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In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude

Posted on 12/03/24

At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.

Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.

Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.

Let’s keep this conversation going. Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.

This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the AARP Illinois page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.

AARP Events for Springfield

AARP Events for Springfield

• Featured Event

  Free Screening of Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

  Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. CT

  Peoria Riverfront Museum

  Peoria, IL

• Featured Event

  A Virtual Evening: The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago presents The Nutcracker

  Tuesday, Dec 10, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. CT

  AARP IL Facebook & YouTube, Links TBA

  Online Event

• Featured Event

  Social Security "Understanding Your Benefits"

  Thursday, Dec 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. CT

  Pekin Public Library

  Pekin, IL

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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/03/24 
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/03/24 
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/03/24 
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/03/24 
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude</h1></header>	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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			<header><h1 class="article-headline">In Conversation...The Season for Gratitude</h1></header>	
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				Posted on 12/03/24 
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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        </div><p>At many Thanksgiving dinners, assembled families and friends will go around the table and express their thanks for what the last year has brought. While my family does not always observe that tradition, it does seem an appropriate time to take stock.<br><br>Indeed, I’ve been reminded lately of all that I do have to be thankful for. There seems to be a good number of groups reaching out to offer connection. Groups like Women’s Connection, Women Over 70 and even AARP’s Ethel Groups, offer networking and social support to older women. Perhaps it’s ironic but these groups don’t resonate with me.<br><br>Why? Back to all that I am grateful for: I have a great group of friends – old and new; I am happily married to my husband of 46 years; I have my health and sufficient means to live comfortably in retirement; I have a great daughter who along with her partner are raising my two amazing grandsons. I readily admit that – should any of those things no longer be true – I might seek out these groups. Indeed, if I ever moved to the city where my daughter lives, I’d start there. But in the meantime, I should be more conscientious about celebrating all I have and living my life in gratitude.<br><br>Let’s keep this conversation going. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.Facebook.com/AARPIllinois" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Please make the case for these groups or tell me all that you’re grateful for and how best to keep that gratitude top of mind through good days and bad.</a></span></span><br><br></p></div>
    
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		<p><i>This story is provided by AARP Illinois. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/illinois/" target="_blank">AARP Illinois</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p>
	
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