Many people experience loneliness in their lives, at some stage. As children we mix and make friends easily but as we get older and more fixed in our way, we may find it more challenging to find like-minded people we feel comfortable with.

To overcome loneliness is one of modern societies issues today. With television tending to portray fear and stress in their drama productions, one can get conditioned into becoming introverted, especially if you live alone.

There are a few things we can do to help reverse this tendency in later life and that is to consider all the things we enjoy doing. Then go to the library, or find a what’s on type publication, to see what clubs and societies there are near by, which carry out these interests.

If your interest is not catered for consider being the source of that interest by starting your own club or society to carry it out. It is also a good idea to have a go at new things.

A year back I decided I was going to join a new club or society each month and see how I got on. I am glad I did this as I got lots of experience of new things and met lots of new people and gained a greater awareness of life and living.

These days I am never at home I am always out visiting different groups and societies. This has really improved my confidence and self-esteem and I am sure it can do the same for you.

Taking an active role in the community can also help. Consider sharing your expertise with the young either by offering to teach at home or going to youth clubs. We have all got something to give it is just a question of taking a few minutes to reflect on what these area are.

When we have assessed what we are good at and what we have to offer, looks for areas where people come together. A lot of communities have an officer in charge of organising community event, go and have a word with them and see what can be worked out.

Shyness is a bit like selfishness we hold ourselves back and block ourselves from giving. Put your attention on what you do want and think much less about what you don’t want and the things that block you. Then watch your energies flow feely and real progress start to be made in your desires and aspirations.

If you are house bound think of putting a notice in the local shop for a visitor to came and chat for an hour or two per day. When doing this think positively about this as we attract to us the way we feel. If we raise our feeling vibration so we are feeling happy and at peace with the world then we will attract to us like-minded people that will be uplifting to be with.

The best way then to stop feeling lonely is starting to approach life with enthusiasm and go out and start connecting in whatever way you feel inspired.

Message channelled by George Lockett (C) Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. Read HealerGeorge’s Blog: Journey into the Self Yes, I can send you absent/distant healing: this will really help. Just follow the instructions on the home page of my web site at: HealerGeorge Web Site and Distant Healing

As you make your donation you will get the opportunity to put in your personal details, so I can focus the healing directly to you. Or ask at question at: Ask HealerGeorge

The kids are gone, your career is winding down, and you can think of better things to do with your time than maintaining a house that’s too big for you. Maybe it’s time to think about a retirement community.

Adult planned communities, aimed at people 55 and older, are taking the needs of today’s baby boomer generation into account. This group of future retirees is largely healthy, active, and involved in the world. While they’re interested in maintenance-free living and the security and safety of a planned community, they’re also attracted by amenities such as on-premises fitness centers, tennis courts, theaters, and walking trails. Many are located in peaceful country settings, yet with easy access to shopping and restaurants.

Some planned communities offer detached single-occupancy homes, while others focus on condos and others offer a mix of housing arrangements. All offer a range of services, from maintenance assistance for your home to the opportunity to sign up for a meal plan. One retirement community in New Hampshire, for instance, offers a hot meal every afternoon for dinner, either to be picked up by the resident or delivered to the home.

Of course a major advantage of living in a planned community is the opportunity for social interaction. People who’ve spent the last two decades caught up in child rearing and career objectives are finding time to reconnect with interests and ideas of their youth, making friends with the same social history as themselves. The activism of the sixties often resurfaces, and retirees find themselves getting re-involved with old causes or seeking out new ones. Having a collection of individuals with the time for friendship and an interest in exploring new pastimes can present opportunities for a vital new phase of your life.

So how do you choose a retirement community? First, do you want to live in your own private home or in a condo with easy access to neighbors? What type of maintenance contract does each community offer? Do the amenities - gym, pool, exercise classes - match your interests? Is the retirement community located for easy access to neighboring towns and major highways? If you’re at a point where you don’t want to drive anymore, will you have access to public transportation?

