Enjoy your present moments and create memories, came about just recently, back in Ohio.
You see, Hale and I spent 8 nights with my Dad, Homer, at his summer place in Port Clinton, Ohio on the Portage River. It’s just a short boat ride to Lake Erie.
We were thrilled to have my daughter, Abby, her husband James and 10 month old Elianah there for 5 of those nights, staying in the guest house. Watching Elianah experience many “firsts” was such a joy!
Because the atmosphere at Erie Landing Resort, is one of peace, joy and family, it’s easy to get into vacation mode.
The street Dad is on, also has my brother Jim and his wife Brenda, just two doors down. Across the street is my Dad’s last living sibling, Aunt Patsy and her husband Uncle Bob. Next door to them is my nephew and his girlfriend and some of the time, another nephew and his wife. And also, a guest house my sister and her husband own. They let many family members stay in it, when they aren’t there.
Across from the guest house is my niece, her husband and kids, who come up on the weekends.
It’s truly a family affair!
It’s easy to create memories with so many loved ones around and so much going on.
Do you consciously slow down and enjoy your present moments, as you create memories?
Golf carts are the mode of transportation around this resort. The first evening we were there, a live band played down by the river, with a sea of people in golf carts, enjoying the music.
I have a video of my dad dancing, that portrays the very fun, agile, youthful 92 year old he is!
As you know, we also celebrated my mom’s first anniversary of her passing, at a favorite restaurant.
Pastor Ruby shared some things about Mom that brought tears to me and to many others, with some laughter mixed in.
Furthermore, I was aware of Mom’s presence so much of the time I was in Ohio. I feel her close so often throughout my days.
I’m pleased Dad is moving forward, without his love of his life. He consciously chooses to enjoy his days, even with some health issues in the last 6 weeks, that have him adjusting his sodium intake.
Since I am a former nurse and have studied health and nutrition now since the mid 1970’s, I spent lots of time coaching him on this.
He truly is a person who listens, wants to learn, and values taking care of himself.
Such a pleasure for me to be able to do this.
Hale, my husband, enjoys being with Dad and my family, and it’s always special when he’s able to join me.
As I now look back at all the things we did while there, I love how we created so many memories.
It seems I’m much more aware of this since Mom passed away last year.
We saw so many family members and close friends.
Plus, at the beginning of my trip this time, the first two days were spent in Michigan with my close friend, Debbie. I shared in another article how she was very close to death with sepsis and on a ventilator for 9 days.
As a result of seeing her in July the last time, still on a ventilator, I needed to be with her in her home, as she is recovering.
The first evening I was there, her son came to tell her, his dad, Debbie’s ex-husband, had suddenly passed away that afternoon. He was my age.
I’m happy I was there to help support Debbie, who remained close to her kids dad, her daughter, son and his family.
Consequently, living in your present moments as you create memories, stood out, once again, in a big way.
You see, none of us have guarantees of how long we will be here. Life is so fragile and so precious, isn’t it?
I hope you will slow down, live in your present moments and consciously create memories.
With love and appreciation,
Connie
PS. Here is a link to read more about how to create memories:
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