Aging and major health issues can get a guy down, but it only takes small act of kindness to keep me bouncing back. Last summer, I spotted my wife, Tanya, framing six colorful drawings on our bedroom wall. They were drawings of six bird species, including the Japanese Waxwing, Indian Roller, and the Elegant Pitta. … Continue reading
I’m honored that my book, “Fran’s Song,” is part of this selection. If you’re a dementia caregiver, you will find comfort and strength in these memoirs. With dementia, Mother’s Day is every day of the year. Get your copy of the booklet here. Continue reading
Old lives matter if we cherish and protect them. But do we really cherish and protect them when there is a shortage of personal protective equipment and tests at nursing homes? Many have already died, but must even more die? Do old lives truly matter if our community doesn’t have a mask mandate or enforce … Continue reading
I pledge my unwavering devotion to your well-being. I will strive hard to keep you stress-free. I will try to convert chaos to calm on your worst days. I will help you find strength of purpose on your best days. I pledge patience as you express deep-seated fears. I will serve as your confidante and … Continue reading
Others have returned to work, and I’m still self-isolating during the coronavirus outbreak. No complaints, mind you, because I’ve found ways to stay sane and to stay connected with others. I have a seven-point action plan that has brought fresh purpose to my life, and maybe it will yours. Here goes: Lift others’ spirits. Call … Continue reading
I’ve always rooted for the underdog. My Catholic parents raised me to practice compassion toward those in need. This was the 1960s and the birth of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and our nation rose up to the challenge. I was an 18-year-old eager to lend a hand and was thrilled to be … Continue reading
An old woman smashed into my friend’s car, totaling it. Worse still, she had no insurance, which is required in our state. The judge ordered the woman to pay restitution. The problem was, she was on Social Security, barely scraping by. Yet she took responsibility for the accident, but told the judge she could make … Continue reading
After my cancer diagnosis in 2014, I mostly maintained radio silence. Close friends and family knew about my condition, but I didn’t utter a word on social media. I did attend prostate support group meetings where I received valuable practical advice. But I what really needed was for someone to throw me an emotional lifeline. … Continue reading
My wife and I decided to get a head start on Random Acts of Kindness Week in mid-February. It was fulfilling for us to step outside our immediate cares and concerns to extend a hand to others. Our Kindness Journal was a daily reminder to be considerate of neighbors, assist strangers in need and to … Continue reading
People who look and speak differently than me have had a profound influence on my life. As an 18-year-old, I was a VISTA volunteer in Nebraska for one year. I worked closely with Latino migrant workers who picked the crops and struggled to make a living. I learned a good deal of Spanish and managed … Continue reading
Ron Cooper 