Kids are home learning online, parents are juggling roles, and grandparents want to help. Join us for a panel discussion on creating a plan, with experts in family dynamics and COVID-19, plus a sampling of parents and grandparents who will share real-life challenges. Learn how to navigate conversations about what parents really need, and how…
By Guest Blogger Michael Witkovsky (or as I like to call him, “my son the psychiatrist) It may have been Wendell Barry who would admonished us to “first, build a table.” I always wondered why chairs were not the first. No reason is given. My guess is that chairs are single purposed (lounge, dining,…
Yep. I am still their Dad. “But, I am 92 and they are in their 60’s,” I think, jabbering to myself. “JEROME,” my wife Margaret, who died 15 years ago, would say right now to get my attention. “You worry too much. They are adults. Let them be.” Sage advice, Margaret. “But I…
Dear Family, You can’t imagine the pride and happiness that I have in seeing your successes and achievements in life. I know that pride is a feeling one usually has about their own achievements. But as your father and grandfather, I get deep pleasure and satisfaction in following all that you do. I…
The dictionary definition of the word “demystify” means to make something clear and easy to understand. When it comes to family, de“mist”ifying may be the better way to say it. I’m talking about that mist that can come over family members when they get together. It might be the mist through which one sees…
At age 90 and 7 months, I was entering my car the usual way. Right leg first, leaving all the weight on my left leg for just a fraction of a minute until I’m in. Suddenly my knee gave out and I found myself flat on the parking lot pavement. Somehow, in a state of…
Jews around the world this week came together with others in their local Jewish community to pray on Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. As I sat in synagogue on Monday, I realized how powerful it is that we are free to do that in the US, without fear. Older adult after older adult shuffled…
Oh the stories you’ll hear! This past Saturday they came to Deerfield IL from Madison, WI. My son, his wife and my grandchildren Merete and Aiden. My granddaughter Katie and her boyfriend Lance came up from Chicago. My lady friend, Felice, was there too The chatter over lunch and dinner was rich, lively and full…
Gone are the days of baking cookies or making crafts together. Although going out together for ice cream never goes out of style. My grandchildren are now 16 to 36. It’s not something to lament. As they get older their minds grow and their world of ideas expands exponentially. I love talking to them about…
At 80ish I wrote a chapter for a book, 80 Things to Do When you Turn 80. The chapter was titled “Life is an Adventure. In it I talked about meeting my wife Margaret and our long life together, and on writing a book and rebuilding my life after she passed. The theme for that…
