Family

Dad’s Secret Santa

When my mom and I arrived today to visit my dad, they were rounding up all the residents, getting them together in the big dining area. Then they started passing out presents. They had done a Secret Santa from the employees to the residents. One of the girls gave my dad his gift and told […]

Tree Trimming

Today my son and grandchildren came over to help us get out the Christmas tree and decorations. Everyone played a part. The guys did the heavy lifting, set up the tree, and got all the lights working. My granddaughter helped my son put the tinsel garland on. My grandson, my mom and I put on […]

Meaningful Mail

Today I received two special pieces of mail. One was a magnetic bookmark that says, “Those who hope in the Lord will soar on wings like eagles.” from Isaiah 40:31. A friend just thought I would like it. The other was included in my aunt’s Christmas card. It was a story from her local newspaper. […]

Climbing the Mountain

In my prayers this morning was Isaiah 2:2-5 which includes, “Come, let us climb the Lord’s mountain,to the house of the God of Jacob,That he may instruct us in his ways,and we may walk in his paths.” I thought of my dad’s obsession yesterday with climbing a mountain and thought perhaps this was the mountain […]

Christmas Pageant

Tonight the activity coordinators at my dad’s facility planned a Christmas Pageant. Their intent was to have the residents wear their dressiest clothes and have them walk the red carpet. My parents attended many formals – especially when my dad was in the military, so we thought this would be a nice evening for them. […]

Much Good News

There was a lot of positive excitement in the family today. My younger son registered for his first power lifting competition and had his weigh in today. He made the weight he intended and was pretty excited. My older son found out he got a job he was hoping for. It sounds like it is […]

Unrealized Plan

My dad’s facility was taking some of the residents to a Christmas play tonight. I wasn’t sure if it would be a good idea to take my dad or not. I wondered if doing so would just feed his confusion and make it worse. When my mom and I visited yesterday and talked about it, […]

Handmade Wreath

Tomorrow is my grandson’s birthday, so the clan came over today for lunch, cake, and party. After that, I had an idea for an art project that everyone was gracious enough to indulge me with. It was a simple wreath that I had made with the kids when I was doing home day care. Everyone […]

The Baby Garden

My daughter in law has told me many times about her grandmother. She was a loving woman who always took care of other people’s children and especially loved caring for the babies. As her health declined, she felt comfort by holding a baby doll. Her family told her that there was a special place for […]

Meaningful Generational Time

Every year our church gives people the opportunity to purchase gifts for children who need them. Each year I take tags off the “Giving Tree” that correspond to the ages of my grandchildren. This year, since my grandchildren are here, I invited them to come shopping with me. This afternoon my mom and I met […]