As important as the home and amenities is the atmosphere. Each community tends to develop its own character, which seems to endure even as residents come and go. Some communities can be very dynamic, full of active adults who interact on a daily basis and maintain a lively social life. Others are very quiet, with residents who mainly keep to themselves and are looking for a peaceful environment.

Before you choose a retirement community, make sure you visit a number of times, and connect with some residents. Ask questions about the community, the social interaction, any special events offered, and try to gauge just what kind of milieu it offers. Also be sure to ask how satisfied residents are with the administration, how willing the owners are to do repairs and meet other needs of residents - an unwillingness on the part of administrators to perform quick repairs and to answer questions from residents can result in a kind of grumbling, unpleasant environment.

It’s important to take an honest assessment of the future life you see for yourself, and then look for a retirement community which meets your expectations. With your own personal goals clearly in mind, you’ll likely find the community which matches your goals.

Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

Scooters are extremely versatile, functional and cheap. They can be the ingredient that will improve the quality of life in many situations. If you are searching for some new excitement in your life the adrenalin rush you are going to experience behind the handlebars of a fast gas scooter is unbeatable.

Perhaps you are trying to find an electric mobility scooter for an elderly or handicapped person. Mobility scooters can add quality to the life of a person who is disabled or elderly. A handicapped scooter can turn a disability into independence and freedom.

Maybe you are interested in a scooter because you know they are inexpensive to buy and to operate. Are you tired of paying high gas prices? Electric scooters or even gas motor scooters can save you a small fortune. Both electric and gas scooters can help you keep money in your pocket. Traveling for days or even weeks at a time on just a single gallon of gas is not unheard of.

Motor scooters are very versatile and offer just about anyone a good reason to own one. So whether you want a motor scooter to save money or to provide an increase in the quality of life for a love one, motorized scooters may be the way to achieve your goals.

But the best reason to own a gas motor scooter or an electric scooter is very simple: they are fun and exciting. Traveling around on a motorized scooter, whether a fast gas scooter or a balanced and reliable disability scooter, is downright thrilling. Gas scooters can be faster, but disability scooters are safe and reliable.

Electric powered scooters are manufactured in different sizes, anywhere from mini to full size. They are well suited as handicapped scooters and will travel just about anywhere. Whether you are looking to walk your dog or just go from the bedroom to the kitchen without help, your dream can be made a reality. And their balance and stability are increased with either 3 wheel or 4 wheel scooters.

There is definitely something to be said about a mobile lifestyle, even for senior citizens. With the technology we have today we are seeing longer lasting batteries with increased capacity. Some batteries can store enough power for a full days worth of driving without the need for a recharge. No need to worry about getting stuck somewhere without the ability to get home.

Gas powered scooters are for the long and winding roads. For trips to the supermarket or to the dentist they cannot be beat for excitement and affordable transportation. Travel anywhere without breaking the bank to add more gas to the tank. Plus, they come in all different colors and sizes. And the speed options are practically limitless. Fast or slow, stand up or sit down, it is your choice.

Another wonderful feature is the fact that they come in foldable models. Folding scooters can be driven to work and then stashed under a desk or in a closet. They can also be put into a trunk or into a public storage compartment on a bus. Talk about convenience.

Yes, whether you want a scooter for kids, teens, adults or the elderly it will certainly be easy to find one that will fit your needs. Scooters are cheap to own and to operate and will fill the needs of many. Plus, they are fun.

Larry Johnson is a chiropractor who enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle and is an avid motor scooter enthusiast. Visit his site about motorized scooters for more information about gas and electric motor scooters.

For years many people look forward to the day they can retire but the same can not be said about becoming a senior. Although many actually become seniors before they retire, there is something about this word that just doesn’t sit right with most people approaching that age.

Getting old, might be what comes to mind, even though it is far from the thruth. These are supposed to be the “golden years” and should therefore be looked forward to. Things you have wanted to do or see for years are know just waiting to be explored.

