Joanne Lynch
Currently working as an Agency Training Coordinator for the State of CT. My life has been completely devoted to advocacy for people with disabilities. I am currently a full time working professional, mother, wife and primary caregiver to my father who has multiple comorbid medical issues and is blind. I find myself volunteering my time to assist others find resources and funding to aid families with assistance caring for a loved one with progressive illness.
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- Content
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- Contributor since
- 1/13/2009
Education/Experience
Masters of Science Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling ServicesMotto
"Forward Movement is Progress, Not Perfection"Affiliations
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor/, Certified Case Manager
Displaying Results 1 - 66 (of 66) for All Content
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Loving and Caring for Someone with DementiaIt's been two years and I have been on a roller coaster ride. The kind of ride people get on when they love someone and care for someone with dementia. Sometimes I am going up those big huge hills and am thrust down quickly. At other times, I am coasting
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Selective MutismSelective Mutism is a widely misunderstood disorder. As my child has grown older and my journey into this fascinating world has grown deeper, I felt the need to share some of my insights. I hope it helps another family struggling with this disorder.
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What is the Value in Human Life?As we travel through life, we should take moments to stop and ponder where we have been and where we have left to go. Not a moment wasted. Life is precious.
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The CaregiverIn this sandwich generation, with young families also having to raise old, times can be tough and we think no one understands. There are many going through this tough time. Reach out and know there are others out there.
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When Someone Pleads Guilty to a CrimeAre people that plead guilty to a crime held accountable? Either their record says, misdemeanor or felony. But, does the legal system have the power to truly hold them accountable always? The answer is, "No".
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StrengthWhere do we all find our own inner strength? When the world seems too confusing and in turmoil, who do we turn to and who can we turn to if not for ourselves? Do we ever let ourselves down? Can we rely on our inner strength? -
What is Humanity?Do you stop and take a look around you? Do you think about others and their needs? Do you race through your day, so self focused? Are you grateful for your life? -
A Granddaughter's GiftIt was just an ordinary, rainy, day. The wind was blowing, the trees were swaying and the skies were gray. But, inside there was some subtle magic, an ordinary time. But, a wonderful gift, one that could not be bought or seen, was about to be given. -
Living Life SimpleLife is full of every day moments. Are we noticing them? Are we enjoying them? Will we remember them? Get out there and enjoy them.
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I Wish I Had More Time to WriteLife gets so busy and just when we feel that things will get better, something else pops up and off we go running again in a chaotic direction. That has been my life lately. I wish I had more time to write. It truly is inspirational and motivating for me.
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What If Someone You Loved was Doing Something Very Wrong?There are often times we hear stories of families in turmoil. One family member may have done something wrong, perhaps not unforgivable, but would you rise to the occasion? Would you do the right thing?
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People Wherever You GoWherever you go, if you think back in time, life has changed in so many ways. People are busier, have less time for others, and life moves at an alarming rate. The world is unsteady and people are unsure of their own futures. Just some points to ponder.
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Death and DyingDeath and Dying is an inevitable subject. Usually we face it after our loved one is gone. I did not expect to have to do this so soon and certainly not while my parent was alive. Life throws us many curve balls. Are you prepared?
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My Unconditional LoveA poem for a loved one battling with neurological injury, expressive aphasia, and the will and determination to remain independent despite their medical problems. This is a poem about a daughter's unconditional love...
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Christmas MiraclesChristmas miracles can come in all shapes, sizes and proportions. Unlike presents, christmas miracles cannot be bought, sold or wrapped. They can be given by us here on earth but only by those that have the spirit of Christmas giving.
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Medical MistakesMedical mistakes occur so frequently. Few people understand how often medical mistakes occur. Few people know where they can turn to get useful information to make informed decisions about their healthcare. At what cost are medical mistakes occurring?
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How to Help a Child with Selective MutismDo you know a child that seems shy? Is the child between the ages of 2-8 years old? Do the parents say the child is very loud and chatty at home? Do you witness just the opposite in this child? You may be dealing with Selective Mutism.
