Tag: Memoirs In Photos

Growing Older: Reflections and Gratitude

How grateful I am to be growing older. There were significant health challenges for me in 2018. I think of this year as “Recovery Phase 2.” I rest in faith and good care. I also say “daily dedication and small steps.”

As I helped with my mother’s care, I saw that part of being older is the acceptance of how life changes. People we once knew “in person” may no longer be here.

In 1987, I earned the Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree at Northern Illinois University. This past week, a fellow student, Gretchen, passed away. In the previous many years, Regina, and then Karen, also passed away. I help with an email newsletter, as professors and students have stayed in touch. They all have achieved so much, and continue to serve. We honor all.

Many ways to serve and make a contribution. A blog post that sends out light, joy, creativity, and hope is wonderful. I enjoy reading/viewing posts each day.

Karl’s photos add so much to my/our blogs. Here are a few from 2018:

Lake Michigan
Oostburg, Wisconsin
July 2018

Garden Journal
July 2018

I continue to pray the Psalms. They give me strength, hope, and are both familiar and always new.

Ellen Grace Olinger

Four Photos

IMG_0370

Memorial Park
“Dedicated to World War Veterans
1930”

Cedar Grove, Wisconsin
June 29, 2018
Photo by Karl

IMG_0427

Lake Michigan
Water and Rocks
Photo by Karl
July 3, 2018

100_8664

Lake Michigan
July 4, 2017
Ellen Grace Olinger

100_6082

Rose by Cedar Fence
Garden Journal
July 10, 2016
Ellen Grace Olinger

Spring will return

041

Spring will return
here and there
and then I’ll say,
“When did this happen?”

Today, though,
I rest in longer light
on evergreens
in a tiny bit of wind

*

Vibrant photo challenge: the first photo of primroses growing through old leaves, and the poem, are by Ellen Grace Olinger.

Primroses – photo
Primroses – photo by Karl

Karl took these photos of primroses.