Theology notes continues

Looking at connection between Jesus Resurrection - rest of the world. Jesus Historical resurrection - Overcoming evil God’s ability of victor over evil. Do you want to believe in God that allows to have his son die or resurrect? Abraham is stopped slaying his son that is the evil of all sacrifices. Redemption is the reversing of violence- wanting to be like God - compete with God Sin and Redemption - Jesus resurrection is hope of overcoming evil but it is also our resurrection. Definition of Prolepsis - anticipation. Anticipates the resurrection of everyone. Doubting Thomas - doubted Christ’s resurrection. Show me. Angels don’t have biological sensitivity. No distinction between knowing and doing - if they rebel, that is it. There is a revelation - New heaven and new earth - seems to suggest into the heavenly realm once and for all. Ratzinger is very concerned about the intermediate state. Jesus was separated from earthly body. Most Christians are naive. We think the soul dies. The body is snake skin. Skin immortal? There is a misinterpretation of body/soul separation. If it is not possible to separate how can they live on? If resurrecting right away, how are you going to preserve this? Razinger says this is intermediate state. Soul is in heaven while waiting for the resurrection of everyone. Dermont Lane said that resurrection of soul is imminent, second resurrection with coming of Christ. Vatican 1 had specific definition for dogma (inner knowledge of God which cannot be reasoned) therefore learned through revelation. Intermediate state is trying to understand the two. If don’t have free will in purgatory will need prayers. Apparitions of Mary - People in purgatory don’t have free will at all. soul - YUXN/y everything but the physical body. Interpreting the foundations of faith as context change. Life after death - different concepts of different religion. Soul is real; whole person is an organism (ideal), incongruence, biological {} psychological. Model is biological. Evolution has opened us to transcendence - genuine, unconditional warmth; empathy. Next (when we talk about theology) we are going to touch on spiritual direction

Good luck today America

Today is a big day and I want to wish my American neighbours good luck. I hope it is a good choice that will enhance the country. Every time I took a glimpse of what was going on, I only heard bashing. Unfortunately, we are experiencing much of the same. Wishing my neighbours the best! I have a glass of wine ready. I posted on X, which I can't seem to post here, a special comedy editon I watched most of last night (will watch the rest when I have more time). It's called this hour has 22 minutes. It's fun to watch so please don't take offence. If you don't have a sense of humour, you may want to skip it.

Canadian Health Care Workers - I cut and pasted this from EHN. You should be able to find their video if interested.

Morning, I thought this may be of interest to you. I didn't watch the video because there is nothing new here for me. However, feel free to look them up if you are interested. ​ Silva Redigonda ​ View in browser EHN Canada Logo - Horizontal - CMYK - Black-1 October 2024 Header Title HC_mental health IN THE NEWS Canadian healthcare workers’ mental health is in decline More and more studies are showing that the mental health of Canadian healthcare workers is reaching a critical point. In 2021, more than one in five health care workers logged overtime. Nearly half of family doctors report working beyond capacity according to the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The Ontario Medical Association says, “Physicians retiring prematurely, reducing their workloads, changing their scope of practice or leaving medicine entirely in response to burnout will exacerbate the situation for remaining physicians, resulting in a potential domino effect.” Paramedics, family physicians and respiratory therapists were the most likely to report working overtime at 45%, 34%, and 31% respectively. And Dr. Leigh Chapman, Canada's Chief Nursing Officer, said, “Nurses are the backbone of our health care system, yet too many in Canada are struggling with their mental health, experiencing burnout, distress and feeling overworked, and unappreciated, causing them to leave their jobs." Understanding the impact their work is having on them is the beginning of offering the support healthcare workers need. Healthcare_Therapist talking to client_HS WARNING SIGNS Caring for others while harming themselves. When we talk to healthcare professionals across Canada, one thing we hear from them again and again is their inherent drive to help people. The other thing we hear is how much their work impacts their own mental and physical well-being. Being on the frontlines of healthcare means witnessing the results of accidents and disease, and also being with patients in their final moments. While they are trained to deal with such challenging situations, healthcare professionals are still human beings who often cannot shake what they’ve experienced. It’s a phenomenon known as “vicarious trauma,” and it’s impacting between 40 and 85% of healthcare workers today. In addition, "compassion fatigue” is testing the limits of healthcare workers’ dedication to their work. This erosion of empathy often leaves workers feeling like they have nothing left to give. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WARNING SIGNS OF VICARIOUS TRAUMA AND COMPASSION FATIGUE? Look for colleagues who are: Feeling drained, overwhelmed, or numb Showing difficulty empathizing or connecting with others Overly alert, anxious, or easily startled Increasingly frustrated or angry Experiencing nightmares or having trouble sleeping Suffering from frequent headaches, stomach issues, or other stress-related physical ailments Feeling unappreciated or questioning the purpose of their work Withdrawing from social interactions, friends, and family Unable to focus or make decisions To learn more about vicarious trauma, watch our webinar with Clinical and Forensic Psychologist Dr. Krystle Martin. Watch Webinar

