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Finding Joy in the Ordinary
“Without water drops, there can be no oceans.” — M.M. Ildan When I was young, my little brother Rusty was killed in an accident. He was only 18. It left me numb, heartbroken, and trying to make sense of a world that suddenly felt so unfair. As we were cleaning out Rusty’s room, we came across a postcard tucked away that read, “Sanibel Dreams .” On it was a poem beginning with the haunting words: “ If I had my life to live over I would ...” The words that followed painted a picture of the kind of life we all wish we lived. Simple things, like:
Relax, take things less seriously. Climb more mountains. Eat more ice cream and fudge.
If Rusty’s postcard could speak to us, it would say: Slow down. Worry less. Say “I love you” more often. Take that walk. Forgive faster. Laugh at yourself instead of being so critical.
That postcard is still taped to the inside of our kitchen cabinet, a gentle reminder that life is fragile and we need to make the most of it while we can.
The last line of the poem?
Have great moments, instead of hopes of great years. Have success be a journey, not a goal.
Wish I could say I live the above, but alas, I have human frailties.
Isn’t that true? We wait for the big things: retirement, a dream trip, important milestones. But life’s true gift is found in the little moments. A walk on a crisp fall morning, soaking in the colors as the leaves turn orange, red, and yellow. A phone call from your kids. The smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven.
That’s us. We fall short. We forget. We get caught up in things that don’t matter. But every day is another chance to start again: to live more, love more, and be thankful for the time we have. This Thanksgiving, as you sit at your table, I hope you’ll remember the words of Sanibel Dreams. Slow down. Love more. Let go of conflict and drama, and make room for peace. Eat the pie, share the stories, and hold close the people who are with you. At its core, Thanksgiving is about seeing the treasure in life’s routine moments and being grateful for them. So, this November, I’m giving thanks for the “ordinary days,” and I hope you will, too.
Love more ... hate less. Do a good deed for the joy of it. Be less critical. Laugh more heartily.
Those are words you could see in a Hallmark card, but when you’ve lost someone you love, the words feel different. They become a roadmap for how to live a life with no regrets.
Because one day, we’ll realize they were anything but ordinary.
In November, we celebrate Thanksgiving. Family. Gratitude.
Robert Brault said it best: “ Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things .” Happy Thanksgiving!
We share a meal. Football plays in the background, something that’s easier to enjoy now that the Lions are fun to watch. We laugh. We reflect on what we’re thankful for. But even in the joy, we feel the weight of the empty chair and share stories about those we miss. That’s the heart of Thanksgiving. Gratitude doesn’t mean life is ideal. It means we choose to see the blessings we still have. We keep old memories alive and carry the love of those we’ve lost forward to today.
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Retro Remedies for a Radiant Home Today’s home makeover marketplace is full of high- tech goods and gadgets designed to keep your spaces clean. However, looking to the distant past reveals plenty of practical (and, in many cases, less expensive) options to bring your pad back to perfection. Here are three vintage cleaning tips that still work well today. Clean Classics
Mint will suppress summer stink. Although the air tends to cool off this time of year, summer will be here again before we know it. If heat and humidity make your garbage cans stink to high heaven, you can find the answer to overcoming the odor in your garden. Grow or purchase fresh mint and place a sprig in each can daily. You’ll be amazed by how quickly the stench goes away. Tidy pet hair without time travel. Pets bring joy and companionship to our lives, but their hair can do a real number on our rugs and upholstery. Interestingly, the secret to purging pet hair emerged nearly 80 years ago. In the May 1946 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, a reader recommended rubbing a wet rubber sponge on the affected areas — a process that rolls up the hair into easy-to-remove balls. A writer from the magazine decided to test this method last year — and the decades-old directions still did the trick.
Markers are no match for rubbing alcohol. Most parents encourage their children to explore their artistic side. Still, the possibility of your little ones becoming future Picassos can become problematic if they use markers to turn your refrigerator, countertops, walls, or other nonporous surfaces into makeshift art galleries. Instead of shrieking in horror upon discovering their creations, reach for rubbing alcohol and apply it to a cloth. Rubbing the fabric on the scribbles will dissolve the pigments, making it easier to restore your child’s ad-hoc canvas to its original, clean condition. Of course, you may want to snap a few photos of your child’s art before wiping it away — and consider purchasing more appropriate things for them to draw on!