This is supposed to be your time, time not having to worry about your children but time to enjoy your grandkids. Have you wanted to move to a warmer climate, now is the time. It is all about what you want to do. Take advantage of this time and enjoy it.

Despite all of these things, there are facts which can not be ignored. Although becoming a senior or retired does not mean you are getting old, you have to face the fact that you are getting older. Because of this there are certain issues you might want to discuss with your loved ones.

In the beginning issues like these might not go over to well with your family, but you need to insist. Nobody knows what the future holds and this way your loved ones know what you would like in case something was to happen. Lots of unforeseen matters may occur and it is good to be prepared.

Issues you might want to address are life insurance, nursing homes, health care and funerals. All of these things will make it so much easier for your family to make decisions if something was to happen to you.

There are places right here on the internet where you can go to get some real good tips and advise on how other people has dealt with issues regarding becoming a senior.Sharing your experience with others can be a blessing.

David Crowton is an established expert copywriter. He is known for doing in-depth research before writing his articles. http://www.Ispjv.com
http://www.Submitcontent.com
Copyright 2005 SeniorsContent.com

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

Photographs invoke emotion and conjure up memories. One of my favorite quotes is by Sy Parish; “And if these pictures have anything important to say to future generations, it’s this: I was here. I existed. I was young, I was happy, and someone cared enough about me in this world to take my picture.”

Most of us have boxes, drawers, and albums filled with photographs we have taken over the years. Photographs symbolize a moment in time that has been forever frozen.

My Aunt was diagnoses with Alzheimer’s many years ago. As the years go by her memory of past events fades. Her daughters have made pocket sized photo albums with pictures and detailed descriptions; for example, “This is Sally. She is five years old; her mother is Jane, your youngest daughter.” My Aunt looks at these little books every day. Sometimes she remembers who Jane is; other days she has to ask.

While visiting my Aunt I noticed that she loves to watch television. It was then that I realized creating a DVD of her life with voice-overs describing each event might help her remember her past. When I returned home I contacted her daughters and asked them to email me photographs and descriptions of each photo asking them; “where it took place, when it took place and who is in the photo?” I then met with my Aunt’s sisters, asking them to go through their photographs and gather the one’s that might help my Aunt remember.

Once I had received all of the photographs I scanned them and placed them in a slideshow program. Each frame of the DVD describes the time, event and people in the photograph. It is important to include background music that is specific to the their era, in my Aunt’s case it was; Glen Miller, Nat King Cole, and Frank Sinatra.

My mother and her sisters have been wonderful in writing down memories of their childhood. Silly events that happened when they were young girls, events that we hope will spark memories in my Aunt. Using a voice-over, the "memory" is told then the photograph appears for 30-40 seconds, giving ample time for individual to reminisce about the photograph and event.

Alzheimer DVD’s are a family affair. It is important to receive input from as many people as possible that are close to the person with Alzheimer’s.

If someone is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s it is wonderful to interview them, asking them their favorite childhood memories, school memories, their marriage, children and grandchildren. What are their hobbies? Where did they like to vacation? What are they most passionate about? What are their favorite songs?

There are so many good times in life; sharing them on a DVD is a way to preserve the memories.

Betsy Wegner http://www.dvdsbybetsy.com Preserving the memory of your loved ones with DVD Slideshows.

Is anybody really ready for their lives to be turned upside down, when parents need help and the adult child steps in?

My memories of my grandparents are very vivid. They were wonderful grandparents but one day life took a slide backwards and age catches up.

My grandparents who lived in their own home and maintained all the aspects of their lives were one day uprooted and moved to their daughter’s home.

My grandparents were still very much in control of their own lives, in some areas but in others, not anymore.

My mother, as their loving daughter, their roles became reversed. She was not ready for this change. Suddenly, my mother became the parent and they became her trusting children.

