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Elise and Abby’s European adventure

A week ago today, it was Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. But, with meteorologists predicting lots of snow today and sub-zero temperatures with the wind chill this week, I’m thinking we all could use a little cheering up. So, today we’re heading to sunny Italy, albeit vicariously, with my daughter, Elise, and her best friend, Abby. The two spent about six weeks there last spring on a study abroad trip for Elise with the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and some fun in the sun for Abby. University of Padua When Elise wasn’t in classes at the University of Padua — the 800-year-old university where Galileo studied and taught — the two explored the incredibly beautiful sights and vibrant culture of Italy. They visited Venice, Florence, Assisi, Cinque Terra, Milan, Rome, Sorrento and Naples. They even flew to Berlin, Germany, to spend a weekend there. Take a…

Happy Birthday, Poppy

My dad turned 97 today. Most people who learn how old he is can’t believe it. He’s aged well, as they say, and still has a bigger-than-life personality that keeps him engaged in his world. And, let’s face it, he’s as handsome as ever. 97 years young I often tell him that he’s longer lasting than the Energizer bunny. I can’t tell you how many times in the last 10 years that my sisters and I thought we’d lost him to one health issue or another as we kept vigil with him in the emergency room. But it was never long before he’d come back around, and we’d breathe a sigh of relief. Sometimes he wonders aloud why God doesn’t take him to heaven to be with my mom. As much as his lament tugs at my heart, I can imagine what he must feel. It can’t be easy for…

Dad’s passion for music brings healing

While having dinner a few weeks ago with my editor friend, Leslie, I told her about the impromptu concert my dad gave to residents on his floor the night before. Still awed by what I’d witnessed, I explained how his passion for music impacted a woman who suffers from dementia. I couldn’t hide my excitement as I described how his big heart and booming voice were transforming the retirement community he now calls home. Leslie thought the story would be perfect for her client’s website. She was working with them to prepare a bank of articles around the healing power of the arts. My dad’s story would demonstrate music’s potential to restore a measure of health to the elderly. I wrote the story the next day, and it was published at Ford Better World yesterday. I can’t wait for you to read it here. Secret to a long life My sisters and…

Remembering Paul on his birthday

Paul would have turned 70 today. I’d like to think we would have thrown him a party with family and friends, showering him with gifts and messages of love. Instead, I write through the reality that he isn’t numbering his years anymore. He is on the other side, in the presence of God, where time isn’t marked and his often-troubled spirit is finally free. No more pain, sorrow or tears. ——- Last year on his birthday, he was about six months into his battle against the cancer that, after more than two years of hibernation, had awakened famished and hell-bent on taking over more of his body. Uncontrolled pain in his side was a constant companion, interrupting his sleep night after night. The chemotherapy was taking its toll, zapping his strength and, sometimes, his will to fight. My journal entry for that day reads: “Paul’s 69th birthday. I am…

One of my Favorite Memories

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the 1965 release of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Academy-Award-winning film musical The Sound of Music. For me, the movie triggers a very special moment in my family’s history. I was 7 years old in 1965 when my parents took my three sisters and me to see the film at the Madison Theatre in downtown Detroit, one of an exclusive list of theaters in major cities chosen to show the film before its general release nationwide. If I remember correctly, the outing marked my sister Laura’s 12th birthday. Our moments together that day are captured in my mind as a series of vivid snapshots. I am a round-faced, chubby little girl with buck teeth and dark brown hair cut bob-style, pulled back on each side with barrettes. I can hear the swish of the tulle fabric lining my Sunday-best dress as I move anxiously in my…

Summer’s over, school’s in and Christmas is 113 days away!

No offense to the contributions of 155 million workers in whose honor we celebrate Labor Day, but of all the national holidays, I have to say it is my least favorite. Sure, the family barbecues, like the one we had yesterday with my husband’s family, are always a good time, and the long weekend is a plus for many workers. What I don’t like about the holiday is that it signals the start of another school year, and that means back to a more hectic schedule for everyone. It says summer vacation is over, sleeping in on weekdays is not allowed and Christmas is 113 days away. This year is especially bittersweet for me. My oldest daughter began her first semester of study at a local community college last week. She was pretty nervous about venturing into the unknown. For days, maybe weeks, I’ve tried to assure her that she…