Lynn Longmuir
Care manager of her husband in advanced stage of chronic illness
 Lynn Longmuir was born and raised in the Scottish Borders in a small village called Earlston, thirty-five miles (55 km) from Edinburgh, Scotland's capital city. She and her husband Niall emmigrated to Canada only six days after their wedding in 1973, much to the surprise of both of their families. Before Niall’s worsening illness made it impossible, the couple enjoyed camping, attending the theatre and playing with their collie dog together during their free time.
When Lynn Longmuir’s husband Niall was diagnosed with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis in 1996, Lynn gradually found herself in a full time care-giving role with limited resources and no way of knowing how to deal with her own grief and pain. Taking care of someone you love is difficult and taking care of yourself in the process, without help, is practically impossible. After discovering how difficult to access and few resources existed for caregivers, she dedicated herself to ensuring that others in her situation have both the practical and emotional tools to be strong for themselves and their loved ones. Lynn is able to bring a voice of experience and compassion to this important topic.
Niall was an immeasurable inspiration to Lynn during the writing of Peace of Mind: Care for the Caregiver. She could not have completed the book without his love and support.
Lynn currently lives in Victoria, British Columbia. She is the owner of an aromatherapy vocational school, has a private practice called Healing Scents Holistic Clinic, is a Registered Aromatherapist, Essential Oil Therapist EOT™, and a Certified Reflexologist.
Author's Note:
I started to write this book January 5th 2008. Niall was in crisis and I did not know if he would last the night. We had many days and nights like this over the years but the quality of life when we had good days was great, so much joy, his smile his humor, our conversations his love and support and thanks in everything I was doing for him. But I was doing it for me too.
Naill passed on peacefully with love at home January 13th 2009. It has been a journey of all emotions. My experience through this is immeasurable. We talked many times of my next chapter in life without him and what would I do. I do know I will follow my heart this has taught me above anything that when you do what you need and love to do no matter how painful the journey is there is light, there is support there is appreciation in the small things.
Niall always wanted to make a difference well he did, his bravery and passion for life shone all the way through, he touch many people with his being.
Caring for your loved one at home can be done and is done by many people every day there is support out there we just have to ask, trust and know we are doing what feels right for us.
Writing this book and following through on everything that has been written, having the forms filled out has made it easier for me, give me Peace of Mind, taking care of me was taking care of Niall.
I am beginning another chapter in my life, all will be well and I smile when I remember Niall’s smile when he says, “there is a right way, a wrong way, and Lynn’s way”
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