Weddings are always rich in symbolism, but one I attended on a sunny afternoon recently carried far more than usual.
Things I Think | Keep moving forward — It’s the only choice
By
Gary Tetz
Nov 01, 2021
In hiking or life, through any difficulty, there’s only one strategy I’ve ever found that always applies: Keep moving.
The wisdom of age
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 06, 2017
It’s like a dash of smelling salts under the nose. Talking to actual long-term care residents always affects me like that: an abrupt awakening from the fog and unconsciousness of stress, distraction...
Things I Think: The lessons of autumn
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 05, 2019
Autumn is a time of change. That probably seems trite and obvious, and certainly it’s a trait shared by all the seasons, at least where I live in the Pacific Northwest. But the transitions of fall always...
No-Judgment Day
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 09, 2023
I wouldn’t say mine was a fire-and-brimstone childhood, but I lay awake plenty of nights awaiting the imminent wrath of a vengeful deity. Since then, the concept of judgment has always been top of mind.
Playing favorites with everyone
By
Gary Tetz
Sep 11, 2022
Seniors who are witty and sharp as a tack. Who still walk five miles a day. Who always have a nugget of hard-earned wisdom to share. Who have suffered much, but still relentlessly radiate love and positivity.
Shock ’em with action
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 01, 2014
On a scale of A to 17, with one being “Always” and red being “Parsnips,” how would you rate your experience with customer satisfaction surveys? I’m sure most of you use them,...
The ‘I’ in Toxic Team
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 06, 2017
Have you ever been a member of a Toxic Team in long-term care? Where you’re always watching your back, thinking you’re a martyr, wondering what so-and-so meant when he or she said this or that,...
Our deeper reservoir
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 01, 2020
I’m not an epidemiologist. Or a doctor. Or a calming Zen master, pastor, rabbi or priest. Unfortunately, I can’t create lifesaving vaccines in my garage, or turn my CPAP machine into an improvised...
Waiting for a pellet
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 06, 2016
From now on when I ponder the future of long-term care, I’ll think about Uncle Jimmy.