NOW MY MOTHER HAD TO SET THE RULES AND BOUNDARIES FOR HER PARENTS EVEN WHEN IT WAS HARD FOR HER.

When my grandparents argued with my mother, such as, about them wanting to use their own sheets, blankets, and bedspread on their new, adopted bed, poor mom, she could not understand why. They were perfectly good sheets and blankets already on the bed but what they needed, was something familiar. My mother came to understand that, eventually.

But how do you prepare yourself for the day your life turns upside down? Now your parents are your children and you have to take care of their personal needs.

There were no such classes, thirty five years ago when all this happened. You just had to wing it as you went along.

My mother was confused and definitely not ready for this change. Now she was the CARE GIVER, FINANCIAL ADVISOR and the one IN CHARGE.

My grandparents migrated from Wilno, Lithuania before the First World War on a cattle boat. They were happily married for approximately seventy-five years. I loved to listen to them argue. Never fight. Just pick, pick, pick.

They always did everything together. My grandmother cooked while my grandfather helped and they both made their bed every morning.

Thankfully, they were both in good health up until the end. They always were coherent and never violent. They both lived into their late 90’s.

My mother was lucky she had family which lived close by to help. But my grandparents, as they came to rely on my mother, would not accept help from other family members. They were more comfortable with my mother.

Obviously, this put a huge burden on my mother. She was working full time while making sure her parents were comfortable and safe. She could not travel or leave home for longer than a weekend.

Towards the end of my grandparent’s lives they could not walk and as a result, their care became to physically demanding. My grandfather ended up in the hospital. He was so upset with having been placed into the hospital without his permission; he never spoke to my mother again.

My mother was a special person. She loved and kept her parents comfortable and safe until they both passed away. I never heard her complain.

Today when the grandparents are living with family members, it is rare. Many are sent to nursing or convalescent homes.

To make that heart wrenching decision is very difficult on the family but sometimes it is the only option.

As I am getting older, it scares me to think, that someday my children will have to do for me what my mother did for her mother. I hope I don’t fight them on this matter. Nobody can predict the future.

Let me hear from you about your experiences on this article or about any of my articles.

Copyright 2006 Linda Meckler

Linda was very lucky she had the love of her grandparents throughout her lifetime. She remembers these years her mother became the parent of her own parents.

Currently she is the author of "Ghost Kids Trilogy," three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates’ Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. Visit my website at http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. Order my book at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com With an order of 5 books = 40% discount. An order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7414-2273-5.

Assisted living is simply finding help in the form of a care giver or a family member assigned to assist an elder who with illness or diminished mental ability is no longer capable of living an independent life. Depending as to the circumstances involved, an elder may also be sent to a nursing home or a community of professionals wherein she can be well taken care of.

As an elder, know how to decide between assisted living in your children’s home or in a residential home. Ask these questions:

- Is there a spare room available for you?

- Is your lifestyle and the lifestyle of your children compatible?

- Does your children really do want you stay with them? Or are they obligated to take you in?

- Will they be able to provide you with all the care you need?

- Will my presence in their home interfere with them providing for the needs of their own children?

- Can I be of help to my children rather than a burden?

- Do I have resources so that I can afford living in residential care?

1. How to choose the right nursing home for you:

- Consider how much care you need.

- Get referrals from friends and relatives.

- Make a list of all the referrals and visit each one.

- Make sure that the location is near the home of the person that you have chosen and assigned to manage your dealings when you can not.

- Inspect the facilities and the grounds of the home; make sure that it is well maintained and preserved.

- It is best to review a home without any appointment. Just drop by and have a look at everything.

- Are the residents in the home happy, friendly and contented?

- Scrutinize all the rooms, even the ones that they don’t lead you to.

- Request their latest newsletter to see what activities they have that might interest you.

- Inquire and find out how they hire their employees and staff.

- Ask for a written description of the care that they offer and how much do they ask for all their services.

