Something Very Special About The Holidays

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Holidays are about expanding our hearts. They’re for making new memories and treasuring the old ones. And these new memories, in turn, cause hearts to grow even more.

Holidays are an overflow of love. It’s what makes holidays so magical and why we look forward to them with warmth and anticipation.

Holidays give adult children a chance to repay their parents for all the love and care they gave them year after year.

Holidays are also an important time to look out for Mom and Dad. Do they prepare the same nourishing meals for themselves that they gave you when you were kids? Are Mom and Dad able to keep their house spic and span like they used to? Does Dad still get out to shovel snow or care for the yard with a spring in his step, or do you notice these things are more challenging for them?

In this way, holidays let us really make sure Mom and Dad are doing OK.

And let’s not forget the love that is shown by the exchange of holiday gifts. But as we grow up, we begin to realize it isn’t the gifts exchanged that matter, but the love and care that is shared and appreciated.

Because feeling loved and cared for, is always the best memory.

And among all the gifts, one of the best ones for Mom and Dad is finding ways to help out and show you care when you notice they need a little extra help with things.

And with that, I can be your helper this holiday season. I specialize in aging and helping to care for Mom and Dad.

Call me after the holidays if you find you have questions and let’s chat. My personal number is: 485-1672.

Love,

Jennifer Stanley
Executive Director
The Willows of Marshalltown

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Thank You For Loving Us Back

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Photo of Jennifer Stanley

Senior Citizens and unconditional love. They go hand in hand. Unconditional love and Senior Citizens.

Unconditional love means you love someone no matter what. The same way we love our children. No matter what, we love them. Meaning if they are less than perfect in their actions now and then, well, we love them anyway. After all, our own parents gave us this very same unconditional love.

Here at The Willows we are pretty good at spotting which job applicants have the capacity for unconditional love for seniors, or at least the potential for that. And then once hired they learn from others on the job – about showing and giving unconditional love.

Does it always work? Usually. And when unconditional love does not come easily to someone it is always obvious to both of us.

But the unconditional love is the constant and the culture we strive for. Not loving a resident because they always have a great day or a smile on their face, but loving them, and serving them no matter what. Unconditionally.

And now for our thanks to you, the adult children of our residents and the citizens of Marshalltown. THANK YOU for loving us back. THANK YOU for realizing that we too thrive on love, your love, your appreciation for the work we do.

And we’re not the only ones! The world thrives on love, it fuels us and lifts us up and quite literally makes the world go ‘round. If you take the extra time to share your love and appreciation, thank you. You make this world a better place.

Whether it is the grocery bagger, someone who holds a door open, or delivers a package. Let’s share some more love with each other and make life that much brighter.

Love,

Jennifer Stanley
Executive Director
The Willows of Marshalltown

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Read the entire December 2021 Willows Life Newsletter (pdf)

Make it a December to Remember!

Wow! Here we are closing 2021, with all that December brings, and I swear it was just January. Tempus fugit!

When I think back to childhood Christmases, it’s not the gifts I remember, it’s being together as a family… it’s the memories I cherish. I remember how I felt on Christmas mornings past… excitement, pure joy for a day with family… and waking up way too early with my sister and brother… descending the stairs… seeing if Santa ate the cookies. I will never forget the warm monkey bread we enjoyed in our pajamas.

As a mom, I have tried to follow family holiday traditions.

Read the entire December 2021 Willows Life Newsletter (pdf).

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