grief and loss

How a Random Act of Kindness Helped Me Heal

Posted on 02/21/2013 by | Volunteering | Comments

Home & Family | Legacy | RelationshipsIt was my first trip to Pennsylvania since Pop Pop passed away, and I was equal parts excited and apprehensive — excited because it was (and is) my favorite place on the planet; nervous because my favorite person wouldn’t be there. My grandfather, the Bernie in my blog Arthur & Bernie, wouldn’t be in his chair in the living room, or a short walk away at the nursing home, where he spent his final year. Would it be depressing? Would …

The Gift I Didn’t Know I Needed

Posted on 12/26/2012 by | Volunteering | Comments

Caregiving | Home & FamilyBefore my Pop Pop died, we had a conversation about our conversations. “I miss our talks,” I said one night, sitting by his bed. It was August and, though the doctors said he was in good health, he was miserable. During the day, the pain consumed him and I wondered where my grandfather went, but for an hour or so at bedtime, the Pop Pop I knew came back. “I know you’re hurting, and it’s hard to think about anything …

College Reunion Uplifts the Caregiver In Me

Posted on 08/8/2012 by | Aging, Home & Family Expert | Comments

Caregiving | Home & Family | Relationships | Your LifeAs the jukebox blared, we all danced and raucously sang (OK, shouted really) out the words to “Bye Bye Miss American Pie”, “Aimee” (my personal favorite of course) and yes, even “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” at the top of our lungs. I looked around the circle of about 35 of my college sorority Chi Omega sisters and it felt like thirty years had simply melted away. Our early 1980’s hair and clothing may have changed over time, but our …