“Interest-ING people are interest-ED.” 

A good friend once told me that, and it stuck.  Her comment was about my visit to hear her daughter give testimony at their church, even though her family’s religion is different from my own.  I found it surprising that she found this impressive.  Wouldn’t anyone do the same? 

But the older I get, the more I witness people so stuck in their own way of thinking that they not only disagree with, but are quick to condemn beliefs, thinking, or behaviors which differ from their own point of view.  And in these modern times where the middle ground seems to be a fading landscape, I’ve re-affirmed a personal commitment to always being open to not only hearing, but to LEARNING new perspectives – not “if”, but especially “when” they differ from my own.

Last week, I traveled to visit my mom and step-dad in Glendale, Arizona.  It was a wonderful visit, getting much needed time to sit, talk, and catch up with their lives.  Throughout the visit, it struck me again that living “right” means always being in a place of learning and empathy.  The visit was a great reminder of this lesson as I learned the following:

• No matter where you travel all over the world, you are always at home at your mother’s place.
• The only person on Earth who has more photos than me of the people (and dogs) I love is my mother.
• There is such a thing as Turkey Spam, and it’s actually not half bad.
• Even when you are 52 years old, listen to your mother.  Especially when she advises you to use a ladder (instead of a chair) to change the batteries in the smoke detector.  (See photo inset; smh.)
• Phoenix may be a blaze of glory all summer long, but in January – it is a pure delight.
• Aging is hard.  Not just on the body, but on the mind, and mental confusion can be just as painful as any deterioration of bone or muscle.
• There are wonderful organizations who provide services in Home Health and Home Care.  In Home Care, caregivers come into the home (as little or as much as needed) to help the elderly remain independently in their own homes for as long as possible.  These angels run errands, drive to doctor’s appointments, change bed linens, do laundry, help bathe or dress the person, or just sit down and play cards to keep the person company.  Prior to this trip, I’d not known such services existed – and was surprised especially at how affordable these services are.  Knowing this now, my heart is lightened as I now have options to turn to when I live so far away.
• And finally, after being on the road for a full week, I walked through my front door to a warm homecoming from my husband and two dogs and was reminded again that there truly is no place like home.