Mother’s Day, Caregivers, Intergenerational Benefits, and Easy Tips for Organizing Your Physical and Digital Spaces

In my article last month, I spoke about the Intergenerational Rollercoaster Ride with the coronavirus (COVID-19). Now, fast forward a few weeks later as Mother’s Day approaches, and we are still continuing to experience a worldwide pandemic, rendering many of us unable to physically be with our mothers and grandmothers on Sunday, May 10. 

Adding to all of the emotions we are already feeling is the profound sadness that all of us share from the devastation that has transpired as COVID-19 continues to spread through the facilities where our loved ones are cared for. For months, we have been unable to be there by their sides to comfort them or in many cases, say our goodbyes to those who have passed away.

This Mother’s Day, like always, I will be remembering my own mother who left this Earth almost 39 years ago to the day, on May 11, 1981 after a battle with ovarian cancer. Her caregivers were HEROES! Her doctors initially expected her to pass on Mother’s Day, but she was determined to hold on for one extra day so she could say her goodbyes individually to each one of my daughters, explaining that while she would be leaving her body, her soul would live on. Each conversation was deeply personal and meaningful with my mother giving everyone the gifts of acceptance and peace of mind.

My eldest daughter had the most difficult time during their final conversation, and my mother promised to give her a sign so she would know that she was still here with us. My mother kept her promise and sure enough, there were several miracles, including my daughter having an amazing son BORN on May 11 – exactly 18 years later! Every May 11, I light a candle for my mother as well as a birthday candle for my grandson. Generations infinitely connected!

My greatest passion in life as an intergenerational expert, as well as both a health and caregiving advocate, is to ask everyone to retrain their thoughts about age segregation and see the never-ending benefits of intergenerational connection.

I am so thankful that my husband and I took both of our fathers into our intergenerational home, caring for them until they passed on, surrounded by family and ultimately, teaching our grandchildren about the circle of life. Gathering our fathers’ life stories has been a blessing for four generations and that’s why I believe that capturing your own life story and memories within pictures is so important. And, please remember for each picture, record the Who, What, When, and Where. For a free PDF of Cherished Memories – The Story of My Life interview book (a sellout on QVC), go to www.DebbyBitticks.com and enter the code GRATITUDE.

Now, for Something Fun, Easy, and Free!

My dear friend and colleague Dorothy Breininger, aka Dorothy The Organizer, has provided 10 FREE videos pairing her, as America’s Favorite Organizing Expert and star of the TV show “Hoarders”, with Digital LifeCloud’s Guru and America’s Up and Coming Digital Commander For Everything Digital, Bob Hammer!

Watch them navigate the crossover from organizing our lives physically to digitally. Dorothy will speak on behalf of those who are apprehensive about going digital while Bob will demonstrate the ease in which we can make the shift. Each day, Dorothy will focus on a spot within the home that needs tidying up, and offer a physical organizing tip before asking Bob’s advice on a digital organizing tip. Within each of these 5-minutes videos, everyone viewing will receive the benefit of organizing one area within their living space, both physically and digitally. 

Join us for a 10-day organizing challenge (Physical moves to Digital Organizing) and see how easily you can make the jump to an all-around more organized space. Visit www.digitallifecloud.com to view the videos. They are FREE and available 24/7. Enjoy!

DAY #1 - ORGANIZING THE GARAGE – Tips for finding items in the garage

DAY #2 - ORGANIZING RECEIPTS - Tips for storing receipts neatly in the office

DAY #3 - ORGANIZING SHOPPING LISTS – Tips on photographing loose recipes and preparing for the next trip to the grocery store

DAY #4 - ORGANIZING THE CAR – Tips on clearing out the glove box (what to keep vs. discard)

DAY #5 - ORGANIZING PET ESSENTIALS - Tips on organizing vet documents and other forms

DAY #6 - ORGANIZING THE MEDICINE CABINET – Tips on keeping prescriptions safe and easy to locate

DAY #7 - ORGANIZING THE STORAGE UNIT – Tips on what you need to keep inside and have for safekeeping

DAY #8 - ORGANIZING CAREGIVING ESSENTIALS – Tips on what to pack in preparation for an emergency

DAY #9 - ORGANIZING JEWELRY & HOME INVENTORY - Tips on how to keep track of valuables

DAY #10 - ORGANIZING PHOTOGRAPHS & MEMORABILIA – Tips on storing keepsakes

Remember Debby’s 3 G’s – Get Informed, Get Organized, Get Moving!?

I send you three kisses – for the Past, the Present, and the Future!

I want to express my gratitude and thanks to all the first responders and medical professionals who are working so hard to keep us all safe and healthy!!!