“There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.”  ~ Freya Stark

Sometimes when we try to give someone else joy, we end up a little happier ourselves. Yes, you can have your cake and eat it too. So here’s an idea for next Christmas. Have your entire family (siblings, nieces, nephews, spouse, etc)  write a page or two to your mother or father. Write about fond memories, what you appreciate about them, and what a difference they’ve made in your life. Assemble the letters in a nice book and give it to them Christmas morning. I guarantee it will mean more to them than anything you could buy at the store. 

As a parent ages, they recognize and accept their mortality. They need to hear from you that you love them, that they’ve made a difference in your life, and that in spite of every person’s human failings, they did it right. This is a gift only you can give. Aging can be a time of challenges, painful memories, and a loss of dignity. Your book can provide immeasurable joy and comfort when it’s really needed. Do you believe you should show love and support to your parents in their 

advancing years, yet do little about it? Give the book and everyone involved will find themselves “getting a life”.

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.”  

~ Rudyard Kipling