Whenever things get rough in life, and you have to turn to somebody for help or comfort, the first people you think of are usually your parents. You know that their love for you is unconditional, and that they are always there when you need advice, a kind word, or you have a problem you don’t know how to handle on your own. However, at some point, they become the ones who need your attention, time, and sometimes even help. Here are some ways to give some of that love back to your aging parents and treat them with the kindness they deserve.

Becoming a grandparent is supposed to be the happiest time of your life. It is the icing on the cake of parenting... right? Well, it doesn't work out that way for an ever growing number of grandparents. For a huge percentage, becoming a grandparent is coupled with the role of parent for one or more of your child's child.

It’s difficult to make sense of families, sometimes. You grow up thinking that you know people completely because they are always present. They seem so familiar that you never quite see what is glaringly obvious, in hindsight.

This is my dilemma: I have three grandsons; the oldest is 16, soon to be 17, and it seems the relationship I had with him has faded. How many of you find that as your grandchildren have gotten older there seems to be a disconnect?

This story is about my new YouTube series and how it all started.

She awoke in a hospital bed. This was not something that she was unaccustomed too. Cornelia Springer had spent much of her life in hospitals later in her life. Whether for surgery or doctor's appointments, her dementia or her diabetes, by this time, Cornelia Springer was used to hospitals. The room was sterilized, thus smelling of nothing much, if anything, antibiotics or alcohol. The room was cold, as it often was in hospitals to kill the germs, but thankfully, the bed sheets kept her warm. Faint steps outside the door passed her ears. A rustling near her caught her attention. It was Angela, her niece and caretaker.

“Ya want it, take it now!” she said, about the white cat I admire.

So here I am...

Yesterday marked the 12th year since you and your sister, Netty, left this Earth and gave your energy back to universe.

On September 9, 2018, a beautiful spirit by the name of Kyrzayda Rodriguez lost her battle with stage four stomach cancer. I did not know her personally, but her strength and transparency were extremely contagious. She was determined to be open and honest about the stages, changes, and realities of her diagnosis. She encouraged many to keep going no matter how grim the outlook was, and that even though you may be feeling your worst, you can still look your best. She decided to stop receiving treatment, and shared that with her followers on Instagram on August 9, 2018. She fought until the very end, leaving a beautiful, compassionate message to never give up on yourself and your dreams. What I got from her is that it is never too late to start, but you must begin too.

Being a grandma—you would think it would be a piece of cake, a walk in the park—I mean, after all, we have already raised our children. That is how we were crowned with the coveted title of "Grandma."

It’s 5 AM and I’m wide awake with so much on my mind. I woke up at 3:30... after drinking water and using the restroom, I laid back down expecting sleep to come but instead I was given the desire to write. I want to open up my heart. In order to do that I must first listen and then follow my omens. I must write letters to apologize and also share what lies deepest in my heart. ❤️