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Agents For Life
Mother-Daughter Memories in the Netherlands A Week of Wonder in Holland
I just got back from a week in Holland with my 13-year-old daughter, and it still feels a little unreal. It was our first trip to Europe, and we went to visit my aunt Vicky and her husband, Ad. They’ve lived there for years, but we hadn’t seen them since they visited the States six years ago. Now that Vicky’s no longer traveling, it was our turn to go to them. We flew into Amsterdam and drove south to their town of Tilburg. The Dutch countryside was beautiful — green fields, canals, cows, and windmills everywhere. Some were the classic wooden kind, others were huge modern turbines. It actually reminded me of Kentucky, just flatter and with more bikes. Tilburg is a college town now, but it used to be a textile hub and was once called the wool capital of the Netherlands. It’s also where Van Gogh was born. The mix of old and new made it feel full of quiet character. We loved starting our mornings walking through their local park, which felt more like a forest. One even had a public petting zoo with goats, pigs, and wallabies, all cared for by volunteers.
has preserved its historical charm, and it felt like we’d stepped back in time. We tried a local pastry called Bossche bol — a giant cream puff covered in chocolate — and explored cobbled streets and old buildings. Our favorite stop was Saint John’s Cathedral, a Gothic church that dates back to 1220. It was absolutely stunning, and we both stood there in awe. Another favorite stop was La Trappe Monastery, a working abbey where monks still make their own beer, bread, cheese, and chocolate. We sat down for a meal on the grounds and got to taste everything. It was all incredible. Beyond that, learning about the abbey’s history and its place in the local community really touched me. It’s rare to find a place so rooted in tradition and service. We also visited Limburg, Ad’s hometown near the borders of Germany and Belgium. It was a quiet little village, and we spent the day with their friends eating pastries and frites — thick fries served with peanut sauce or mayo, which sounds strange but was actually delicious.
Kevin Bennett (502) 966-7810 kevin@seniorhealth.pro
Sierra Bennett (502) 966-7804 sierra@seniorhealth.pro
Our last day was in Amsterdam. It felt more touristy than the other
Our first outing was to Den Bosch, just a quick train ride away. The city
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places we visited but still full of history and beauty. We walked the canals, tried Dutch pancakes and stroopwafels, and marveled at how the city is built on water. Many houses are tilted from age, each anchored deep underground by poles. Somehow, it all works. The whole trip was unforgettable. I loved seeing family we rarely get to spend time with, but even more than that, I loved sharing it with my daughter. We laughed, explored, and learned together. There’s something about stepping into another culture that helps you grow, and I think we both came home changed in the best way. And yes, we brought back cheese and chocolate for the rest of the family — but let’s just say it didn’t last long.
–Sierra Bennett
LESSONS FROM LIFE’S COMMON REGRETS MAKE TIME FOR WHAT MATTERS
Every now and then, it’s natural to pause and wonder how life will feel when we look back. What will we be glad we chose to do? What might we wish we had done differently? People working with those nearing the end of life hear these reflections all the time. Over the years, certain regrets show up again and again. They remind us to think about how we want to spend the time we have. Relationships come up often. Many wish they had stayed in touch with family and friends. They regret not saying what they truly felt. A simple phone call or visit can mean more than we think. If someone has been on your mind, this may be a good time to reach out. Many people also mention missed opportunities. They wish they had taken more chances or explored a dream. It is not too late to take the first step. Even a small action can open new possibilities.
regret working so much and say that what really matters is the time they spent with loved ones. If you are now retired, enjoy that freedom. If you are still working, look for small ways to give your time and attention to the people and activities you care about. Joy is another thing frequently reflected on. People regret letting worry or routine take over their lives. We can all choose to bring more happiness into each day. Sometimes that means sitting with a friend, taking a walk somewhere beautiful, or trying something that makes us laugh. There are many things in life that we can’t control, but we can take charge of our outlook. Choose to be happy and do those things that support your well-being. These reflections are a gift. They remind us to focus on what matters. A few small choices today can help us look back with fewer regrets tomorrow. And as you plan for the future, remember to enjoy life right now.
Work is another common theme. Toward the end of life, few people talk about promotions or paychecks. Many
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BEING THERE FOR SOMEONE WHO’S STRUGGLING Kindness That Lasts
We’ve all experienced bouts of bad mood or even occasional depression. While difficult to go through, it can be equally challenging to see someone we care about hurting and not know how to help. The main thing to remember is that providing support isn’t about fixing things; it’s about showing up in meaningful ways. Skip the pep talks and listen. For many of us, our initial instinct is to rush to lift our loved one’s spirits and help them break out of a bad mood. However, offering them space and a calm ear is often the best thing we can do. Friendly company can be comforting even if they’re not ready
to talk. Just be sure they don’t feel pressure to do or say anything. This might mean bingeing a favorite TV show together or just being with one another in the same room. Focus on small gestures. Along with providing company, you can support your loved one with simple gestures — a phone call, handwritten note, or warm meal. These acts remind them that someone cares and that they are not alone. Continuing to show up for your friend even after the rest of the world has moved on can have an even greater impact. There’s no specific script to follow, but small
efforts all add up and may matter more than you’ll ever know.
If you have a friend or family member going through a hard time, validating their experience and being present for them can be all they need. While they may not remember what you said, they won’t forget you showed up and stayed when they needed you most.
CHEESY TOMATO-BASIL STUFFED CHICKEN DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with reserved oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes. INGREDIENTS • 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun- dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
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playful element to balance work. The idea is not to master it on day one. Simply standing and adjusting teaches your body to respond more quickly and confidently in daily life. There is no single formula for improving balance. The key is consistency. A few minutes of balance- focused activity, done regularly, can make a notable difference. You
might find yourself moving more freely and confidently before you know it.
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste Inspired by HalfBakedHarvest.com
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Inside This Issue 1 A Special Trip Across the Ocean 2 Learning to Live With Fewer Regrets 3 The Art of Quiet Kindness 3 Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken 4 Small Steps for Better Balance
Simple Ways to Stay Steady BUILD BALANCE FOR DAILY LIFE
It’s easy to take balance for granted. We walk, turn, and reach without giving it much thought — until one day everything feels a little off. That is a normal part of aging, but it also makes fall prevention more important than ever. The good news is that we can always take steps to maintain and even improve our balance, no matter how old we are. And it doesn’t require an expensive program or complicated routine. Often, the simplest exercises turn out to be the most helpful.
on one foot for a few seconds while holding the back of a chair or kitchen counter. The first time might feel a little wobbly, but that’s okay. The small muscles in your ankles and legs are getting a workout, even if you do not feel it at first. Heel-to-toe walking is another helpful practice. Take slow, deliberate steps, placing one foot directly in front of the other. If you do this along a hallway or against a wall, you will have something to hold onto if needed. This type of movement helps sharpen coordination and gives your body better cues for maintaining stability.
You might not think of standing up from a chair as exercise, but it can be. Try sitting and rising without using your hands. This simple movement builds the leg and core strength that supports nearly every activity you do. For a different approach, many people turn to tai chi or yoga. These slow, mindful practices improve flexibility and body awareness, which in turn helps with balance. They also tend to be enjoyable, which makes it easier to stick with them. And if you like trying new things, a wobble board can add a
One of the easiest places to start is with a single-leg stand. Try standing
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