We have all lost people in our lives that we loved and were close to. Some were such an ingrained part of our lives that even though they are gone, they always find a way to be there in one way or another. Such is the case with my grandmother, who was my inspiration for the Bring Smiles to Seniors program. You have probably read some of my previous posts about her. She was a strong, often strict, amazing women that raised three children on her own during some very difficult times…. Read More

As we travel through our life, we make plans, set our courses and expect things to follow the path we laid out with simple adjustments along the way. For the most part, things go along smoothly. Then, suddenly out of the blue, we are dealt a hand that we had no way of expecting. We do our best to do what we can to understand why, while starting the process to research, ask questions and do all the things that we are supposed to do to make sense of that which we… Read More

This past week I had the privilege of spending a couple of days with two of my favorite people, my niece Courtney and her mom Debbie. Every time I am around Courtney I am reminded of what we should all be, humans without preconceived notions and endless love and compassion. Humans who know no color or prejudices and simply see people for who they are, not for how they are taught to see them. If you have never experienced a child with Down’s Syndrome, then you are missing out. They have this… Read More

Often I think about how lucky I am to be a part of a family that has always given back. I grew up as a kid spending time with my grandmother visiting the sick and the elderly all over town. My mom and dad were known as the “go to” people whenever anyone needed anything. It was only natural that my brother and I would possess those genes that would keep us giving back as we maneuvered through our own lives. When you learn a compassion for people early on in life… Read More