18Dec 2015 by CJ

Gifts from the heart are all you’ll remember

Love & Relationships
“To perceive Christmas through its wrappings becomes more difficult with every year.” Elwyn Brooks White With Christmas only 6 days away, I find myself growing nostalgic for the holidays of my past and those individuals who helped comprise the celebration. I know I’m not alone in this feeling, as December 25th seems to be the one time of year when we all mourn the loss of relationships, which are no longer a part of our daily lives. This will be my second Christmas here in Colorado, after spending 38 years in a small New Jersey town I, and countless family members, were raised in. It’s been an adjustment to say the least. Forming new relationships is never easy, more importantly finding individuals with whom you connect with wholeheartedly and unconditionally…
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10Dec 2015 by CJ

Somebody somewhere is thinking of you

Love & Relationships
“Somewhere there’s someone who dreams of your smile, and finds in your presence that life is worthwhile. So when you are lonely, remember it’s true, somebody somewhere is thinking of you." Khushi Throne There are days when my mind is alert and active – a never-ending stream of random thoughts, which swirl around my head like a violent tornado. Other days my mind is exhausted from the day’s activities – slow in its response and only too happy to succumb to the peacefulness of a good night’s rest. It’s during those times of random thoughts that I often find myself thinking of someone from my past – someone I’m no longer in communication with, but at one time was a large part of my life. One of life’s many realities…
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26Oct 2015 by CJ

Friendship requires the gift of your time

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
“Why did you do all this for me?' he asked. 'I don't deserve it. I've never done anything for you.' 'You have been my friend,' replied Charlotte. 'That in itself is a tremendous thing.” ― E.B. White, Charlotte's Web When I lived back in New Jersey several years ago, a dear friend and I always made time during the week to see each other. Sometimes it was nothing more than coffee at a local Starbucks or Barnes & Nobel, a relaxing walk around a picturesque park or dinner at our favorite pizzeria restaurant. The setting was irrelevant to our meetings – what was vital was sharing time together to discuss the highs and the lows of the preceding days. That dedicated time helped build a strong, long-lasting friendship between us…
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08Oct 2015 by CJ

Caregivers are angels here on earth

Generosity & Kindness, Love & Relationships
One of the greatest challenges my family faced when Alzheimer’s disease began preventing my grandfather from caring for himself, was figuring out who would take care of him. While my grandmother was still alive, she was frail herself and unable to meet the physical demands of caring for him. And while I know she loved him, it was difficult for her to accept the demands this new role of “caregiver” presented to her. My family experimented with several home health aides – unsatisfied with many of the early arrivals. Being a caregiver is not easy and requires much more than simply being able to handle the everyday logistics - eating, dressing, bathing. It’s about treating the person you’re caring for with dignity, respect, compassion, patience, humor and above all love.…
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28Sep 2015 by CJ

You’re stronger than you think

Life & Living, Love & Relationships
When I'm stuck with a day that's grey and lonely I just stick up my chin and grin and say, oh The sun will come out tomorrow Sentiments easier expressed through lyrics than in reality. But songwriters Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin capture something utterly profound in their song Tomorrow – featured in the hit musical and movie Annie. Simply put – everything is temporary. Every one of us can look back in our history and remember times when we didn’t know how we were going to make it through. Times when we were riddled with self-doubts and insecurities – grieving with a broken heart or a broken life. And yet here we are survivors – perhaps a little more jaded and guarded, but definitely more courageous. Somehow as everyday…
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