Moms: the greatest gift

Last month, I lost my mom. After talking to many friends, I find that I’m not alone. Their usual response is something like, “I lost my mom X years ago.” And silence. We all have a hole in our hearts. It is like I joined a secret club that no one wants to be a member...

These are a few of my favorite things

I love music. Anyone who has met me knows that. Music lifts me up. If you hear me singing, you might beg for mercy because I can’t carry a tune worth a darn, but it still brings me joy. My best memory is when I was about ten years old. My sisters and I used to do...

Open that envelope!

Dear Jean, A while ago, you talked about the importance of making an “advance directive”. I finally finished mine and put it in my safe-deposit box for security. I named my daughter as my health care agent. Should I give her a copy too? Answer: Yes, give her a copy....

Treasures and Memories

“I need help getting rid of all this stuff and the sooner the better!” were the first words Yolanda said when I met her at the door of her half-empty house. She had just moved to a senior apartment, and she needed help clearing out all the things that were left...