Category: Silver Stars

“Silver Stars” are folks who are still shining brightly. They are the do-ers, go-ers and servers. These folks are not content to rest on their laurels and let the world pass them by. “Silver Stars” finish well.

Arlene is standing next to the painting that Don started and she finished.

Beautiful Art Therapy Ministry emerges from trauma

Posted on by seniajean

I am excited about this month’s post. I had the wonderful opportunity to learn the story of a dear friend, Arlene Winslow. We met many years ago when she opened her home to a bunch of writers to gather, exchange ideas, and encourage one another.
At that time, Arlene was writing her memoirs based on letters sent back and forth between her and family members while living in Quito, Ecuador. We became close and remained good friends even after I moved across the country to be near grandchildren.
As I became acquainted with Arlene’s stories about her time living in Puerto Rico and Ecuador, along with her incredible artistic talents, I realized that her story needed to be shared. Sit back, relax, and meet my good friend and ‘Silver Star’, Arlene Winslow.

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Honoring a Journey of Dementia: Sharing Insights and Hope

Posted on by seniajean

Not long ago, a friend of ours confided in us that his mother was facing dementia. Our friend is a very private person. We recognized the trust he placed in us, took it as an honor, and said we would include his mother and family in our prayers.

Recently, his mother passed away. Our friend sent us a letter his sister, Laura K, had written and shared at their mother’s memorial service. It was full of honesty and hope, and he invited us to share her story and insights. By sharing this story, we hope to honor not only one family’s journey but the countless others who walk similar paths.

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80 Years & Counting – The Adventures Continue

Posted on by seniajean

It is refreshing to discover that in a world filled with stories about dementia – living with it, caring for folks who have it, or actively trying to lower their own risk, there are still folks who remain sharp and vibrant as they reach 80 years of age. A good friend of mine, D’Lorah Hurton, just threw a fantastic 80th birthday party for one such octogenarian – her father-in-law.
D’Lorah and I have been friends for over 50 years. During a recent visit, I learned that she had not only put together quite the celebration for her father-in-law’s big day, but she also recorded his life history – complete with photos. She has graciously agreed to post his story on this blog. Enjoy his journey.

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Jerry and Ilse Cauble holding a beer stein from Germany

Over the Rhine – from Germany to America

Posted on by seniajean

I’d like you to meet Jerry and Ilse Cauble. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did.
As a child, Ilse remembered that their family always had an Advent Calendar – which was first used by Germans – to count the days in anticipation of Christmas beginning in early December. She also recalled that the children were not allowed to see the tree until Christmas Eve. The room the tree sat in was closed off while her Mother decorated it festively with balls, handmade ornaments, and candles. Everyone waited excitedly for the moment when the candles were lit and the tree was revealed. The children were also excited about the pending arrival of a beautiful angelic figure with blond hair and wings referred to as ‘Christkind’, (whom they never actually saw) on Christmas Eve. Christkind left them presents such as a small sack of fruit and candy.

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Frances and Sang Lee stand near a painting by their grandson Philip Falino when he was 15. It portrays an aerial view of the region in Korea that Sang grew up in. Frances is pointing to Mokpo, Sang's hometown.

From Korea with love: The lives of Sang and Frances Lee

Posted on by seniajean

I am a collector of stories. It is my experience that some of those who have lived the longest have the most interesting tales to tell – if not simply due to the fact that time brings change. For folks who pursue their passion and fight the good fight on a daily basis. They are the dreamers and inventors – re-inventers of destiny. Their stories shed light on how extraordinary they truly are.
I’d like you to meet Sang and Frances Lee. I hope you enjoy their story as much as I did.

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