During last week’s blog within “Carol-Ann’s Top 10 Caregiver Lessons”, I reminded myself to share a little story related to resisting the endless recitation of worn-out aging parent tales. It feels like a fitting start to today’s post about why we need to see through our folks’ transitions with aplomb.Read More
You know, one of the things I love about being born in early July is that my special day falls about mid-way through the year. What a great time for course-correction!
As I’ve lately been inviting all of you, I’m taking a page out of my own books to stop and deeply contemplate my life. In my case, this has to do with completing six decades. Every year since my parents passed away in 2010 and 2012, I gain new perspectives about their role in aiding my development, toxic as I found our journey growing up.Read More
Yesterday would have been the birthday of my paternal grandfather. Undoubtedly, he spent many a Father’s Day acknowledging his arrival as well as the general occasion. Passed-away in 1964, Grandpa would be a very remote memory if not for my father’s and cousin’s stories.
Thankfully, I’ve gained some genuine perspectives about the man who gave me life leading up to and after his own transition in 2012. I offer them with integrity here.Read More
Just as Mother’s Day weekend in North America can be loaded for many, let’s acknowledge this can be the same on Father’s Day when you have a checkered or even wounded history. Just because you contributed to creating life does not make you a True Father. Like in May, I am here to serve the son or daughter whose reality is one of absence or irresponsibility.Read More
Canadians recently celebrated Thanksgiving while American festivities wait until November’s end. My U.S. friends are often surprised over how early our occasion takes place.
Either way, I find Thanksgiving a real marker in the calendar. From back-to-school to now and then onto Halloween plus the holiday season, time will feel like a blink for so many cultures around the world.
No matter where your family-of-origin is located, don’t you find such festivals rife with the potential for feuds even under the guise of lovingly coming together? How about we look upon the fall harvest meal as “practice” for the even-bigger year-end celebrations to come?Read More
Last week, I celebrated my 57th Birthday. I could have used language like turned, marked, reached or hit. Instead, I chose to honor myself and all I have been/done for over five decades.
If my Dad was still with us, I assure you his card would have referred to “57 varieties” in deference to the historical advertising slogan of Pittsburgh-based H.J. Heinz Company. How hilarious that I actually located an old Heinz 57 label while recently cleaning out kitchen cupboards!
Given how rapidly my 50’s are unfolding, it got me to thinkingRead More
There’s just something about fathers and daughters, as there often is between mothers and sons. While the mother-daughter relationship can be estranged, the father-son connection can be equally strained. I have friends in my circles who know all these combinations very well.
Across the 54 years I had my Dad, our bond wasn’t without its ups and downs. In fact, there were whole stretches of years where I secretlyRead More
Yes, the season of red hearts and chocolates galore has mercifully come and gone.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m the first lady in line to receive all loving expressions from my significant other. It’s just that when burnt-out adult children are expected by society to fawn all over difficult aging parents, I cease to be a fan of February 14th.
Did you struggle while staring for hoursRead More
June 16, 2013
My Treasured Followers:
I will return to my “regular posts” next week.
For today, I would like to honor my passed-away Dad and hope you will join me in that sharing.
with my sincerity…
Dear Daddy,Read More
Consider that four-year-olds apparently laugh fifty times daily, while the typical adult guffaws only fifteen.
Now, anyone with infinitely-challenging elderly parents in the throes of drudgery would understandably scream the toil is no light-hearted matter! Including me!
My point is,Read More
