care2share c r e a t i v e  studio

 practicing the art of collaboration

Four Generation Hands

 

This picture perfectly describes the warmth and sharing of four generations, illustrated here by the holding of hands.   From innocence to experience, we each learn amazing, life-altering lessons on this journey we call life.   In order to get the most out of our relationships, we need to ask questions, probe for answers, and then, really listen.   There are fantastic stories of strength, heartache, emotional turmoil, triumphant achievement, raw courage, true love and ...

The time may come when it will be in your (or your folks') best interest to move into an independent or assisted living community.  There are many wonderful options available.  After the harrowing hurricane season of 2005, we strongly urged our parents to consider moving from their single family home in Miami to an independent living community in the NW suburbs of Illinois-to be near three of their daughters. 

I assumed the project of researching their options and found a tremendous amount of help through an organization called A Place for Mom.  Whether it's a place for you, or Mom or Dad or both parents, this organization provides resources and assistance that made my long distance search (I'm in Kansas City) much more productive.  I think the world of this group & believe they can be of help to you, too.

 
Smell the Roses, etc.
      Whether we're smelling roses or watching sunrises, being in nature helps us stay youthful.  Some people have lost their loved one and occasionally life might seem kind of bleak.   But fond memories are very special.  When we get together with family and friends, let's spend time reminiscing, recollecting fun activities, interesting places we're been, exciting or maybe peaceful, vacations we enjoyed.   Sharing memories is a gift for the giver and the receiver.
Young at Heart-Always

                                    

It is up to each of us to embrace life for all it's worth!  The only thing we can truly control is our attitude.  Don't you think this man has a zest for life?  A joyful spirit?  You betya!  Here are some great resources you might find of interest:

AARP Free Online Brain Games

Senior Corps

Suddenly Senior

Transitions Abroad (then under "Travel Abroad" in LH menu, click on "Senior Travel")

Here, too, is a site which requires membership, called HAPPYneuron

They offer a free 7 day trial with a subscription.  As of this writing, you can subscribe for $9.95/month or $99.95/year.  FYI- care2share creative studio is NOT an affiliate of any of these sites- I just think they're fun, informative and pretty ingenious.

 

 
Innocence and Experience

  

My parents had 5 daughters.  Though I've heard Dad was hoping for a son (probably 5 times..) both of our folks were estatic at each of our births.   We lost our father in January 2008 and I miss him so much.   I had the immense privilege of being a primary caregiver for my Mom for a few months this year.   The timing was phenomenal because Mom got to enjoy the blessing of spending quality time with her first Great-Grandchild, Benjamin James.  To say Mom was delighted, is an understatement.  During these months I had the pleasure of witnessing the pure joy that Mom exhibited toward this little guy.    Being able to spend time in multi-generational families helps us retain our youth.  We feel younger, more vibrant and more alive when we can share our love with newcomers to this world. 

care2share c r e a t i v e  studio