HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN WE BECOME VULNERABLE AND NEED ASSISTANCE? It is wise to consider that we may lose discernment as we age. My dad hired and fired his entire career, but he lost his ability to read people in his late 70’s. Sadly, there are those who prey on this vulnerability among the [...]
According to Chuck Swindoll, older adults are often characterized by four negative attitudes: (1) fear, (2) guilt, (3) uselessness, and (4) bitterness or self-pity. None of these descriptors fit my former friend and mentor, Annie Cheairs. To inspire you to finish life well, may I tell you about her? When I was a mere [...]
Usually, this blog encourages readers to prepare for death’s eventuality and make wise plans for the aging process. To those of you who have done so and completed your Heritage of Hope Checklist, I applaud you. These important tasks require both humility and wisdom. I believe you have saved both you and your family much [...]
FREE DOCUMENT PREPARATION OFFERED . . . AFTER FREE ESTATE PLANNING WEBINAR WHEN: OCTOER 27, 2025 @ 12 or 7 PM EST WHERE: ONLINE IN YOUR OWN HOME BY WHOM: FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL WHY: A FUTURE DONATION FOR FRC Many estate planning events are a set up to sell you investments. The Family Research [...]
My jaw dropped in alarm as Joe slowly and painfully emerged from my husband's car. I inhaled deeply, seeking the courage to reach out and greet this unexpected Christmas houseguest. But it wasn't courage that came to me; it was the pungent odor of urine, wine, and cigarettes. I silently whined, Our perfect Christmas--Joe's going [...]
I thank you Veterans, on this day, for your service to our country. After living a year in India, I came home very willing to pay taxes. International travel is a superb teacher. I had become very appreciative of ordinary, everyday things like running water and federal inspection standards for meat. More recent experiences are [...]
The end of this life is a departure that most of us dread, but we can make our good-byes less painful when we’ve thoughtfully prepared for them. I share some of our alumni's feedback from those who felt loved and comforted in that vulnerable time by such preparations. * At the memorial service of a [...]
Recently, I spent an entire afternoon in the ER awaiting medical help for my strong husband. Although quite painful, his issue was not life-threatening. Even so, it was a reminder of our physical frailties and even our mortality. Both of us are quite healthy, so I sometimes forget the passing decades. God has ways of [...]
I treasure this Psalm of Thankfulness as it is a part of my faith heritage. These carefully chosen words express the heart of an artist, my paternal grandmother, Lucile Wilson Parsell. Since my grandfather was incapacitated with Parkinson's Disease when my dad was only thirteen, she supported their family thereafter. Thankfully, "Nana" was a graduate [...]
Long life is a tremendous gift of God, but the fourth quarter can be painful. Hebrews 12:1-2 offers encouragement in imagery that is quite symbolic of HERITAGE OF HOPE. Let's join Paul in viewing this life as a race we are running to successfully pass the baton of faith to the next generation. THEREFORE WE [...]
