12/11/2025
The other night I was juggling making dinner and packaging our NEW Holiday Reed Diffusers. As many of you know, Ray’s parents moved in with us a little over a year ago. Mom is bedridden, so evenings are when we get her up for a bit. Dad has Alzheimer’s and can’t drive or do many of the things he used to, but he always wants to help however he can.
While I was running around multitasking (shocking, I know), he asked me—as he often does—“Let me know if there’s anything I can help with.” I automatically replied, “I think I’m okay, thank you,” but when I turned around, I saw that little look of disappointment.
So I paused and said, “Well… if you want, you can take a stab at packaging these.” His face lit up. I showed him one example, and off he went! He packaged nine or ten of them. They weren’t exactly Pinterest perfect, but that didn’t matter. Mom sat nearby, supervising with her trademark critical eye, doing her best to be part of it too. She has limited mobility in her hands; otherwise, I am sure she would have helped too.
These pictures capture their personalities so well. I’ve been thinking about that moment for a couple of days. Even though I had to go back and tweak the packaging, it was nice to see them trying something new together, helping in the ways they’re able, in a space where they feel safe and included.
When he finished, I popped a Vantage Point Candle hat on his head and told him he was officially hired. He laughed—though I’m not sure he loved the hat (not sports-related, so that may be the problem).
It reminded me that no matter how old we get or how much our abilities change, we all want to feel useful, valued, and full of purpose. ❤️
