Grand Plans: February 13, 2025
A semi-monthly newsletter from Grand Plans designed to normalize and celebrate our glorious geri-destiny through information, stories, real talk conversation, smart planning and shared experience.
Things I’m prattling on about today
In the spirit of Valentine’s Day and all things amore, I’d like to talk about the importance of stepping up as grandparents and how incredibly loving and legacy-building that is.
The photo above is of me and my maternal grandmother, Bobbie. At the time this picture was taken, she was a widow masking some pretty major social anxieties like agoraphobia and claustrophobia and both of us had just lost someone very foundational to our lives — my mother, her only daughter, Bobbie Ann. I was pressing on with all things fun on the San Antonio social scene, making my debut and participating in Fiesta coronation festivities and the like. I also was about to get married. And as much as Bobbie disliked getting out and being seen — in crowds, in small spaces and in the spotlight — she made a heroic effort to stand-in as my mom-person for all of it.
I will never forget it and remain eternally grateful for the strength she mustered on my behalf.
This is what legacy-making is all about. When I think of Bobbie, I remember how she went all out and was there for me. I think about how much she must have loved me to do something so hard and I want to make sure I share the same gift of presence and dedication when I have the great fortune of being a grandparent. What will your legacy be? How will you be remembered for generations to come?
News you can use
Ready to start building that legacy? This Good Life Project (also a fantastic podcast!) article can bring illuminating perspective. “People tend to think of legacy purely in terms of something that happens after you die. But the truth is, legacies are formed while you’re alive — and the best way to leave a legacy is to live it, day by day. The good news is, a lot of that legacy-building can happen in teeny tiny little daily actions.”
Even Teladoc — one of Covid’s greatest medical legacies — has some thoughts on how to leave a positive mark on the world.
This Psychology Today article says legacy can be defined as “the sum of what our lives have taught us or how we make others feel about themselves.” I like that!
Ready to get ready to leave that legacy? Don’t miss this important discussion:
Shelf life
This book, The Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departed, is on my to-read list. We can all learn from the experiences and the regrets of the dying.
“In this revised edition of the best-selling memoir that has been read by over a million people worldwide, with translations in 29 languages, Bronnie expresses how significant these regrets are and how we can positively address these issues while we still have the time. The Top Five Regrets of the Dying gives hope for a better world. It is a courageous, life-changing book that will leave you feeling more compassionate and inspired to live the life you are truly here to live.”
…And, of course, Grand Plans and the Grand Planner can help walk you through all the great ways to talk to your friends and family about your plans for the second half of life!
Some golden gedunk and goods
Get yourself another few copies of Grand Plans: How to Mitigate Geri-Drama in 20 Easy Steps and the Grand Planner for all the people who like getting gifts in your life! Visit www.mygrandplans.com for links to purchase on Amazon.
And… Check out our Grand Plans merch in our Etsy storefront.
