August 2, 2016

Preparing Teens For Adulthood

Adolescence can be a difficult time in a young one’s life for all involved. During this time, teens shed traits of childhood and learn to be a responsible young adult with self-restraint and mature enough thinking to leave home. The idea of them becoming independent may arouse skepticism, but with proper guidance your children or grandchildren can emerge with perceptive powers, able to discern right from wrong. What can help during this time? Teenagers tend to demand more freedom than they can really handle, but parents may extend less than they could grant. Try writing down one or two areas […]
July 5, 2016

Timeless Family Memories: The McMasters

Do you know a couple who have different cultural backgrounds? I have a friend who is Oriental and his wife is Caucasian. Their young son is very bright and cute. I’m sure you have friends that have married someone from a different cultural background. The mixing of diverse cultural heritage in interracial marriages brings out some of the best qualities in the human race. Our story this month is fascinating and entertaining. Dan, a Sergeant in the US Air Force Security Services, in the 1950’s was stationed in Japan. He met a young, attractive Japanese girl who caught his eye. […]
June 30, 2016

Long Distance “Grandmothering” Part Two: Hugs Across the Miles

Missing my grand-kids has caused me to become creative across the miles. Here are some helpful hints. They don’t replace hugs, but they help us “orphaned” grandmas! 1.    Hang a play mailbox on grandchild’s bedroom wall. Mail inexpensively items regularly, like stickers, gum, cookies or post cards. However, teenagers enjoy $5 gift certificates from McDonald’s or surprise pizza delivery. Any age likes photos reminding them of past good times together. 2.    Call the grand-kids by a special nickname, if their parents don’t mind. We call our grandsons “Major” and “Colonel.” We tell them that’s because they rank so high in […]
June 10, 2016

What Happened to Respect?

“Man Accused of Firing at Sheriff’s Deputy” This was the headline on the front page of my local newspaper. A patrolling Deputy, fulfilling his duty to “protect and serve” was trying to stop a 19-year-old “man” in his car on a city street. The gunman stepped out of his car with a rifle and shot at the Deputy’s vehicle 15 times. The Deputy survived the ordeal and the gunman later was taken into custody. Events like this raise questions in our minds: What has happened to respect in this “technologically advanced society” we live in? What, if any, good principles […]
May 31, 2016

Timeless Family Memories: Todd & Sharon

  I was sitting at my desk making phone calls when a young woman walked in. She started to describe Todd to me. I began to form a mental picture of the man she loved and lost. Todd loved the outdoors, fishing and hunting in the mountains of Montana. Their journeys to the mountain lakes found them enjoying the outdoors together. During our conversation, she said, “He was the ‘love of my life’”. “I want something to honor and respect the life we had together. I was thinking about a plaque or something simple to remember him by.” We discussed […]
May 25, 2016

7 Signs Your Aging Parent Needs Extra Help

As we age, it’s important that those younger than us pay attention to our health to prevent major events from happening. Although medical crises arouse conversations about new needs, there are signs indicating that your parents may not be as independent as they have been before. Here are seven common signs to watch for: 1. Piles of unpaid bills – A sign that dementia is setting in is letting unpaid bills begin to pile up; however, it can also be a sign of disorganization and life getting in the way. Be sure to determine what is going on. 2. The […]
May 15, 2016

Long Distance “Grandmothering”

I was snuggled between my two grandsons in the back seat while driving away from Glacier Park International Airport, and our oldest grandson, Cody, quit digging in the gift bag we had given him long enough to tap my shoulder and ask, “Why do you like me so much?” He said it with that “What’s-in-it-for-you?” tone. This simple question caused tears to puddle in the corners of my eyes. How could I help him grasp the beautiful and fulfilling meaning of my God-given role as grandmother? Although they brought new purpose to my life, little Cody was clueless as to […]
April 12, 2016

Timeless Family Memories: The Fauley’s

The National Parks in America are a source of pride and admiration. The beauty of each of the parks touches us at a very deep emotional level. Clyde and Rae Marie Fauley had the privilege of living most of their lives in these national park monuments. Both were born close to Glacier National Park to parents who worked in the National Park systems. Clyde attended grade school in East Glacier Park and Rae Marie in Apgar. They both loved all animals and had 4 Norwegian Elkhounds, 2 cats, a Barred Owl and a Lop Eared Rabbit for pets. Clyde graduated […]