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How Influential Are Grandmothers?Grandmothers have the benefit of time and experience. They have the wisdom and knowledge of life. If you listen carefully, you may still be able to hear them long after they are gone.
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Saving GraceUnited States Veterans go through so much. So much of what they experience and see goes unspoken. Locked inside, these Veterans cope the only ways they know how. Here is how I became one Vietnam Vets' saving grace.
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LifeLife can bring us many challenges. We sometimes face these challenges up against so much adversity. How do we handle ourselves through this adversity? How do we see things when we get through it?
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AngelsThroughout our lives, things happen to us. We face many adversities and go through many experiences. Sometimes, if we listen closely enough, we can hear the whisper of our angels. Can you hear them?
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Silent VictoryThere are many times in our lives when we strive to attain a goal. We may not always reach that goal. At least, not in the ways we expect.
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Raising TaylorRaising children can be tough. Having children is no joke. It is a lifetime commitment. But are we raising children or are they molding us into the parents we become? I have asked myself this question frequently... -
Parrot TalkA recent visit to a feathery friend found us communicating in sign language! -
Family Attractions in Western MassachusettsIf you are traveling through Western Massachusetts, there are many unique places to visit. None captures the beauty of nature quite like Magic Wings Butterfly Museum. This attraction is definitely worth viewing. -
My Trip to DetroitI never thought Detroit was that interesting...but I had never been there. I recently had to take a business trip to Detroit and saw some interesting sights... -
What is Determination?Everyone has free will to accomplish whatever their hearts desire. But, not everyone has determination. Determination can mean so many things to so many different people. You have the free will; do you have the determination?
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Mother's Day: A ReflectionMother's Day means so many different things to so many people. Exactly what does it mean to me?
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Social Security Disability: An Overview of Little Known FactsEveryone has a perception about Social Security Disability benefits. There are many web-based sites that will give you their perspective on the Social Security process and then solicit for your business. What are the truths versus the myths?
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The Impact of Parents on ChildrenAt some point in our lives, the likelihood of facing a betrayal by a friend or relative is high. It can be a small kind of betrayal or a larger and much more intimate betrayal. The worst kind of betrayal is that of a parent.
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The WarriorMany people, dealing with infertility, reach a point of dark despair during their quest to conceive a child. This was mine.
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How to Make More Money in Tough Economical TimesThese are tough economical times. So, what do you do to earn additional income, to pay a few bills, and to have additional spending money? Taking a look at your budget should be your first step!
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The Impact of Foreclosures on ChildrenWith the economic forecast dreary and with the numbers of families losing their homes to foreclosures, we cannot forget about the children. There is a great impact on our children.
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As You Are - My ChildIt was difficult having my daughter. Four years and four rounds of IVF later, she was growing inside me...it prompted me to write this poem to her.
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How State Governments Harm Children They Seek to ProtectWhere do I begin to address the ways the U.S. government harms children it seeks to protect? Where do I end? There are so many ways that children are harmed through the bureaucracy of our system. -
How to Choose the Right Child Care ProviderChoosing the right child care provider is vitally important to the growth and development of your child. Child care is expensive but ensuring you have peace of mind when you are not with your child is priceless. -
Are Boys Really Better?Women are strongly opinionated one way or the other about boy children and girl children. Those that feel strongly for girls, have strong argument for girls. Those that feel strongly for boys, are equally strong. Whose right?
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Memories: How I Spent My First PaycheckNot everyone can remember how they spent their first paycheck. Most of us do remember our first jobs. Mine was working in a lumber mill. The lesson I learned from my first paycheck was...priceless...
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Memories: Learning to DriveWe lived on a farm in rural New Hampshire. I learned how to drive a horse and a Kabota tractor long before I learned how to drive on the open roads.
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Memories: Ice Skating on the PondLife is interesting. We learn and grow through individual and unique experiences. It makes us who we are and the pond was no different... -
Should "Dead Beat" Parents Face Jail Time?Too much emphasis is placed on dead beat dad's but what about dead beat mother's too? Dead beat parents should have to face their responsibilities. Children must come first. -
A Poem for My DaughterA mother's love for her daughter is different than any other. A daughter is a gift. One that should be treasured forever.
