Called to Care
A Tool for Caregivers
by
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I wrote the book with you in mind. It is a journal that will help you keep track of all the medical information you would need when being Called to Care for your family, your friend or yourself. In March of 2020 my dad got sick and suffered a stroke in May of that year. He died June 15, 2020. For years I had kept a journal of all his medical information, surgical history, medications and allergies to name a few. During the pandemic I was not permitted to go in the ambulance when he left our home after suffering a stroke, the hospital and/or the rehab center due to the strict protocols at the time. It was very difficult as you can imagine. Thankfully I had everything written down. The patient portal was good until I didn’t have access to it. The hospital didn’t have access to it either. The medical team could not get an accurate history of information from my dad because he was confused at times. He wasn’t responding to questions that could help him. Glory be to God I was able to advocate for my dad because I had his whole history recorded in a journal. I am an RN by profession, I know how vital this information is when caring for a patient. The journal is created to be your tool kit. Feel free to open it up and see what you need. I have consulted with other people who have been called to care, you will see their input throughout the journal. I have named it Called to Care. I believe when you are asked or assume a role you weren’t expecting it is a “calling” the. Merriam Webster dictionary defines Calling as “a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of a divine influence, the vocation or profession in which one customarily engages”. It can be hard and lonely at times. Therefore, I have included scripture verses that will encourage you, inspire you and remind you that you are not alone. God is with you, let Him help you. One of the key verses for me during this time came from the prophet and book of Isaiah. “So do not fear, for I am with you: do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you: I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10 I have also included a song list to lift up when you need it or to calm you. Not only was I having to talk with the Medical team, I also had to keep my family informed especially my mom and brothers. I wrote everything down that was important to relay to my dads Drs. They did not all have privileges in the facilities he was in. I spoke to the Hospitalists and they were appreciative of the information I had and was able to give them to care for my dad. The hardest part in all this was not seeing him in person. Thankfully we had an IPad to visit him with. After my dad died we started a foundation in his memory called Together Connected, No One Is Alone. A percentage of the profits from this journal will be donated to the Together Connected Foundation. For more information visit www.TogetherConnected.net 1/30/23 Examples of what you will find in the journal are: Included in this Tool for Caregivers: Front page: Health History Surgical history Family history Blood type Allergies Medication, frequency, last dose given Advance Directives
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About the Book
Called to Care: A Tool for Caregivers was created for anyone who has accepted the responsibility of caring for another. Caregiving is a journey filled with love, responsibility, and countless details—appointments, diagnoses, medications, specialists, and decisions that must be managed while supporting someone you love. Carrying it all can feel overwhelming.
This journal is designed to bring peace, focus, and steadiness to the caregiving journey. It offers a single place to organize essential medical information—such as doctors’ names, medical groups, family history, allergies, referrals, and notes from in-person visits and televisits—while also providing space to reflect, journal, and make it your own. Rather than trying to remember everything yourself, you can return to these pages for reassurance, support, and a moment to breathe.
Born from personal experience and the experiences of other caregivers, this journal is both practical and encouraging. It is meant to support you on the hard days, anchor you in the busy moments, and walk beside you through every season of care—whether the journey feels heavy or rich with purpose. It meets you in the difficult moments and gently reminds you that you are not walking this path alone.
Inside this journal, you’ll find sections such as:
• Patient Information
• Doctor Information
• Medication Lists
• Questions to ask the Doctor
• Journal prompts for caregivers
• Encouraging scripture verses along with uplifting song titles
• Caregiver resources and a place for them to add their own
Whether faith is already part of your story or something you are still discovering, Called to Care was created to support, encourage, and gently meet you right where you are.
About the Author
Suzanne has found peace and purpose in journaling for many years. As a daughter, sister, wife, mother, and RN, she began keeping medical journals for her family during seasons of illness, helping ensure they received the care they needed. When her dad suffered a stroke in 2020, strict pandemic restrictions made communication difficult, but her detailed entries became a vital link for his healthcare team. Her advocacy through journaling provided essential information and support during one of her family’s hardest seasons.
A child of God who is “Called to Care,” Suzanne co-founded Together Connected, a nonprofit established with her brothers in their father’s memory, and later cofounded a small business named after her daughters called MelinyLLC. Her faith— deepened through scripture and inspiring lyrics—continues to give her strength, courage, and hope as she encourages others through her writing.