Writer's Corner - Ominous - I got my worse review ever for my favourite book (that I wrote)

Yesterday, I was at a Hallowe'en luncheon which I enjoyed very much since I miss parties. One of the people came up to me and told me she insisted that her nephew read my book, "Hey Guy Buy Me." She told me that she had enjoyed reading it. I didn't remember that she had bought a copy. "Hey Guy" has been around for a decade since it was the first book I wrote. This year I published "Ominous" and I poured my heart into it so when I got the worse review ever and in such a mean fashion, I felt sad. I pondered if I should continue writing. But when I had that person approach me at the party about "Hey Guy Buy Me" which I wrote for fun and tell me how much she enjoyed it, I realized that I love writing. It is creative. I only took courses in English as a break from Psychology because English has always been my favourite subject. I would love to write stories in the kitchen while my mom was cooking up a storm of the most amazing food I have ever eaten. Of course I took her for granted at the time. But my mom was always my favourite fan. She encouraged me to sing and to write. You didn't know I could sing. Well maybe I can't anymore. When I would sing at home, Holy Terror would start screaming and jump onto my lap. When I stopped singing, she would stop yelling. Who knows maybe she was singing too? Doubt it. Anyhow, back to my writing. I was in grade seven when a mean teacher (I hated teachers until I went to university)with red furious hair and a reddish face (can still visualize him, uch) to match with an untrimmed mustache and a bulldozer appearance, told me I never wrote a piece I had submitted. He told me that I had copied it from a book. Insulted and never able to control my mouth, I told him. "Did too. You can ask my mom." Here I am a child in grade seven and some substitute teacher is telling me I am plagiarizing. That was my experience with creative writing. It was Toni Morrison who told her students to use their imagination when writing because they know nothing. That is what I do. I imagine. I am not trying to create a masterpiece. At a book sale, I had a woman excitedly approach me and ask if I did research writing my books. I said no and she hopped away. But am I being honest? "Hey Guy Buy Me" I wrote because of all the men I have worked with. I have had men love it or hate it, but I wrote if for fun people. Does it have errors? Yup. For Love of Country - Military Policewoman my worse critic said it was evident that I was a policewoman because I wrote it as a report. Ok. Fine. Did you like anything in it? Probably not. But what I like about "For Love of Country" is the feedback I get from people who have served. Every time they reach out and share their own journey's or opinions of how they suffered, that counts big time! I have a large segment of the Jewish community who usually buy my books at fairs and I hope I honour them in my books as I speak about the concentration camps. Then there is "The Internet Murders". My bad review there is that I write it as if I live in a town, which is not Toronto. This from a critic who very much lives in a town. I have lived in Toronto forever except for my service to my country. I think of Toronto as a town, which is why I love New York, now that is a city. However, I am sure that if I lived in New York City the same critic would complain. Really, is that the best you have to criticize? "Ominous" is my heart. So, when a critic tore it apart without even identifying herself, probably making her feel safe, it disheartened me at the time, but not for long. I am writing about this today because the writing community is so loving and supportive. I belong to the Crime Writers of Canada and the Sisters of Crime here in Toronto and the USA. I haven't been able to attend their luncheons or bar nights because I have so much on my plate that I have to prioritize and the writing part remains my hobby which I love. Of course if one of my books became a movie, it would cease to be a hobby, wouldn't it? Right at this moment I have to give priority to my private practise and endless meetings and eduation hours. I am not complaining but I do not write to be the next Hemingway. I read and enjoy books like Stephen King, Dean Koonz etc... spooky stuff. I am sharing this with you because I don't want young writers to be disappointed. When I have young writers approach me, they are so full of life and ambition and hope and I would hate to think that someone would be mean to them. You can certainly critique someone and be kind at the same time. Every piece of writing that a person has given me, I have read, though I tell them that I am not in a position to help them. So, this is how I feel. I still remember a writer criticizing a popular Toronto author whose books I enjoy reading. I could feel her venom and wondered where it came from? So, that is all for now in writer's corner. I have accomplished a lot of work this week and hope to return to my next book soon. I have been reading my poetry and papers as well and am trying to determine how I can encorporate it in my writing. I am looking forward tonight. Little monsters should be arriving. Happy Hallowe'en world.