- Ask if they could let you stay for two or three nights so you can get a feel for the place. While you are there, talk to at least three residents and get their opinion on the place.

How to decide if you or a relative is a candidate for assisted living can be easy. It all starts with taking a realistic and a sensible look at your financial status. Four years from now, will you still be able to afford assisted living? Years from now, expenses as well as your medical needs will increase. Will your assets cover everything? Next, carefully weigh the method that a facility cares for their elders. Is the facility caring and sensitive enough in addressing to your loved one’s needs? After you cover these two basics, the rest is up to you.

While determining your own care may be straightforward, you should take additional matters into consideration when providing care for a relative. Be certain that it is clear to them what the facility can as well as can not do. Be sure that the facility should help you look for other ways to provide care in case they are unable to provide support for residents with disorders or disabilities. Consider Section 202 housing if your relative has low income. Put their name on the waiting list at a facility located in your area. Will assisted living improve the quality of life of your loved one, impart camaraderie, and provide plenty of activities to keep them in good health?

2. What questions should you ask yourself when choosing an assisted care facility for your loved one?

- Is the management of the facility experienced?

- Are the residents and their families happy and contented?

- What is the ratio of the staff to residents?

- Does the staff express concern to all the residents? Are they friendly and caring?

- Is there a sincere concern and reverence to the elders?

- Is the facility hygienic and comfortable?

- Do they serve a well balanced meal? Are the meals tempting and attractive?

- Do they offer health and wellness services?

- What are the activities planned for the residents?

- Will your relative like their activities?

- Will your relative like and enjoy the daily life offered in this facility as compared to other options?

- Do the services that they offer as well as the living quality of the facility live up to your standard?

- Does the facilities standards and services worth the cost?

- Is this the type of place that children would love to pay a visit?

- Is the location accessible and convenient enough for family and friends to visit?

For more great Assisted Living related articles and resources check out http://assistedliving.goldenhq.com

On the evening of Saturday 4th February 2006, my wife and I went out with a couple of our friends to our local Pizza Express. Anyway, over dinner they were telling us the shocking and scandalous story about how an elderly couple was forced to sell their homes when the husband developed an illness requiring long term care.

Apparently, these two individuals have worked hard, paid their taxes and with prudence have accumulated assets of more than £12,250. Ok, let’s face it, that is not a fortune these days. Sadly, enough for their access to care to be means tested.

It turned out that these two frail individuals were means tested and were found to own assets at well over £12,250. Consequently, the wife was evicted and their property was sold to pay for his care.

I was disgusted. I could not understand how the establishment can treat its senior citizens so callously in our so-called civilised society. How can people who have led a productive and prudent life be penalised for having built a modest buffer. More importantly, was there anything that could be done to help others avoid this awful trap?

I heard how a retired businessman stumbled across this same problem and how he invested a lot of his time and money to do something about it. I acquired details of his research and findings which, incidentally, concluded that if you own your property jointly with a spouse or partner, you are a sitting duck for the eviction squad.

My wife and I, like most people who are married or live together, own our house jointly because it is the right and responsible thing to do. Big mistake! Unfortunately, in law, when you own a house jointly with your spouse/partner, you own it jointly and severally. Basically, you both own the whole of the house - not half each, but both 100%. What this means is that if the house is assessed to pay for residential care, the portion of the house that the person needing the care owns is what’s taken into account. And how much do you think that is?

Well, it is 100%, ALL OF IT! So, if you or your partner needs long term care, you’ll be forced to sell up if you don’t have the cash to pay - and the remaining partner will be left effectively homeless.

Frightening, disgusting, but absolutely true.

