Are you ever amazed at ancient wisdom? Do you ever wonder about the value of new approaches and techniques? Sometimes I believe that progress isn’t progress. Today I was reading http://wapo.st/1lCNAWD about when to stop cancer treatment. One paragraph in the article particularly caught my attention. The author writes that “Patients and families often assume their doctors are trained and ... Read More »
I’m a Caregiver. Where’s the Manual?
There you are, just going along and living your life, when one day things seem a little off. Maybe you can’t put your finger on exactly what seems awry, but there’s a little nagging feeling. You visited your parents and their home seemed dirtier than normal. As you helped prepare dinner you noticed that your mom seemed befuddled by things ... Read More »
How Do You Fill an Empty Space?
Mothers Day is almost here. For the first time in my life I’m not making any plans with my family for that day. My daughters won’t be home so there will be of fuss over my motherhood. My mother died two and a half months ago so I won’t have the pleasure of treating her to anything special. I feel ... Read More »
What If You Did What Scares You?
Are you a risk taker, or do you play it safe? What does it take to do something a little out of your comfort zone, and how do you feel afterward? These two women show completely different approaches to life and adventure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zD2NtzEPBcA Some risk avoidance makes sense. Some doesn’t. For example, I never applied to dental school because I ... Read More »
In Memory Of My Mother
Today I’m remembering Maxine Gallagher, my mother. She departed this earth on February 19, 2014 so she didn’t make it to this, her 86th birthday. Sometimes remembering is all we can do. If someone you love is old, in fragile health, take some time to remember with them the good things they added to your life, the lessons they taught ... Read More »
What Would You Do If You Were In His Shoes?
Why me? Oh, no! This is the end. How will I ever make it? Are these the kinds of things that go through your mind when you get unwelcome news about yourself and your life? Have you ever thought things were so bad you might as well end it all? Here’s a video about a man who was so despondent ... Read More »
Do You Remember…?
What happens to you when the seasons change? I’m not talking about getting out the summer clothes, taking down the Christmas lights and things like that. Is there any change inside you? For me, no matter which season is beginning and which is ending, I feel a mixture of hope and nostalgia. I remember the seasons of years past as ... Read More »
What Is Your Life Calling?
I did some old-fashioned things recently. First, I read in the newspaper – yes, an actual paper copy – that Jane Pauley had a new book, Your Life Calling: Reimagining the Rest of Your Life, coming out in 2014. Next, I reserved the book and picked up the physical copy from the public library. Here’s what I learned from reading ... Read More »
Peace at End of Life
If you’re like many people, Shakespeare isn’t at the top of your reading list. His works, however, contain many wise words. “Disturb him not, let him pass peaceably. They also serve who only stand and wait” comes from Henry VI, pt II, act III, scene 3. These are words family members and medical professionals would do well to keep in ... Read More »
Things Your Mother Never Told You About Shopping
Have you ever shopped for cremation or funeral merchandise? Now I don’t know about you, but I’m not a shopaholic. I like to get in, get what I want, and get out. Walking into the merchandise room at a funeral home can make you want to get out even faster! Unfortunately, I’ve lost both parents in the last 20 months ... Read More »