Article by Liisa Ogburn.
Remembering to be thankful at Thanksgiving
“I sure am learning a lot,” a dear friend told me when I opened her door to bring over dinner.
She was sitting in a narrow wheelchair, with her right leg elevated and some major pins and hardware sticking out of it. She had been through two surgeries in the last 10 days after a fluke fall that ended up shattering her leg below the knee.
She had on a blue bathrobe. She smiled when I bent over to hug her. She said, “I am so glad to see you. ”
“I am so glad to see YOU,” I said back.
I looked around. Two cousins had pulled up the carpeting in her living and dining rooms and pushed all the furniture to the sides and even arranged for the removal of some. Charlie, a neighbor, was up past midnight devising small ramps so she could get into her kitchen and bathroom.
To read the entire article, go to: https://www.wral.com/remembering-to-be-thankful-at-thanksgiving/17121596/
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
About the Author:
Liisa Ogburn is at the heart of Aging Advisors NC, bringing a rich blend of personal experience and global perspective to elder care. Raised in North Carolina with deep roots in Finland, Liisa has a unique appreciation for diverse approaches to aging, shaped by her life across different cultures including Finland, Estonia, Germany, England, Japan, and Costa Rica.
Her path into elder care consulting was deeply personal. While juggling her role as a Duke University educator and caring for her father-in-law and three young children, Liisa started sharing her family’s journey through articles for The New York Times and later, over 300 posts for WRAL Raleigh on everything from handling loss to choosing the right elder care options.
A teacher at heart, Liisa thrives on empowering others with knowledge. She offers her expertise in presentations to various groups—from churches to professional firms—and writes extensively, reaching audiences far and wide. Her credentials include certifications in geriatric care and a special certification from Brown University to teach Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction, reinforcing her belief that calm minds make sound decisions.