There is a simple solution, but hardly anyone knows, or thinks about it. By the way, although my wife and I are in our fifties, we are utilising this simple solution to remove the risk for us. You too can do the same, to find out how you can get this solution for FREE you need to visit http://hope4life.vipinfoweb.com

"In our way of life, in our government, with every decision we make, we always keep in mind the Seventh Generation to come. It’s our job to see that the people coming ahead, the generations still unborn, have a world no worse than ours - and hopefully better. When we walk upon Mother Earth we always plant our feet carefully because we know the faces of our future generations are looking up at us from beneath the ground. We never forget them."
OREN LYONS

This article is supplied by Abi Motala, the CEO of Vista Information Publishing Ltd. Articles written by Abi have been published in both business and IT magazines. You can visit him at http://www.vipinfoweb.com.

Just about everyone looks forward to retirement as a time to relax and enjoy life. Often, though, we get too consumed by daily responsibilities to fully relish the leisure time we’ve worked so hard to gain. That’s where a move to assisted living can make quite a difference.

Although Massachusetts assisted living communities tend to be very well-regulated and of unusually good quality, there are certainly major differences among them. People who are familiar with many communities tend to prefer those that that stand out by placing far more emphasis on helping to keep residents active, busy, and involved than most other facilities do. This philosophy can often be manifested by a very warm, personal feeling that comes across readily to prospective residents who stop to talk with current residents, and ask their feelings about living at New Horizons. Indeed, one of the most important considerations for anyone considering assisted living is to speakk directly to existing residents of any particular facility.

Most seniors considering such a move to assisted living are very concerned about maintaining their dignity and independence. Their ages typically range from about 65 to 100, with an average in the low to mid 80s. Moving to a fine residential environment with quality accommodations, good neighbors, and a strong program can often be a major benefit to seniors who have previously lived by themselves. Indeed, they very often "come alive again once they no longer have to concern themselves with the burdens of living alone.

One of the most common sources of confusion for those looking into retiremetn living is the challenge of correctly understanding the difference between independent retirement living and assisted living. The former is typically a living arrangement in residential apartments where elders share common space, but are able to maintain their independence with little or no assistance. Better facilities typically provide three meals daily for all residents, plus utilities, some transportation, housekeeping, etc., as well as standby assistance, if needed, and a wide variety of social activities. In Massachusetts, communities often blend independent living and assisted living options into one facility.

Similar to independent living, assisted living is a housing option for older adults who need some assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing, eating, bathing, ambulating or toileting, but who do not require 24-hour nursing care. They are still able to live independently with some assistance, but that assistance is generally necessary on a daily basis. In many ways, assisted living might be seen as "independent living with an added bonus!"

MA senior assisted-living communities and retirement residences for aged citizens are among the very best. Many folks profoundly seek and appreciate the opportunity to enjoy their "golden years" in a very caring assisted living place convenient to Boston, Worcester, Southboro, Hudson, Northborough, Westboro, Framingham and Fitchburg, Marlborough, and Woburn, MA. Other nearby communities well-populated with quality assisted living options include Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Waltham, Weston and the other towns along MA Route 128. Often, the majority of seniors looking into these communities prefer the many benefits of a large community, with the intimacy of a small assisted-living home where everyone knows your name.

Assisted living facilities should not be confused with a nursing home, but rather a Massachusetts retirement community with many activities. Most such communities are non-sectarian Boston-area senior communities that might offer frequent religious services on-campus and easy access to others. Some include at least weekly Protestant and Jewish services on-site and daily Catholic Mass. Enjoying metro-west elderly care assisted-living with elegant gourmet dining, at low, affordable rates can truly make a difference in the lives of seniors.

A wealth of information regarding the wide selection of Massachusetts assisted living communities is available on the Internet.

Rob Nigro has been a consultant in the Massachusetts independent and assisted living industry for 12 years. He currently serves as executive director of the not-for-profit New Horizons seniors community in Woburn, Mass. In addition to this non-profit facility, Nigro is affiliated with the much larger not-for-profit Metrowest assisted living community called New Horizons at Marlborough in Marlborough, Mass.