Happy Hallowe'en

I had planned to provide you with more information this week but I guess I am not back to normal with time. Things change as well as time. So, please be patient with me. I am only one person. I have no team. I have a private practice and clients need to always be my priority since they are my responsibility. I have to attend meetings. As you know my injury has slowed me down and time spent at physio is usually a write off day. I have decided that I should also walk more to get to where I was. Driving is still a pain after 15 minutes and everyone has an opinion even those in the know. So, as usual, I gather all the info and then process the information into my brain cells. I have decided that I shall take expedition days (I have been reading my notes I wrote in my creative writing class which I enjoyed in my undergrad and the expedition days were fun where I went somewhere, observed people and wrote creatively.) However, this time since I was advised not to walk more than 15 minutes prior to my injury, which I ignored by building myself back up til I was feeling great and even dancing etc....until the muscle injury blah blah blah......Since my pain has almost gone and decreased to a level where I can work almost a full day, I want to take an expedition where I go to a mall, bring whatever book I am reading (for fun only) walk, shop etc....for about 15 or 20 minutes or + (less than a half hour) and then sit and read and of course be aware of my surroundings which includes watching people. I may use them as a character in a book or I may recognize them and have coffee. There is rarely a time if any that I don't bump into someone I know. I feel I am back in commission. I have also noticed two new high end Italian restaurants in my neighbourhood, I want to try out. I usually like to try something new. If I am really impressed I write it here for you. This is all good. I have been researching real estate in Niagara Falls and just yesterday at a meeting someone from St Catherines said I shouldn't go there because it is a Tourist town. She initially said she was from NIagara Falls (but isn't). I love Tourists. People from all over the world are interesting. There are many here in Toronto so I won't get homesick. She then said it was words to the effect - a dump. My reply is that I would inhance it (with my presence). The Falls is one of the wonders of the world and I can think of nothing better than taking a walk along the Falls and stop at Tim's for a coffee while I feast my eyes. If that is a dump please sign me up. Of course nothing is cut in stone. First I have to heal. Then I have to wait for a bidding war - one step at a time. Regarding property in Niagara, I find that prices are all over the place and many are starting to use Toronto Real estate people to sell their homes. I won't be using Toronto, no sireeee. I will be using Niagara Falls agents only for buying. Big decisions. Of course I am also considering waterfront Toronto condos. So, here I go dreaming again. Situations always change and opportunities cannot always be turned down. I am never in a rush to make big decisions. Happy Hallowe'en people. I had to miss a distant party which I heard was wonderful but will be attending at least one for sure here in the city. What shall I wear? Vanilla and my poppy.

