By CYN LoPINTO
Editor-in-chief, gerontologist

I am fortunate to have both of my adult children spending Christmas with me this year and I want to make sure that I cherish our special time together. Past years I have been guilty of getting so wrapped up in the holidays that I forget to just stop and live in the moment. There is always something that needs to get done, so to just stop and enjoy being together, somehow gets pushed aside.

When I think about those who are no longer here to celebrate the holidays with, I don’t miss the food, decorations or gifts that I shared with them. I miss just sitting down and talking to them. It’s that connection and love that is what makes a relationship special. That is the gift of friends and family that is so fragile and worth paying attention to.  The moment is now and I am going to make sure that I appreciate being here to experience it.