Relationships

My father was a man of many words, hence the title of my column and blog. But while Dad Said it Best, Mom has always led by example. At 92, my mother is an enduring example of  beauty, grace and strength. I know now how Mom's actions said more than words ever could. ...

Whether you live nearby or far away, you hold a special position in your grandchildren’s lives. Especially as they enter teen years and adulthood, members of each new generation sort out their identities and values, often in opposition to their parents. But grandparents can hold unique influence over their beloved grandchildren.  ...

Too many times, adult children struggle – not only with the grief of losing a parent – but also in putting together the financial puzzle their parents may have left for them. Unlike a puzzle that comes with the picture to solve, children often are left with pieces that don’t seem to fit together and are both frustrating and costly to manage. ...

After 16 months of staying home (and feeling guilty when I didn’t), my feet and the rest of me are restless to leave. And because it’s summer, I feel the urge to resurrect the vacation road trip. It’s in my DNA. Our family vacation was a summer mainstay when I was young. My parents packed four kids into the station wagon and headed off to show us the world — and the world then meant anywhere accessible by interstate. ...

 Attorneys often see great trust documents that don't do all that's intended because the clients' assets are still titled in the clients' names. You can avoid probate and make sure that the estate tax protections in your trust operate as planned through retitling assets in the name of the trust ...

While it may be tempting to just take out a pen and make changes to your will by hand, don't. Changes will not be effective unless you use the same formalities as you did when drafting the will. And depending on state law, changes made by hand on the will may void the will altogether. ...

Preventing elder abuse through improved social supports like senior center programs, in-home services and transportation helps our older adults to live independently and contribute to the vibrancy of our community.  Reporting suspected abuse helps lift the veil of secrecy that puts older adults in harm’s way. ...

Cleveland Public Library is celebrating Juneteenth with a week of cultural education programs and activities to honor the day, as well as spark conversation about our history and the future of Black America. ...