I just had a visit with some of my grandchildren who span the ages of two to seventeen. So here we were, a group get-together of toddlers, teens, adults and senior adults. One commonality linking all of us, each is living through some stage or rite of passage. Whether it is diaper to potty chair, bicycle to automobile, young adulthood to mid-life season, or career to retirement, we are just like many other average families. Very little remains the same at any given point in life. Change comes whether we welcome it or not. Some transitions are anticipated with joy. At times un-invited circumstances jolt us to a standstill while we catch our breath. An unexpected illness or disability sometimes forces our rite of passage into a detour.
Amazingly though, our home and safe harbor can create an atmosphere that embraces the changes. I think the key to this safety zone is remembering to live with an awareness of each family member’s signs of maturation or struggle. Secondly, celebrating the milestones initiates excitement about the new aspect or role. Finally, and most importantly, seeing that each person dealing with the transition, is treated with utmost dignity. Awareness! Celebration! Dignity!
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