Uncategorized
Enjoying Summer
I can’t believe that August is almost done, summer is quickly fading and fall is just around the corner; I’m not sure where the time has gone. As I looked at the landscape around me I’m beginning to notice the small changes in color and wishing it was early spring again. I’m just plain going to enjoy each day and look forward to the cooler evenings. Some of our friends invited us over for dinner and just last week we were sitting around a bonfire toasting marshmallows for s’mores. While it’s not the most healthy treat is was fun to sit around the fire sharing memories and stories with good friends, at least until the...
Read MoreHappy Birthday Rae – 100 Years Old Today!
Last year at this time I wrote about my friend Nancy’s mother Rae Gaida who lives at Heritage Park a community for seniors in Bradenton, Florida. Rae wrote about celebrating her 99th birthday last year by reminiscing about the events that occurred during her life as follows: When I was born, - William Taft was President. - Einstein developed his Theory of Relativity when I was 5. - I was 10 when women received the right to vote. - Lindbergh did the first trans-Atlantic flight when I was 17 - Television came on the scene when I was 18. - Prohibition was going on between ages 8 through 23 (thank goodness that ended because I do appreciate a good martini)! -...
Read MoreMid-Life Aging… Gracefully
I’ve been reading a book called The Age of Miracles by Marianne Williamson and enjoying the conversation about mid-life and the aging process for the baby boomer generation. Having time to think during my rehabilitation the past several months has brought to mind decisions I wanted to put off for a few more years. Like what? Well thinking about giving up a house that has four levels for one thing, having a broken ankle and being restricted to the family room all winter was quite an eye opener. The question arises, how do we age gracefully? What decisions do we make and when do we make them? Somehow we all think we have “time” to make those...
Read MoreI Remember Susie
I’ve been re-reading the book by Thomas Ellis on This Thing Called Grief. I want to be prepared for the Anniversary of my sister Susie’s death, she died unexpectedly last April. During the past few weeks I’ve been thinking of my sister as I go about my daily routine, pictures and memories just seem to pop into my mind. Perhaps it’s because it’s spring and I’ve been outside every day just to feel the sun on my face and arms, it reminds me of childhood memories of spring. I’ve felt renewed as I watch people in the community starting to walk, jog, bike and work in their yards preparing the ground for fresh green...
Read MoreWheelchair Awareness
Well it’s been a long winter and February is the month we normally go to our timeshare in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen to enjoy the ocean and sunshine. It’s always nice to break up the long Minnesota winter but this year we won’t be going because I’m still home mending from my broken ankle and two surgeries. I’m still non-weight bearing so hopping along with my walker or if I’m out and about I use a wheelchair for safety. I’m tired of sitting, tired of television, tired of working on the computer and I long to stand up, stretch and walk normally. Who would have thought I’d be grateful for standing or walking? My muscles ache and it feels like my...
Read MoreWelcome 2010
2009 was a busy year and like you I’ve had both celebrations and painful losses to acknowledge but all in all I am grateful. I am blessed and I wish the same for you. This year I want to focus on a theme that one of my friends reminded me of and that is that I offer “peace of mind” to adult children and their aging parents. If you know of anyone who needs a helping hand with their senior family member I would love the opportunity to assist with medical care management, holistic healing & relaxation or end of life coordination. Wishing you all a very happy and successful new year! Mary I’m very pleased to announce that Mary Chapa, RN,...
Read MoreQuick Bio
Mary Chapa is a multi-talented woman with a background in nursing leadership, quality management and business development in both health care and private industry; she's also a writer and a passionate holistic health practitioner living in Minnesota.
Follow Mary!