster a culture of innovation and self-sufficiency in our society. By providing resources and support to young entrepreneurs, we can help them turn their ideas into reality and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Small Business Ideas for Teens

Jan 23

How to Make Delicious Sausage Gravy for Biscuits and Gravy – A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

How to Make Delicious Sausage Gravy for Biscuits and Gravy – A Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Sausage gravy is a classic comfort food that pairs perfectly with our warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits. The dish is easy to make and is an excellent option for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner. In this article, we will show you how to make a delicious sausage gravy that will elevate your biscuits and gravy game.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of breakfast sausage
  • 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups of whole milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Biscuits (Store-bought if you must or our delicious Buttermilk Biscuits)

Equipment:

  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Deep skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Whisk
  • Turner “Spatula”, Wooden Spoon, Meat Chopper
  • Stove Top

Instructions:

  1. Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Cook the sausage until it is browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Once the sausage is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Slowly add the flour to the skillet and stir it into the rendered fat. Making sure to evenly coat the flour with the fat and breaking up any lumps. Cook the flour for 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes a paste-like consistency. This is called a roux, which is the base for the gravy.
  4. Slowly pour the milk into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue whisking until it thickens about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Once the gravy has thickened, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve the sausage gravy over warm biscuits.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Sausage Gravy for Biscuits and Gravy. This recipe can be easily doubled or halved to suit the number of people you are serving. And it is a great option for meal prepping for the week, as it reheats well. The gravy also pairs well with other breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and more. Try experimenting with different types of sausage, such as spicy or maple-flavored, to switch up the flavor.

Sausage Gravy is a classic comfort food that is a popular dish for breakfast, brunch, or dinner. It is a delicious and easy-to-make recipe that pairs perfectly with warm, flaky buttermilk biscuits. To make this classic dish, all you need is 1 pound of breakfast sausage, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 cups of whole milk, salt, pepper, biscuits, and some kitchen equipment such as a large mixing bowl, deep skillet, measuring cups, whisk, and a turner spatula.

Start by cooking the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. Then, add the flour to the skillet, stir it into the rendered fat, and cook it for 1-2 minutes or until it becomes a paste-like consistency, which is called a roux. Next, slowly pour the milk into the skillet while whisking constantly, bring the mixture to a simmer, and continue whisking until it thickens. Finally, add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and serve the gravy over warm biscuits.

This recipe is a great option for meal prepping for the week as it reheats well and can be easily doubled or halved to suit the number of people you are serving. Additionally, the gravy pairs well with other breakfast items like scrambled eggs, bacon, and more. Try experimenting with different types of sausage, such as spicy or maple-flavored, to switch up the flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade Sausage Gravy for Biscuits and Gravy!

Jan 23

Classic Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

Classic Chicken and Drop Dumplings Recipe: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

 

Chicken and dumplings is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. It is a hearty stew made with tender chunks of chicken and fluffy dumplings that are simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. Here is a simple recipe on how to make this delicious dish at home.

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, (a whole chicken can also be used).
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients:

  • Celery 1 cup diced or sliced thin if leaving in the broth, one stalk if removing.
  • Carrots 1 cup diced or sliced thin.
  • Onion 1 onion
  • Garlic 2 cloves minced
  • Other Veggies to taste.

 

Equipment:

  • Large Dutch Oven or Stock Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Pastry Cutter (Fork or Two Butter knives will do in a pinch)
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Stove Top
  • Large Kitchen Spoon

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the chicken broth,  & optional veggies if adding, and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until a soft dough forms.
  3. Drop spoonfuls of the dough into the pot of simmering chicken broth and vegetables. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the dumplings are cooked through.
  4. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.
  5. Serve the chicken and dumplings in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

This recipe is a classic comfort food that is perfect for cold winter nights. It is easy to make and is sure to please the whole family. Serve it with a side salad or other vegetable sides for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Jan 21

Why you shouldn’t be too hard on the New Mom who’s disappointed in her baby’s gender reveal…

Why you shouldn’t be too hard on the New Mom who’s disappointed in her baby’s gender reveal…

Originally Published: October 29, 2015

I miscarried my first pregnancy, it left me feeling like I was destined not to have kids, but I finally got pregnant again more than a year later. I feared every moment of that pregnancy that I would lose my little turtle. Our first ultrasound the baby looked just like I was carrying a turtle. Five little white blurs on a black background. I had strong feelings it was a boy. In all of my dreams, our child was a beautifully funny little boy. My husband already had a daughter, and he is the last man of his line. I wanted so very badly to give him a son. Growing up a tomboy I didn’t think I had what it took to raise a daughter.

