There was some discussion recently on Facebook about junk drawers. Some unenlightened folks said they had no idea what a junk drawer was. Really? Is this something only us aging folks know about? A junk drawer is that one place in your house, usually the kitchen, where all the little miscellaneous stuff ends up. Rubber…
How to Deal With Disappointment
Now that things have opened up in my state, people are gathering enthusiastically to do the normal things they enjoyed pre-Covid. Restaurants are busy, bars are three-deep, standing room only, and coffee establishments are allowing people to sit and enjoy their favorite brew. Our local coffee house has returned to offering live music one evening…
How to Break Up With Your Hairdresser
Are you one of those women who schedule the next hair appointment the minute you hand your credit card or cash to your hairdresser? Do you record the appointment on your calendar four, six, or eight weeks in the future? Most of us do. We want to make sure to save our space because our…
Bottle Misery
I am beginning to think there’s an evil group of monsters who design packaging so difficult to open that one needs a knife, hammer, and bolt cutters to get to the contents. In the last couple of weeks, I’ve tried to open a bottle of salad dressing, a label-maker, and a package of salad mix.…
Jane speaks about family caregiving.
The Pacific Northwest Association of Church Libraries (PNACL) has invited Jane to present about her experience of caring and honoring aging parents (and other family members). As chronicled in The Caregiving Season, Jane has been through the physical, financial and emotional journey when she cared for her elderly mother who passed away at the age…
Caregiving Season – A Time For Hope
I had the privilege of talking with Dr. Freda Crews of Time For Hope. Her television program inspires and informs Christians who struggle with physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. Dr. Freda V. Crews, D. Min., Ph.D., is the Director of Time for Hope Ministries and the host of Time for Hope, the internationally syndicated television…
I’m Afraid to Die
In my father’s house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. John 14:12 “I’m afraid to die.” I’ve heard this comment from more than one older person. And all are professing Christians. What is going on? Christians have an abiding belief…
I Can’t Hear You – Part 2
When an older adult loses their hearing, they face the same fears as anyone with a different kind of disability. They worry about being marginalized, or seen as incompetent, or even stupid. Sometimes they lash out at the ones who try to help. Since Mike is semi-retired, he spends more time with my mom on…
Everyone I know Is Dead – Part 2
Aging and isolation, helping elders cope with seclusion when they start losing loved ones. I met Alene when she lived with her son, Greg and his wife. She is another elderly woman who struggled with loss and loneliness, but her story is different. When Alene became too frail for Greg and his wife to provide…
New Year, Same Old Caregiving
As we look to a brand new year, it brings to mind new beginnings. A fresh start. Maybe do things differently this year. Here are some resolutions I’ve made to make 2017 better than 2016 in my role as caregiver for my ninety-three-year-old mother: Give more grace. I need to remind myself that she’s 93,…