ADOLESCENTS COPING WITH MOM’S BREAST CANCER: DEVELOPING FAMILY INTERVENTION PROGRAMS Silva Redigonda

INTRODUCTION Research Question: How are African American and Caucasian adolescents affected by their mothers’ breast cancer treated in the last two years? How do African American and Caucasian adolescents think future intervention programs should be designed? What are the aims of the paper? The abstract indicates that the purpose was to gain a deeper understanding of how adolescents are affected by their mothers’ breast cancer and to discover their opinions about how future intervention programs should be designed. But the introduction more specifically indicates that the purpose of this study is to elicit opinions from an ethnically diverse group of adolescents about the effects of maternal breast cancer on their lives and to discover their opinions about how future intervention programs should be designed. This may be construed as a contradiction. The paper under the heading of Aims of the Study indicates that “the purpose of this study was to investigate adolescents’ thoughts on and experiences with a mother who had been treated for breast cancer in the last two years.”(p 250) METHODOLOGY This is a pilot study which is a small-scale study conducted prior to conducting an actual experiment; designed to test and refine procedures. When the researcher has decided on all the specific aspects of the procedure, it is possible to conduct a pilot study in which the researcher does a trial run with a small number of participants. The pilot study will reveal whether participants understand the instruction, whether the total experimental setting seems plausible, whether any confusing questions are being asked etc..Such procedures provide the researcher with an opportunity to make any necessary changes in the procedure before doing the entire study. Reference: Cozby Paul, Methods in Behavioral Research, 9th ed. McGraw-Hill Comp. New York, 2007 pp 181-182, 383) I believe that the model used was the interpretive model. This stems from qualitative research. The study consisted of three focus groups according to the paper: The first focus group comprised of four Caucasian adolescents (gender not specified) but deduced from information provided as two females and two males. The second focus group had two African American females The third focus group comprised of two African American females and two African male adolescents. with a total of 10 adolescents ranging from 13 to 18 years of age (five males and five females consisting of four Caucasian and six African Americans). The six African American adolescents has been determined for focus group two and three. Of the remaining four adolescents who are Caucasian, we know that two are female. Therefore the remaining two Caucasian adolescents in the first focus group is male. The report indicates that the focus groups were “split” along racial lines with Caucasian and African American in each focus group. All the African American adolescents are identified as being in group two and three. Each adolescent has a mother who had been treated with a stage of 0 to lll breast cancer within the last two years. Six set of parents were married, one mother remarried and three African American mothers were divorced and single parents. Three of the adolescent girls (two Caucasian and one African American) had mothers who were initially diagnosed five to 15 years earlier. It is not specified if the mothers were Caucasian and African American the same as their children. Nor is it known which adolescent is connected to who’s mother. Therefore this study cannot be replicated. It should be noted that each adolescent indicated that the reason she/he was participating because of the mother’s encouragement. Did the teens therefore feel they were coerced? Two female moderators conducted each focus group. At least one moderator’s was matched with each participant group, that being Caucasian or African American. What was consistent is that one Caucasian moderator was in each of the three focus groups. Since there were two moderators in each group and one is African American then it can be presumed that at least two moderators, one Caucasian and one African American were in the study. Wording cannot conclude that there were not more than two moderators. Each focus group was provided with a guided discussion and seven questions pertaining to “parental cancer”. Questions were asked within the same order. This occurred between 2002 and 2003. More specific dates are not provided. Recurrent themes were determined and developed with a definition for each. These categories were derived independently by three of the five coauthors. To be classified as a major theme, at least one half of the adolescents interviewed (five) had to report such. RESULTS The four Caucasian teenagers two male and two females, who had mothers currently in treatment for stage II or III breast cancer responded with intense sadness, worries, and fears about their mothers’ prognosis. All six African American teenagers having mothers with stage 0, I and II breast cancer, minimized current worries or fears and stated no current concerns about their mothers’ breast cancer. All of the adolescent males seemed less expressive when asked about their feelings and ways of coping and relied more on distraction, keeping busy and athletics. The African American females tended to keep to their normal routines as much as possible, tried not to think about it, and were less expressive. The Caucasian females talked more about the importance of sharing their feelings with others, writing, and other mediums of expression. African American males and female tended to go to church more often and to pray daily to cope. All adolescents talked about seeing their mothers vulnerable during the cancer treatments. All were more affectionate and helped out by cooking, cleaning, shopping, washing clothes and protecting their mothers by making sure they were eating well and sleeping. The oldest adolescents in their families reported taking on the most responsibility at home during their mothers’ treatment. Parents often relied on the eldest to care for younger siblings and to take on additional household responsibilities. Adolescents coped with faith, humor, talking with others, distraction, thinking positively and keeping busy in athletics or other activities. Regarding support, all adolescents said having a teen group close to diagnosis (within four months) would have been an asset. They wanted to be fully informed sooner rather than later regarding the treatment, expectations, etc..It would be better to have a mixed group of boys and girls close to diagnosis and similar ages, don’t talk down to them, boys may not feel comfortable exposing their feelings with females present, female and male therapist at a younger age would have been preferred. Listen to the teenagers more; and have families come together as a group. Regarding “Research on how to help their children is absent.”(American Cancer Society, 2003).P 248. I contacted the American Cancer Society and they sent me the paper via email (www.cancer.org/docroot/STT/stt_0_2003. This paper has 52 pages. Yet the reference page was never provided. I did not see such reference as noted by the researcher. Does the Researcher therefore mean that she did not see the mentioned research in this paper? Pages 41 and 43 of the reference does offer resources and publications offering practical and emotional support for families. There are also books during the time of this research available for support. Note below. Coping with breast cancer, and helping your children do the same, is an ongoing process. If you want to read more about supporting children, some books you might find helpful are: McCue, K. (1994). How to Help Children though a Parent’s Serious Illness. St. Martin’s Griffin: New York. Harpham,W. (2004). When a Parent has Cancer:A Guide to Caring for your Children. HarperCollins: New York. There were assumptions which I think restricts the researcher in thought. All avenues should be open and disproved by evidence. For example “Although African American women have a 13% lower incidence of newly diagnosed breast cancer, as compared with Caucasian women, they have a higher death rate.” This is likely due……If the answers were posed as questions stemming from grounded research it would have deserved merit. Opinions are not valid for research. There are too many factors to consider. Chapter five of our text indicates that if a group has fewer than 6 people it can be hard at times to generate a diversity of ideas (focus groups in this study were four, two and four). Each focus group was well below the minimum recommendation for each focus group. Even the adolescents had to inform the researchers of what they already should have known as indicated earlier in bold.