On our four month appointment, the ultrasound tech revealed merrily “It’s a girl!” I asked if she was sure and then huge tears started rolling down my face. After I got dressed she came back in the room and blew up at me telling me I should be thankful for what I got some women couldn’t have children period! What she couldn’t possibly know, in that moment, when I was told I was having a girl, my dreams for my son were crushed. All of my hopes for his future instantly vanishing, playing ball with his daddy, football games, chasing frogs, fishing, hunting, camo jackets and blue jeans, all of it. The beautiful funny little boy in my dreams was taken away from me all in that instant. I already loved the child I was so strongly convinced I was carrying. It was almost like having another miscarriage emotionally.

Skipping forward to today 10 years later… I miscarried another time or two over the years until my body decided to grow a mass the size of a small baby. The night I went to the ER and found out about the mass I wasn’t sure that I wasn’t in labor. I was having so much pain and pressure. It resulted in a major cancer scare and me losing my womb at 30.

I’ll never hold a son in my arms. Those dreams are forever lost now. Though I wouldn’t trade my little girl, I always thought there would be more time for more babies, and I’d have my little girl one day. When you’re young you can dream your life out to be anything you want it to be. I wanted the “American Dream” my 2.5 kids, a dog, and a white picket fence. I wanted my daughter to have an older brother to look out for her. I was the oldest of my family and often had to take on the role of the “older brother” saving my siblings from things they got themselves into. I wanted my daughter to have the security I never had of having an older stronger sibling to watch out for her. God had different plans for my little family though.

God knew… He knew she’d be my one and only. He knew I’d connect with her in ways I couldn’t with a little boy. He knew I needed her. I wouldn’t trade her for anything she is my reason for getting out of bed every morning. She is the love of my life. I’ve enjoyed every moment of pigtails, dresses, and hairbows and I needed those things in my life. But I still surprised myself even today crying while I told you this story of a disappointing gender reveal, and for the son I never got to meet.

Sometimes you only get a glimpse of the anger or disappointment on the surface of someone else… You can’t ever truly know the mind, heart, and soul of another. One of my favorite sayings growing up was “Be kind to others, they may be fighting a harder battle than you know about.” I’m sure our ultrasound tech had her reasons for losing her cool on me, maybe she struggled with fertility herself, maybe she’d had to tell her previous patient, “I’m sorry I can’t find a heartbeat” Who knows what her reasoning was that day. What I do know is that she compounded my grief by belittling it in that moment.

All of that said… You are allowed to explore things you don’t understand about others’ processes and the why. If you offend it happens, but do try to understand when someone is upset, be kind above all. Some people really don’t have a why… But some people didn’t go through the struggle and don’t realize how lucky they are and for that they don’t realize the need to be thankful for the mundane.

*steps off my soapbox*

This post was originally written in October of 2015. A few days ago I was in the car listening to Lex & Terry and they had Ericka Boussarhane on and she was talking to a gentleman who had lost multiple infants if I remember right. She mentioned to him that the dreams he had of his children were them coming to him and letting him know they were ok. This has changed my perspective at this time in my life of those dreams I had while I was pregnant with my daughter. The child I miscarried was coming to play with me in my dreams while I waited on the birth of his sister. I genuinely believe Little Cole waits for his mommy in heaven while hanging out with his grandparents and one day I’ll get to hold him in my arms finally.

