Today, like any other day, I walked out to my mailbox and found an envelope from my elderly father. I can’t remember receiving much mail from Dad in the past; it has always been Mom who sent me things. But it was Dad’s handwriting, and I have been worried because he hasn’t been well. I opened the letter not knowing quite what to expect. Much to my surprise, I found the following letter along with a handful of photographs that had been enlarged: Dear Julie, I am enclosing several enlargements of old slides I found in the back of the garage. I thought... (Read More ...)
In twenty years of helping people settle their estates, one glaring fact always stands out: we have way too much stuff! Just start poking around your closets, under the beds, up in the attics or your garage, and you’ll agree. We have overstuffed and cluttered homes, and garages that can’t hold our cars. Let’s not forget the good reason why all of these storage companies keep going up across our city: People can’t seem to let go of their stuff. Don’t organize your junk — get rid of it! If not for yourself, then do it for your children. Whether you are trying... (Read More ...)
It had been a week since Dad’s funeral, and life was getting back to normal for Sharon. Despite the sadness of the occasion, it had been nice to be with her brother and sister and their families. She hadn’t been to her dad’s house since he went into the hospital. She dreaded walking into the empty house, knowing it contained a flood of memories. As she got in her car to drive across town to the house she grew up in, the lump in her throat grew. She thought about all the happy times around the dinner table, and many other memories. As she unlocked the door and stepped into the... (Read More ...)
Millions of people are diagnosed every year with a chronic disease. Billions are living with one. How do you find a way to make positive changes in your life after such a diagnosis, to live a life that is as full as possible, with the highest level of independence and comfort as possible? It’s important to do some planning, make changes in your lifestyle, and take charge of your health by doing the following: Empower Yourself: Do research on your condition and educate yourself. Learn about the condition, treatment options and how to make the most of your treatment, so it will be successful.... (Read More ...)
After spending two weeks in the hospital, The Ancient One decided that she’s never ever ever going back. Well, she’s 87…she should be able to make that choice. Of course, this puts The Midlife Gals, her daughters, in a funky position. What do we say if she declines in a hurry, “No, remember Mother? You decided you aren’t going to the hospital again…remember?” And, us running around the house like chickens with our heads cut off trying to figure out what to do. Call HOSPICE, that’s what you do. She’s all signed up now and these people do EVERYTHING.... (Read More ...)