Preparing for Winter - What am I up to? Books? Challenges

Well, it has been a challenge with my walking but I am slowly getting better. I have always been athletic until I returned to school and became a therapist which required so much sitting. With the loss of Mr Attitude, I am still missing the little guy. The house is quieter, I can sleep in whenever I want, I can do whatever I want to a degree but I would have him back in a second. I could deal with his heart murmur, his diminishing eye sight (he could still see his treats), his hyperthyroid, but it was his cognition which was a concern. It's one thing when a pet is happy but quite another if he is suffering. I made the decision which I felt was necessary and still do. I still chuckle when I think of him. Most of his things have been given to others who have pets. His stand is enjoyed by one of the neighbour's cat who loves to perch on it. I miss you baby boy and hope that someone is dancing with you upstairs in pet heaven. Well that is enough of my last pet. I did have the dog next door come and visit and the squirrels come to visit daily. Back to challenges - I have had to miss some wonderful conferences but this time has also allowed me to reflect. With some help I am going throughout the house and deciding what I really want and getting rid of the rest. I am also deciding where I want to live next. Niagara Falls is still my focus but I would like to be within walking distance of the falls. Is it now practical? Is my injury going to go away? Is a condo a better option than a house with an apartment for family and friends? Do I retire, continue to work or change occupations? When making decisions I always recommend making a list of pros and cons. I do this automatically in my grey cells but it is better if you write it down. Hallowe'en is next week and the weather should be good. I didn't put out anything this year, the first time ever, but I will certainly put up the tree and lights out for Christmas with help. With my injury, I have also come to realize how many great people I have in my life. So many have offered help. Wow! I am usually the care giver so that has been something. It was my dad who taught me to be independent, but I think I can relax that a bit. As I clear out what I don't use or need, I decide what and who I will give things away. I will donate my helmet, handcuffs, canteen etc....to the legion. I have already donated a few things to the school a few years back. I think of all my plaques and ponder if I am ready to part with them. Perhaps not right now. I am still going through paperwork gradually. Regarding my books, I read them and give them away. I have begun to read again and took advantage of every bit of sun and warmer weather we have been having, working around the weather. Books - Well, I did let my writing slip this year. Life happens. I never launched my book "Ominous". Oh well. I have had to prioritize and when I do that, my hobby comes last. I will be selling Ominious and my other books at the Legion, 7 Dec 24. I should be good by then. I am walking without crutches now and just need them for stairs so they come along with me in the car when I do my stuff. If you are interested in buying my books, I encourage you to do so. Next week, I want to start providing you with info on psych, theology and reading corner once again. Thank you for reading my blogs. I have also decided to open my practice to the Province of Quebec. So if you are living in the province of Quebec and want psychotherapy or couple or family therapy, I am available but keep in mind I do not speak French. Sorry. Bye for now. Web sites: silvaredigonda.ca redigondapsychotherapy.com