Time Well Spent and Besties

I turned 59 recently. There is something about having just one more year left before I turn over to a new decade. Starting about a year ago I started getting these stirrings that I want to have a meaningful, impactful last third of my life here on earth. I know I’m going to heaven and I am so very thankful…

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Second Annual Veterans’ Resource Fair

On Saturday, October 28th the Second Annual Veterans’ Resource Fair will take place at the First Baptist Athletic Complex on James Island from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Many service providers and veteran-friendly businesses will be available to provide information to veterans of all ages. Representatives from the Tri-County Office On Aging will be present to answer questions about Medicare…

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“Honor Your Parents”……..Always?

Recently my friend who is a caregiver  told me she felt obligated to care for her cranky elderly mother (whom she loved but never really liked), because she suspected mild dementia and worried about leaving her alone. I told her how important it is to have her mother evaluated by a dementia specialist immediately because with early diagnosis and treatment…

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James Island, SC Businesses offering Veteran Discounts

In preparation for the Veteran Resource Day that was hosted by American Legion Post 147 on James Island in April, I contacted virtually every business on the island in order to research if they offered veteran discounts. Thankfully there are quite a few so I would like to express my gratitude as well as offer some free promotion. The first…

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Planning For Digital Assets After Death

Recently, I wrote about my brother’s passing and factors related to processing death of a sibling as an adult. As my sister and I were discussing the article, the topics of what happens to accrued points and miles upon death as well as other digital accounts such as Facebook and Twitter came up. Since I had no knowledge in this…

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Veteran Presence in Charleston, South Carolina

According to the U.S. census, with a time frame of 2011 to 2015, there are 9,124 veterans living in Charleston City  and 29,554 veterans living in Charleston County. According to another source,  from Data USA, of the 21,812 veterans living in Charleston County, the numbers break down as follows: WW II (665) (3%) Korea (2087) (10%) Vietnam  (11348) (52%) Gulf (1990(s))…

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Bereaving Adult Loss of a Sibling

On February 3rd, I received an End of mail forwarding service notification from the USPS. At first I didn’t read it because I assumed it concerned my recent move in October. But the notification concerned another event. I had set up the mail forwarding for my brother. Last March, Brian passed away in an isolated living arrangement in Washington. He…

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Become an Informed Citizen

A couple of years ago, I read an article encouraging readers to take the time to research and know the answers to a few basic questions about our local, state and federal governments. I have kept it in a box with my other “someday” projects. However, the recent election cycle and the protests that ensued really encouraged me to get…

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Making Exercise a Top Priority

I have been out of the military for over sixteen years but one of the disciplines I still maintain is my dedication to regular exercise. I also entered the military as a multi-sport athlete so I have enjoyed athletic competition for a long time as well. Regardless, whatever love-hate relationship you have had with getting your body moving in the…

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Self-Identity as a First Time Grandparent

We are now grandparents and I am struggling with my self-identity. To clarify, I know how to be a: Daughter and Sister Soldier Military Officer Student Wife Mother Manager Volunteer Business Owner Veteran To try to get some perspective, I started to reflect on the relationship I had with my only grandparent, my tough, German immigrant Nana. Living in New Jersey,…

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