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What I Learned About Becoming a New MotherMotherhood can be very rewarding but it can also be hard. Nothing can prepare you for becoming a new Mom. Your life completely changes.
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Great Gift Ideas for New ParentsNew parents need a little pampering too. There are many thoughtful gifts you could bestow upon new parents. These gifts will surely be appreciated.
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Death of a ParentLosing a parent is like losing a part of yourself. How does that feel? Where do you turn? Do you ever find peace within yourself?
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How Do I Mend a Bridge with a Boss or Coworker?Everyone, at some point in their lives, will burn a bridge with a boss or coworker. It is what we do after we have made this mistake that counts. We only have control over our actions and behaviors.
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Drama: Death of a SiblingFlying high above the clouds, we found our peace, if only for a little while. We dreamed big and aimed high. You were in peace at last. You had found your way.
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What is Hemophilia?This past week, we lost a great colleague. He passed away due to hemophilia related complications. This article is being written to raise awareness of this disorder.
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How Do I Let Go of Anger and Forgive?When someone does something to make us angry, we want to punish them. We may feel that they deserve bad things to happen to them. So, how do we let go? When do we move on?
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What is the Difference Between Workers' Compensation and Disability Insurance?When you have an illness or injury, you might not be able to work. Where will you go for help? Who will you turn to when you cannot pay your bills?
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Should You Trust Your Physician Completely?In today's world of modern medicine, physicians are battling between providing good care and adhering to insurance company guidelines. When is it okay to trust your physician and when should you question their judgment? Who should be in the driver's seat?
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DeafnessMarrying someone who is hearing impaired has its' own unique challenges. Only those who are living in the hearing world can understand what it is like to be married to someone who is deaf. I wouldn't trade it for the world.
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As Quickening BeginsWhat are those first fetal movements like? How does a mother feel? What joy does this movement bring?
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Adopted ChildA poem from an adopted child to her adoptive parents.
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How Do I Know I Have Post Partum Depression?Any new mother can feel overwhelmed with the increased responsibilities she feels when she has a newborn. But, when do the baby blues constitute something more? When does she know she needs help? -
How to Find the Time to WriteThere's never enough time to do everything we want to accomplish. Making time comes easy when you are passionate about something. Writing is my passion. Where there's a will, there's a way.
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How to Get a Great Deal on a New CarYou can be a woman and get a great deal on a new car. Arm yourself with information and be prepared before negotiating. You can get a great price if you know where to look and how to close the deal. -
How to Deal with a Child's Chronic IllnessMany children, each year, go through unimaginable illness. Their strength and courage is unlike any an adult could embrace. If that child dies, their family is forever changed.
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Stay-at-Home Mom or Working Mother?Whether you are a Stay-At-Home Mom or a Working Mother, both have their unique challenges and personal sacrifices. Parenting is challenging. It also can be very rewarding.
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Infertility, Invitro Fertilization, and EmbryosInvitro Fertilization and Assisted Reproductive Technologies allow otherwise infertile couples to achieve pregnancy. There are multiple legal, ethical and moral considerations. What do couples do with the remaining embryos?
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Family Dynamics: Is There Any Such Thing as Normal?Every family has their stories. Each member a unique person in and of themselves. Each family moving forward in life with the skills they have learned if they choose to learn from their mistakes -
How To Deal With A Loved One's Alzheimer's DementiaCaring for someone with Alzheimer's Dementia is an act of extreme courage. It is not for the weak of heart. It is unconditional love.
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Overcoming InfertilityOvercoming infertility brings about many personal challenges. The physical, emotional and spiritual toll infertility takes on a woman cannot be truly described. Only once you have experienced infertility, can you truly relate to others in their journey.
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LoveA Valentine's Day poem.
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Midnight OwlA Valentine's Day Poem from an Adopted Child to her Birthmother.
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Lasting Impressions - Discovering How Short Life Really IsPeople make choices every day. Sometimes, these choices are mistakes made over and over again and they never learn. In turn, like footprints in the sand, they leave an impression on others' lives.