Article by Liisa Ogburn.
The Things We Surround Ourselves With
What items in your home have stories behind them that bring a good memory to mind?
It is nearing my twenty-first anniversary and even if I was someone who was bad at remembering dates, I could not help but remember this one because my peonies tend to bloom around now. You see, 21 years ago, when my husband and I were scrapping together a “barn-raising” marriage in Chatham County—I call it that because everyone who attended was put to work, but no one more so than my parents—my mother, in addition to making all the dresses and bringing appetizers to supplement the catering, brought all the flowers from her garden. My bridesmaids carried bouquets of peonies, while I carried roses. When Gregg and I moved back to North Carolina at the end of 2003, Mom brought me those very peony bushes to plant in the garden of what would become our first permanent home.
I am looking around my home at other items which bring up good memories. I am sitting here writing this at the table my parents and younger brother and I ate every meal at when visiting my grandparent’s home in Smithfield while growing up.
To view the entire article, visit: https://www.wral.com/the-things-we-surround-ourselves-with/17520291/
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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.
