This will not be a political post. This is likely more of a scratch-my-head type of post. I grew up in the late 60s, multiple assassinations were part of those years, along with rampant unrest on campuses and in cities. During this time period, the Vietnam War created a forum for the expression of radical…
Category: family
In-law Rant
This is a rant that is realistically due only to having kids in their early 40s, married, and having in-laws. One of my children’s mother-in-law subtly and pointedly insults me, even when she is having dinner at my house. After 11 years, last night finally got to me and hurt my feelings to the point…
Aging and Relationships: Embracing Harmony for Peaceful Coexistence
Aging brings a subtle but growing need for harmony in relationships. Relatives and friends are still who they are, but peaceful coexistence in life is the primary goal for me. It is easy to accumulate stressful moments and life-changing events instigated by the most important people in our lives. The challenge is what to store…
Worrying About Many Things
The difficulty of expressing the now versus the future is heavily burdened by the past. I grew up in the heyday of the 60’s, sex, drugs, and rock n roll. Throw in the major changes in moves to eliminate racial discrimination, and Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty, along with the loosening of pregnancy implications, and…
Parental Affection Across Generations: A Personal Reflection
Did your parents hug you? A lot? Never? Only on special occasions? After spending the weekend with my 8 year old grandson I realized that he was okay with hugging me. As a Grammy I want to be hugged repeatedly and in a hard embrace. This is new to this generation, from my experience. I…
Am I too old for a dog?
Living in a community that is populated with what we now call more mature residents, few have dogs. Some family members do bring their dogs, especially the younger ones, and there are a few Millenials hanging about with pets. My three children counseled against getting a dog, especially the young and small puppy I was…
The Traditional Summer Visit
Precious grandchild…a gift to enjoy as we age. Grandchildren are fun, no matter what the stage. Engaging through words and games, and hugs and kisses. The time we spend is never a strain. I wish for their lives, they stay forever young, Engaging, spontaneous, and seeking life. If only I could live to see their…
Looking Back on Cherished Holiday Traditions
Always one to appreciate the many traditions of the season, decorating remains my most cozy memory with my family. As traditionalists we did not display or light the decorations until the Friday after Thanksgiving. Of course, we started with the outdoor lights, decorating the front bushes, and hanging lights along the gutters. Waiting until dark to adjust the…
These Past Months
A month ago my son’s brother-in-law passed away unexpectedly from a fentanyl overdose. It has had a devastating impact on all of our families. He was a young man of means with so much to live for, both in opportunities and future success. Two years ago my son-in-;aw died in a motorcycle accident, and he…
Interpretations of Life
It is one of the inevitable processes of living, and it is one we prefer to ignore…we all will die. As blunt as that sounds, it is the preparation for this stage we are obsessed with as it approaches our rear-view mirror. Many find solace in the religious interpretation of what occurs when the body…
Life Gets Better 