Happy 2025! This year my theme is “Embracing Seniority!” Every two weeks, I hope to have a new post about the joys of aging. After all, a positive mindset about aging can add 7.5 years to your life!
I’m turning 65 next month so my entry into seniority will be official. In fact, I just got all the paperwork signed for Medicare yesterday. Yay!
Finding Treasures Throughout the House
For those of you who have been reading this blog, you know that my 89-year-old mother and her partner Philip moved to Carlton Senior Living in November.
Now, my siblings and I have the difficult task of clearing all the possessions out of her house of 52+ years in order to rent it out.
Mom was a bit of a pack-rat.. ok that’s probably an understatement. I think she’s saved every card, letter, and gift that she’s ever gotten. All the closets in this 4-bedroom home were filled from floor to ceiling. Every cupboard was stuffed, often with stuff that didn’t make sense. I think this may have been the way my Mom “cleaned.” Just stick whatever is lying out in whatever place it will fit.
Unexpected Treasures
Even though sorting through the endless stuff is tedious, it’s also kind of fun. Every day, I find some little unexpected surprise. I found a photo tote bag that I’d given Mom over 20 years ago. I bring it with me for my daily visit to Carlton filled with something I’ve found that I think Mom and Philip will enjoy.
Remembering Dad and Chris
Clearing out the house isn’t just about Mom’s memories. It’s also a time to reflect on my Dad, who passed away in 2010, and my brother Chris, who died in 1997.
Today, I found a four-page letter I’d written to my dad for his 71st birthday. In it, I shared cherished memories and told him how proud and grateful I was to have him as my father. Reading it again brought back all those feelings of love and connection. I’m so glad he saved it—and even more grateful I found it.
Then there were Chris’s memory boxes, tucked away in the crawl space. Flipping through his yearbooks, photo albums, and scrapbooks reminded me of his laid-back, easygoing spirit.
All of these memories are so sweet! In the digital age, we carry so many photos on our phones. Old-fashioned photo albums are a thing of the past.
That may not be such a bad thing because photo albums are heavy. I’m sure my kids won’t even want my stuff, let alone the extras I’ll be bringing home… I guess I’ll add “Digitizing old photo albums” to my 2025 goal list.
Finding the Joy
One of my long-standing traditions is taking “Joy” photos—capturing moments that make me smile, even on the most stressful days. As I begin this new chapter of seniority, I believe the best way to embrace it is to find joy in every day.
At Carlton, I’m learning so much from the residents who are further along on this journey. One of my favorites is Cheryl, who’s brimming with spunk and reminds everyone to P A R T Y! (But don’t let your Mama know—Because she won’t let you go!)
I’m new to this “senior” club, but inspired by the resilience, humor, and wisdom of those around me. Aging is a gift, and I plan to celebrate every moment of it.
Here’s to 2025 and embracing all the treasures—literal and metaphorical—that life has to offer!