(My grandparent.) Sanctuary of love and kindness. Old friends have left me. Warm and safe houses are gone. Friendly and kind words are missed. Old faces with smiles and with always an open door went to a better place. Strong arms who loved their children left memories and wise advice. Who will take their places? Who will listen and not condemn mistakes and tell you. “You will be okay.” I know…

This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang but a whimper..” T.S. Eliot “My grandfather told me often, one day, the teacher will become the student. The student will become the teacher.” “Once my dear grandmother held me, she sang songs of love to me. In the autumn of her life. I held her and I sang songs of love to her.” “We can’t stop time. Death waits on your right shoulder and he…

Finally it’s the holiday season, with ringing Christmas bells giving way to the fireworks lit sky of New Year’s Eve. Hearts lighten as families gather huddlled up around a fireplace, sharing warm foods. In such warm gatherings, come alive, stories – from the older people who have lived through generations. Snug underneath my blanket, I open my half sleepy eyes to look at my maternal grandmother.…

Some quotes from two people I adored…. Grandmother told me often. Sugar and honey can bring peace and calm to us. Anger and hateful words make the situation worst. Better to speak gently and kindly. We need to lead with concern, kindness and love. The people, we love and care for. Need a kind voice, not a lecture.” My kind father told me often. Are you okay. Please sit down and we can talk.…