As the hit 2023 comedy film “80 for Brady” showed, reaching an advanced age doesn’t necessarily mean a decline in vitality or appreciation for life. According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an average healthy 60-year-old American could anticipate living another 22.9 years. However, there is a difference between living long and living well . In 2019, the World Health Organization reported that the average healthy life expectancy (the period before serious illnesses significantly affect an individual’s quality of life) was 76.4 years. Of course, these statistics are most relevant to individuals who focus on their everyday lifestyle and make conscious choices to preserve their health. If you’re close to your 60s or have already entered that decade, alcohol consumption is just one area to focus on now to help ensure longevity. RISKS, REALITY, AND RESPONSIBILITY
Perils of Pints Past 65 Excessive drinking is harmful at any age, but the consequences of drinking heighten when you reach 65. According to the University of Rochester Medical Center, this is generally the age when a person’s lean body mass, water content, and metabolism will naturally begin to drop. These factors contribute to alcohol staying in a person’s system longer than in years past. Additionally, a person’s reaction times generally slow down in their 60s, thus increasing the likelihood of alcohol- related slips and falls. Precautions for Pouring If you’re 65 or over and still enjoy a drink now and then, moderation is essential to avoiding health risks. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that drinkers in this age group who are not on medications consume no more than seven drinks weekly. The Institute defines one drink as five ounces of
wine; 12 ounces of ale, wine cooler, or beer; eight ounces of malt liquor; or 1.5 ounces of distilled liquor. No two people’s health conditions and needs are alike, so it is wise to consult your physician for specific recommendations for balancing your desire to drink with a regular health regimen. Sips may be fine, but prolonged drinking may prevent you from enjoying as many golden years as possible.
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Sudoku
Sitting down with a huge helping of comfort food is one of the best forms of self-care we’ll ever know. Whether it’s a child enjoying a bowl of SpaghettiOs or an adult indulging in a sausage pizza with extra cheese, most people experience times when deviating from health-conscious dietary habits brings them joy. However, certain traditional comfort foods can wreak havoc on our minds and bodies if indulged in too frequently. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to mix healthy options with guilty pleasures to create comfort foods that are fun, satisfying, and kind to your physique and your soul. SWIFT SWAPS FOR SATISFYING SUPPERS Ideally, a person’s diet will incorporate B vitamins, protein, calcium, healthy fats, and fiber. While traditional comfort foods (mainly processed ones) may include a few of these essentials, they often also contain high doses of sodium, unhealthy carbohydrates, preservatives, and saturated fats. Rather than completely saying goodbye to some of your favorite meals, consider making minor alterations to make your edible escapes better without skipping the feeling of satisfaction. If a big bowl of pasta is your go-to for instant gratification, consider replacing the refined version with zucchini noodles or whole-grain options. Can’t get enough of lasagna or mac and cheese? Consider adding spinach or butternut squash to improve their healthiness. Additionally, making soups with low-sodium broths and replacing salt with natural herbs can make a big difference in creating more beneficial dishes. DELICIOUSLY DIFFERENT DESSERTS Naturally, most indulgent dining experiences are capped off with dessert. Instead of baking a pan of fudge brownies with the usual ingredients, add some pureed black beans to the mix for added protein and vegetables. Adding chia seeds and oats to your favorite cookie recipe will add a dash of dietary relief to your recreational eating. Making comfort food healthier doesn’t just mean swapping bonbons for broccoli; it can also mean starting slow and adding more goodness to your grub. Comfort food can still bring you joy without derailing your wellness journey. With a few simple switches, every bite becomes a way to better balance your shape and spirit. SMART SPINS ON CLASSIC COMFORT FOODS Tasty Trade-Offs
Solution on Pg. 4
Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. • Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com. • Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure — just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We’ve grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
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MichiganEstatePlans.com • 888.487.6150 915 N. Michigan Avenue, Suite 6 Howell, Michigan 48843
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What’s Inside? 1 2 Things to Be Grateful for This Thanksgiving Old Ways, Fresh Days Alcohol Advice for Aging Adults
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Healthy Hacks for Hearty Meals Helpful Resources
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The Caribbean Woman With the World’s Rarest Blood Type
THE ONLY MATCH? HERSELF
woman’s parents. The result? A blood type so rare that the woman is only compatible with herself. Now dubbed Gwada Negative, this new type has captured the attention of scientists worldwide. It’s a medical unicorn, a reminder that plenty of mystery still runs through our veins.
You’ve heard of A, B, AB, and O, but have you heard of Gwada Negative? Odds are you haven’t, and for good reason: It belongs to just one person on the planet. After over a decade of research, scientists in France have officially classified this ultra-rare blood type as the 48th recognized blood group. The discovery started with a seemingly routine blood draw in 2011 from a woman originally from the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, affectionately called “Gwada” by locals. What followed was anything but routine. Researchers first spotted a strange antibody in 2011, so they knew it was unusual, but lacked the resources to investigate further. Years later, thanks to advances in DNA sequencing, they finally traced it back to a unique genetic mutation passed down by both of the
This discovery adds a new branch to the blood type family tree and highlights how critical diversity is in blood research. Who knows? A revolutionary find could be sitting quietly in someone’s bloodstream, waiting to be uncovered during a routine checkup. So, the next time you roll up your sleeves for a blood draw, remember that your body might be more unique than you think!
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