Jan 21

An Open Letter To- Consulate Health Care Pensacola, FL

An Open Letter To- Consulate Health Care Pensacola, FL

An Open Letter To Your Staff,

Today I sat down at my desk to get my day started and Facebook reminded me to wish my father a happy birthday. “Happy Birthday Daddy” my mind whispered. Tears filled my eyes and I pondered how I’d handled the last few years since he’s been gone. That’s when Facebook played a double mean trick on me with the Timehop feature. It reminded me of our last birthday together…
Daddy would be a young 60 years old today. Daddy didn’t get that chance, your staff set into motion an avalanche of pitfalls that eventually killed my father.
 August 11, 2012, my father had been in your establishment just a few weeks. Mom had taken care of dad at home after his stroke for years but she was facing cancer and I made a terrible decision and insisted that she place him in a nursing home so she could take a rest and get better herself before she went back to taking care of him. On this day My family gathered to celebrate with dad for his 56th birthday not knowing it would be his last and one of the last times we’d ever hear him speak again. Dad was a viral man before his stroke with a boisterous personality, it’s all too true that his stroke had made him depressed and a bit quieter but not on the level that I observed that day. Dad was short of breath, his color was off, I made his favorite meal and his absolute favorite dessert he barely touched his dinner and completely refused dessert.
As we wheeled him back to his room I went and got his nurse and told her, “something is wrong” She told me “He’s fine it’s just a lot of excitement” “Ma’am I know my father and something is NOT right, has he been getting his meds? What did his vitals look like? He says he’s short of breath can you check his O2 stats?” She left the room frustrated with me and came back with a pulse oximeter she put it on his finger and tried to stand in between him and I so that I couldn’t see the results. I got a quick glance, she lied to me and told me the numbers were fine, they were not. She also told me it was time for me to go and informed me that we were making a lot of noise and that if we didn’t leave she would have us removed. I realized the mistake I’d made placing him in the care of your staff and facility that night… 
I stood in the parking lot and cried for half an hour trying to decide if it was worth pressing the issue and having your staff tell me I couldn’t come back and visit my father period, or if maybe she was right and he just wasn’t feeling well that night. Dad was already short of breath and not feeling well I decided it would be better for him if I went home and didn’t cause a scene. Hindsight is 20/20 had I of known that dad’s Dilantin levels had fallen critically low and that he was about to have the worst & longest seizure of his life when he hadn’t had one in years I would have marched right back in there and continued to show my hind end and probably left with my father. You see, I know a lot more about what I can and could not do now, years later. That night I was nieve and believed I had to take your nurses word for it… I should have taken him to the ER.
Dad’s roommate claimed that dad seized for nearly an hour before someone came to tend to him. I don’t know if that’s true. I do know that the ER doctor told me my father was likely gone even though they’d managed to save his body. I sat beside his bed a cried for 3 days as he was virtually unconscious and hooked up to tons of machines. Dad eventually regained consciousness and seized several more times over the next month and had to be repeatedly intubated and eventually grew so much scar tissue that they couldn’t remove it. He did come back to us as far as his mind was concerned and then he became trapped in his own body unable to eat, unable to talk, unable to even voice his own concerns anymore.
I’ll spare you the rest of the painful details of this story because your neglect was just the first in a long string of atrocities that my daddy lived through for the next 10 or 11 months until he was found unrevivable at yet another nursing home with his trech pulled out, and no one can tell us how it happened. I need you, your staff, and anyone working in a facility like this to take away from my heartbreak, that you don’t always know the background of the person you are talking to. “You” told me my father was just excitable and brushed off my concern. I KNEW my daddy I KNEW something was wrong. I was right, and now I live with the guilt of not insisting on being heard. My mother who fought and beat cancer so that she could take my father back home and continue to live out her days with him… almost killed herself over the devastating loss. My youngest sister with 3 children who spent nearly every day with their paw paw who still ask when he’s coming home, she also deals with guilt over not being able to take on caring for both him and my mother at the same time. My daughter who’d never really gotten a chance to meet her grand-dad and missed out on having an amazing grandpa. My brother who moved away because the memories are too painful, and the middle sister who missed out on the last several years of her father’s life because she was a military spouse stationed far from home, and finally me, who still picks up the phone to call dad and ask him for his advice when a situation gets tough and then remembers… you contributed to the loss of a patriarch, a man who was loved and is now missed greatly.
You failed at your job… you aren’t the only facility failing to provide care for loved one’s who need more care than they can get at home, but YOU failed and you ultimately cost this person their life, and scarred an entire clan. My daddy should still be here… I should be making plans to take him to dinner or cook his favorite meal again today not sitting here chastising the company that failed him.
Listen to the families that care enough to spend time with their loved ones. Don’t look at them as a burden on your facility. They are your greatest ally when it comes to truly taking world-class care of your patients. Your nurse had known my dad for a few weeks, we’d cared for him for years after his stroke. We knew the signs that something was wrong. Don’t ever ignore or belittle a families concerns, and certainly don’t ever threaten to take access to a girl’s father away from her because she’s not being heard. Your threats in a small way caused me to lose my daddy permanently… so in the long run, your nurse inadvertently accomplished exactly what she threatened me with at a great cost to my father and family.
Signed,
A Girl Who Misses Her Daddy
Leave Flowers For My Daddy… Find A Grave- Howard Magee

 

I started this out as an email but have decided to make it public. I’m sure I’ve said this before… but if you care about your family members find a way to care for them at home… if that’s not possible show up to the care facility often, voice your concerns, don’t be worried about being seen as a trouble maker. BE A TROUBLE MAKER. Better to be a trouble maker than regret not doing all you could to make sure your loved one was properly cared for. That being said nurses have a hard job, but ratios are rarely correct, and facilities are more concerned about Profit and Loss than providing great care! The world needs a wake-up call.