Dick & Dena Colgrove 11/25/08

Dear Family,

As I was sitting here pondering Thanksgiving and what I am personally thankful for, I came across this video http://www.blessyoumovie.com/ ... and I realized how thankful I truly am for my family. Not only those who I see every day but all of my family back through my ancestors.. and of course, all of you. I thought about family that has past before us, who tried to lead us in many different ways... some more profound than others. I thought about opportunities that have come and gone and also about opportunities in the future.
I don't want to let this opportunity pass without telling you all how much I love and appreciate you. Thank you for enduring through your trials and for being the examples that you are. Thank you for never giving up.
It is my hope that you all are blessed with love, health, and happiness this Thanksgiving.

With Love,
Dena

Great Quotes Clip

After an election that has been long and drawn out... colored with a wide variety of opinion... I found this movie inspiring and uplifting. I want to share it with all of you in hope that it brightens your day and helps you to reflect on more important things.

http://www.simpletruths.tv/movies.php?movie=GQGL

Much love to all,
Dena

Dick & Dena Re Traditions & Family Questions

Hey everyone!

Once again... I am doing a research project and would like to ask for any and all help I can get. I am attaching a set of questions that I'm asking each of you to take a little bit of time to cut and paste to "new" email and then answer each before sending. This project is completely anonymous and will never have your name attached to it. Only you and I will know your answers and it is strictly for a lifespan research project. Jim and/or Vaunda, I would truly like it if you would ask Grandpa these questions and also answer them for yourselves. I know these are slightly time consuming... shouldn't take more than 30-45 minutes... and they might stir some memories that you thought were long forgotten. The answers from Grandpa will be a treasure for all of us and I would like to share only his if it is ok with him. Thank you so much in advance for considering these questions and for taking time to answer them and send them back to me

Bill, the ring idea is a grand idea and I'm sure everyone here will wear theirs proudly. I'm sure for now our rings might come out of a quarter machine at Smith's... but the thought will be genuine.

We (Dick and I) are desperately in need of a vacation or at least a date with each other. One of these days we'll have to pamper each other with a candle lit dinner for two... for now we'll have to stick to the walks around the block.. they're cheaper but just as important and heart felt.

School has me by the nape of my neck and I am feeling an incredible amount of anxiety with projects due and tests to study for. The hard part is getting the family to cooperate by being quiet so I can study. I think they miss their mommy. I miss them too.

I better get back to work. Love you all bunches!

Thanks again for your help with the research.

Love,

Dena

Interview Questions
PSYC 2360
Lifespan: Adult and Aging

Gender:
Actual Age: (How old do you feel? ____)
Occupation:
Educational Level:
Marital Status:
Number of Children:

1. What was the most significant event of milestone of your life to date?

2. What single “word” would best describe your 20s? 30s? 40s? 50s? 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s?...

3. What developmental “blows,” if any, did you experience in your 20s? 30s? 40s? 50s? 60s? 70s? 80s? 90s?... How did each of these major events affect your life at that time?

4. What is your single most important “quest” or goal as you move across adulthood?

5. What has been your single most “difficult” task in adulthood?

6. Has there been a major event in “history” during your lifetime that had an effect on the outcome of your life?

7. Have you experienced any life events “unique” enough that not everyone has experienced them?

8. What do you anticipate at the closure of your lifespan?

9. What experience or event would you change about your lifespan if you could?

10. In one or two words, describe your childhood.

11. In one or two words, describe your adolescence.

12. In one or two words, describe your adulthood.

13. What has given your “resilience” or strength when you needed it?

14. Is there a motto by which you live your life philosophy?

15. Is there anything else you’d care to add to this interview?

Dick and Dena Colgrove Introduction

Hey everyone!

Just want to say a quick hello and let you know that I've enjoyed reading the emails that have been coming in. Audra, your son is very handsome. Thanks for sharing with us.

Our story? It's a long one. I wouldn't even know where to start. What keeps us going? The grace of God... beyond a doubt. Many people thought we Richard and I wouldn't last... in fact I'm sure a few lost their bets a loooong time ago. We just keep loving eachother and believing.. regardless of anything that may or may not be going on in our lives. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other... and believing everything will be alright.

The kids keep us going, too. Lucas is 14, Ashlyn is 12, Julienn is 9, and Robert is 3. Richard has a son from his first marriage who we've enjoyed getting to know, as well. Steven is 35. I'd like to invite him to be a part of these emails, too, if it's ok with everyone.

I'll write more at another time when I'm more in the mood to elaborate.

Love you all bunches!

Dena