Moment’s after each Super Bowl, a jubilant football player shouts, “I’m going to Disneyland!” Recently I had an opposite realization.
The saddle in the garage
By
Gary Tetz
Jun 07, 2024
For decades after his last ride, it rested on a sawhorse in a darkened corner of my father’s garage — his favorite Western saddle.
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.
My gas station utopia
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 20, 2023
Many long-term care administrators know how to foster that kind of environment already, but I might just have to drive the rest of them over to my gas station to observe and somehow assimilate their methods...
Passion isn’t enough
By
Gary Tetz
Jan 31, 2024
With each facility tour you give and prospective admission you consider, never forget that families like mine, whose hearts are breaking, cling desperately to every word and promise.
Honoring the humble
By
Gary Tetz
Apr 10, 2023
Apparently, status is ultra-important to me. I just achieved elite standing on my favorite airline, and now I feel like a conquering hero as I move toward the front of the line and triumphantly stride...
Mind over math
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 07, 2023
So here’s a frightening question: If these existential calculations are already taking over my life while I’m still working and living independently, how much more tyrannical will this mortality math...
Feeling stressed? Use your chopsticks
By
Gary Tetz
Mar 04, 2024
We’ve long known that mindfulness programs can improve the physical and emotional well-being of nursing home residents — and the rest of us too.