It’s difficult to admit now that I sit here and think about it, I had not thought about her in years. Now she is just a bit of memory brought forward by a chance remark in a conversation. However, she was able to step out of that bit of memory that was hers, as if she was still sitting in the sunroom waiting for me.

It had been my routine to spend a month in the summer with my grandmother so she could make my wardrobe for the next school year. Next door lived Mrs. Moses. She though widowed years before but as many of her generation she endured that loss with the hallmark intrepidity that kept them going. She was well into her eighties, however, she kept a little vegetable garden, along with a few flowers; she still cooked and cleaned her home. My grandmother, being the junior of the two, looked in on her and together they would go "up the hill" for ice cream and gossip. Together they would sit on the porch every evening and watch the business of the day pass, as well as comment on the state of young ladies, their lack of decorum.

"Susie, don’t you think you should put on some clothes?"

"I’m fine, Grandma, really.” Eyes roll up.

"There, that right there, Amy, is why the world is going to Hades in a three handled basket.” Mrs. Moses and Grandma would both release long tortured sighs. "I just don’t know, Amy, we would never have rolled our eyes at our elders like that. Never."

"And if we did, Millie, it would have been the woodshed." I never won one of these exchanges so I would cut my loses as painlessly as possible.

"I’m sorry, Grandma and Miss Millie, I didn’t mean any disrespect," kissing them both, apologizing once more, and removing my halter-topped, cut-off shorted self before they could throw a quilt over me.

These were our summers for a number of years, summers and holidays. Until the fall I came to live with my grandmother to attend college. It was that year Mrs. Moses’ children decided she would be better off in a nursing home. This, of course, was for her own good because she would be well taken care of. I could understand, I guess, if she had slipped into dementia often categorized by advanced years or if she was physically impaired but she was as vital and vigorous as ever. My grandmother was furious! She called mother and my uncle making them take what just fell short of a blood oath that they would never cart her off to some home and dump her. After she finished with them, she turned her attentions to me deeming me the only grandchild possessing common sense.

"Susie, if you allow anyone to do this to me I promise that I will come back to haunt you and every generation that issues from you."

"Yes, ma’am, I would never do that, Grandma, never!" I said with all the love (ok, fear, the woman could probably make good the threat) possible.

The added affront was the fact that they did not put her in a facility close to any of the children nor her hometown. After the first Christmas, they never visited again.

I made it a habit, albeit a happy one, to stop in and visit Mrs. Moses at least three times a week, depending on my work and social schedules. It was some time in the spring that I noticed the change, so subtle. First, she began to call me "Sissy." Susie, Sissy, it’s Texas, they’re the same. However, as the earth swung into summer she began to talk to me about people I didn’t know, of whom I’d never heard. It wasn’t until the midsummer that I realized that she had fallen back in time. I was her older sister; together we relived her teenage years.

It was like walking into "The Twilight Zone.” She was physically as healthy as always, age had made her a bit frail, but she was capable of performing every activity. The only difference was her surroundings were not the 20th century nursing home but 19th century Evans. We talked of cotillions, "at homes," debutante balls, socials, and boys (some things never change). We walked together as she relived the death of a younger brother to scarlet fever, of baptisms in the river, of marriages, and births. Many times I would giggled, as she admitted purposely showing an ankle or putting rouge on her lips and how old fashioned "our" parents were.

Probably the sweetest occurred on my wedding day. She was unable to attend the ceremony. After the official reception was completed we brought the left over cakes, punch, and most of the wedding party to the retirement home. She was the belle of the ball at her “Sissy’s” wedding. We danced, we sang, we laughed and at the end she managed to catch the bouquet.

She lived in this world for seven more years before she went to join those she loved. I remember at her funeral someone mentioned how tragic her last days were because all she had was faded memories. I smiled because I knew they weren’t faded memories, but favored memories.

AE Wise is an author on Writing.Com which is located at http://www.Writing.Com/ and is accessible by anyone.