Crafting a Family Vision

You may be familiar with the idea of articulating a vision if you come from the corporate world. This concept is also valuable for families. After all, you have many “remote workers” who are connected in some form or another, who love and care about each other, and who are all pursuing their own endeavors.…

Grandparenting Is a Lifelong Journey

Sharing values with my family has always been deeply important to me. Of course, it was important when I was raising my children. But it hits home even more as I watch my grandchildren live through significant life stages and milestones. Witnessing a grandchild transition into adulthood means you have been connected throughout the years.…

Term Paper Assignment from God

A Term Paper Assignment from God

“What should I do with all of the term papers your grandchildren sent you when they were in college and high school?” my adult son, Michael, had asked, as he cleaned out my condo for sale in Deerfield, IL. “Send them to me,” I had answered.   In my effort to enter my grandchildren’s worlds…

Want Happy Campers? Send Them to Camp!

Tuesday, April 27 7:00 pm CDT Free! Registration required to receive Zoom link. Presented by JCC Chicago, JCFS Chicago, and Grandparents Unleashed.   The experience of Jewish summer camp has always played an important role in creating a deeper connection to Jewish identity and building relationships for lifelong impact. It’s even more important now as…

Make Friends Across Your Lifespan

Who Do You Surround Yourself With?

“Why did it happen, Deanna?” I recently asked my friend and colleague. I’m 92 and she’s 53 (or at least that’s what I said, and she didn’t correct me.) We’ve known each other and have been working together for only five years. During that time we have come to have deep respect for each other’s…

Grandparents! Sign Up to Write Your Stories

My granddaughter Jessica was the one who inspired me to write my stories. “What was life like when you were a boy, Grandpa Jerry?” she started asking me last year. “What were some favorite games you played with your friends? What did you spend your allowance on? What were your parents and grandparents like?” As…

Teaching Values to Grandchildren

The Grandest Love: Seeing Values in Action

2018 was a grand year! There were graduations and weddings and birthdays and promotions. So much to celebrate. And it was a scary year. There were concerns about aging and losing my independence. Thankfully, I passed my written driving test and renewed my driver’s license. But that was after flunking it the first time. Over…