View Previous Journals from: Ted Cate, a skydiver and retired civil engineer. Carol Greenwood, a mother and retiree in Grand Marais. Lois Johnson, a mother, grandmother, and retired county social worker. Ralph Latham, who enjoys retirement by bicycling, reading, writing poetry, and playing saxophone, among other activities. Jerry Ochs, a bodybuilder and retired teacher. Judy Schmidt, a 27-year-old caregiver. Chrissy Schwarting cares for her grandfather, who is in the later stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Carol Greenwood: When I stay in today, I'm present every moment for everything that is happening. When I go back to yesterday, I'm missing the present so tomorrow will be a mixed review of what I missed today. (more)

Lois Johnson: I then had to feel more empathy for my sometimes grouchy seniors in their nineties and realize all their losses. I think I'll start to cultivate younger friends so I will always have some. (more)

Ralph Latham: We're approaching our 48th wedding anniversary later this year, and I'm still pleased by her approval of my simple little accomplishments. That's some part of a pretty good working definition of a happy and successful marriage, I think. (more)

Jerry Ochs: My dad, age 88, from the Depression era, expects that everything that is done for him, out of love and respect from his siblings, is expected of them. He takes everything done for him as due him. We have never heard the words "thank you" being uttered from his mouth! (more)

Judy Schmidt: I have been told several times at the senior center to "take time to smell the roses." I sit back and think, "Why I don't do this?" (more)

Chrissy Schwarting: It's so sad that Grandpa can no longer distinguish reality. It must be like having a really bizarre dream that you just can't wake up from. (more)