Happy Halloween!

My Mother's favorite day, I think, after Christmas and Easter. Why? Candy, candy, candy. "What kind of candy do you like?" "Any kind!" My sweet trick-or-treater.

Thank you, San Diego Hospice!

Revocable Living Trust v. Will

You Need Will-Brenda's Question From New York!

What a Moment! Mrs. Smith Goes to Washington

We had the honor of lunching in the Senate Dining Room Wednesday -- this is a view that took my breath away as I snapped what we saw from a location at the Capitol where the public rarely gets to stand. Ask me about the experience going through the security gate! And parking next to the President of the Senate! What a day! Standing and gazing at this site brought tears to me eyes....thinking of what our country stands for and represents, the heritage, the ideals. My favorite city in the world. God Bless America, and may we in turn be a blessing to others.

Love Other People's Parents, Too!

Helen just celebrated her 95th birthday! Who could guess?

Get Your Parents to Read!

Here's Mama reading the great Book 212 degrees--the difference between success and failure via the boiling water metaphor is one degree. In her advanced state of dementia, if I asked her if she would like to read something, she'd say no. But if I put something to read in her hands, she starts reading. She read this book for two hours, and then I asked her, "What was the book about?" And she said, "About a man who had nothing and became something!"

Don't underestimate your Mom or Dad's ability to engage. Talk to them, if there eyes are good, put something with big letters in their hands, ask them about what they're reading. Keep those brain cells active! And have fun while your're doing it!

A Beautfiul, Timely Psalm -- 33-- New American Standard Bible

Sing for joy in the Lord, oh you righteous ones;
Praise is becoming to the upright.
Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
Sing praises to Him with a heart of ten strings.
Play skillfully with a shout of joy.
For the word of the Lord is upright,
And all His work is done in faithfulness.
He loves righteousness and justice;
The world is full of the lovingkindness of the Lord.

By the word of the Lord the heavens were made,
And by the breath of His mouth all their host.
He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap;
He lays up the deep in storehouses.
Let all the earth fear the Lord;
Let all the inhabitants of the earth stand in awe of Him.
For He spoke, and it was done.
He commanded, and it stood fast.
The Lord nullifies the counsel of the nations;
He frustrates the plans of the people.
The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
The plans of His heart from generation to generation.
Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
The people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance.

The Lord looks from heaven;
He sees the sons of men;
From His dwelling place He looks out
On all the inhabitants of the earth,
He who fashions the hearts of them all,
He who understands all their works.

The king is not saved by a mighty army;
A warrior is not delivered by great strength.
A horse is a false hope for victory;
Nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength.

Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him,
On those who hope for his lovingkindness,
To deliver their soul from death
And to keep them alive in famine.
Our soul waits for the Lord;
He is our help and our shield.
For our heart rejoices in Him,
Because we trust in His holy name.
Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us,
According as we have hoped in You.

Amen.

Italics mine. Blessings, Jane Allison

Talk to Your Parents--Especially if they Have Dementia

Keep your parents' brain cells stimulated, even if your mother says you talk too much!

Kathy from Nebraska Says--My Aging Parents Are Driving Me Crazy!

Favorite Quote of the Day -- Service

Truly great leaders understand that leadership is all about the opportunity to serve people and add quality to their life. Unknown

Caregivers--Take Care of Yourself!

What a lovely still frame! My friend, Jeff Rivera, was visiting from New York City and took this as a PRACTICE -- like we were on a Hollywood set. But gotta love that real background!

Thanks for watching. If they're still here, call your Mom and Dad and tell them you love them! It will make their Sunday! Blessings, Jane Allison

Love Your Parents and They'll Love You Back!

Here is a quick tip -- no make-up or hair, all vanity aside, here we go! Blessings, Jane Allison

Fairy Tales and Dragons

"Fairy Tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten."
G. K. Chesterton

My Mom's a YouTube Star!

Okay, so I was supposed to use my FlipCam to record elder care tips, but since I was shy (I did them, they're upcoming) -- I thought I would start with one of my pretty Mama. So, here she is in her debut. The backstory is that every time I leave the room after talking with her, she turns to our caregiver and says, "She sure talks a lot!" Oh, well. Hope you enjoy! Love, Jane Allison

Ready for the big time!

Flipcam in hand -- ready to add those videos for #eldercare tips -- only problem is I have to be in them! I'll do my best! Hope you enjoy.