It’s hard to believe it’s that time of year again when our friends and family start heading back to their summer homes. It feels bittersweet, especially now that the weather is at its best. If you’re traveling home, I wish you a safe and pleasant journey. We look forward to welcoming you back in the fall!
This month, our theme is forgiveness. Lately, I’ve had conversations with friends and loved ones who struggle to find joy, because they’re holding onto unresolved anger—toward others and themselves. I hope this inspires you to seek and offer forgiveness, both to yourself and to those you love.
Whether you’re getting your home ready for Easter guests or preparing to leave for the summer, don’t forget to visit the local businesses that support The Grand Season They offer amazing products and services to our community.
Enjoy the beautiful weather while it lasts—I have to admit, I’m a little nervous that those triple-digit temperatures are just around the corner!
Wishing you a joyful and blessed Easter!
Melissa Whitton Editor/Associate Publisher
INSPIRE LEAVE THE PAST BEHIND
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love.
Bryant H. McGill
The ineffable joy of forgiving and being forgiven forms an ecstasy that might well arouse the envy of the gods.
Elbert Hubbard
The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mistakes are always forgivable, if one has the courage to admit them.
Bruce Lee
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.
Lewis B. Smedes
When you forgive, you in no way change the past—but you sure do change the future.
Bernard Meltzer
I believe forgiveness is the best form of love in any relationship. It takes a strong person to say they’re sorry and an even stronger person to forgive.
Yolanda Hadid
We think that forgiveness is weakness, but it’s absolutely not; it takes a very strong person to forgive.
T. D. Jakes
FAMILY-RUN BUSINESS
•Vacuum (as needed, additional fee)
•Brush side walls, steps & Tile Line
•Skim
•Backwash as needed
•Empty baskets (pump & skimmer)
•Test water chemistry
•Add chlorine and acid as needed
•Add up to 3 lbs. of shock
•Add salt as needed for pools
•Control best as possible CYA’s
•Resurfacing Pebble & Plaster
•Plaster/ Pebble Tec Repair
•Green to clean pools
•Acid washes
•Filter clean/Replacement
•Leak Repair
•Gaskets/O-Rings
•Salt System install/repair
•Kool Deck repair
•Tile
•Pop Up repair/install
•Motor repair/install
•Variable Speed Motors
LOVE STRONGER TOGETHER
Forgiveness not only heals our hearts; it heals relationships. Often, we think of forgiveness as something we need for big things—but it’s those little things that can lead to resentfulness and bitterness, especially towards our spouses. Forgiveness in marriage is critical if you want to have a healthy relationship. So, when your husband forgets to do something you asked him to, or when he says something in a tone you don’t like, deal with it right then. Tell him how you feel, and then make up your mind to wipe that slate clean and forgive him. If you need help getting started, here are four steps toward forgiveness in your marriage.
1. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling.
You may not feel like forgiving. You may want to harbor the anger and hurt and make your spouse pay for what he has done. But, once you decide you want to grant forgiveness, you can begin to work through those feelings.
2. Share your hurt.
After your spouse has apologized and asked for forgiveness, you need to talk about the matter
before you move on. It might be uncomfortable, but you need to share how you feel. Don’t point a finger; just share how you feel so she’ll understand the depth of your hurt.
3. Plan for change.
The goal here is not to punish your spouse with requirements, but to set up guidelines that you both agree to. That way, there will be fewer gray areas that can lead to disappointment later in your relationship.
4. Stop the
video.
Do not replay your spouse’s infraction over and over again in your mind. When your mind starts to wander and you begin to dwell on the incident and the hurt it caused you, tell yourself to stop. It’s one thing to need to talk to someone like a counselor about your pain so you can move past it, but it’s another when you keep inflicting the pain on yourself by dwelling on the hurt.
When you commit to resolving the small issues in your marriage, you’re actually creating a solid foundation of trust for when your relationship may face larger disappointments in life.
1. Is the book of Romans (KJV) in the Old or New Testament or neither?
2. From 2 Chronicles 14, where was Abijah buried? City of David, Jerusalem, City of Gath, Nazareth
3. According to Numbers 33, how old was Aaron when he died? 100, 113, 123, 132
4. Which of these sons of Jesse did not go into battle with Saul? Eliab, David, Abinadab, Shimea
5. From 2 Kings, who was Elijah’s successor? Solomon, Elisha, Nimshi, Nimrod
6. Which of Saul’s daughters loved David? Merab, Michal, Cornelius, Paulus
Olmedo,
James Barlow, MD Victoria Phan, PA-C
Brigitte Sledge, DO Anna Koester FNP-BC
DINING GUIDE
FLASHBACK
1. Who was the first to record “Delta Dawn”?
2. Name the singer who wrote and released “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
3. Belinda Jo Carlisle was lead singer for which band?
4. Who wrote and released “Bad Medicine”?
5. Name the song that contains this lyric: “Your lips on mine are soft as dew, Your kiss is so divine, Your eyes are like the skies of blue, And stars that brightly shine.”
GROWTH
PRICELESS
Although forgiveness brings many benefits, particularly to the ‘forgiver,’ to forgive is not always easy. In fact, many people who would like to let go of anger and forgive are stumped with the question of how to forgive. While everyone may have a unique perspective on how to forgive, the following strategies have been proven effective for many people.
Express yourself
When trying to decide how to forgive someone, it may or may not help to express your feelings to the other person. If the relationship is important to you and you would like to maintain it, it may be very useful for you to tell the other person—in non-threatening language—how their actions affected you. If the person is no longer in your life, or if you have reason to believe that things will get much worse if you address the situation directly, you may want to just write a letter and tear it up (or burn it) and move on. People don’t need to know that you’ve forgiven them; forgiveness is more for you than for the other person.
Look for the positive
Journaling about a situation where you were hurt or wronged can help you process what happened and move on; however, the way you write about it and what you choose to focus on can make all the difference in how easy it becomes to forgive. Research shows that journaling about the benefits you’ve received from a negative situation can actually help you to forgive and move on more easily. So pick up a pen and start journaling about the silver lining next time you find someone raining on your parade.
Cultivate empathy
While you don’t have to agree with what the other person did to you, when working on how to forgive, it often helps to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Research has shown that empathy, particularly with men, is associated with forgiveness, and can make the process easier. Instead of seeing them as ‘the enemy,’ try to understand the factors that they were dealing with.
Get help
Sometimes it can be difficult to forget about the past and forgive, particularly if the offending acts were traumatic. If you’re still having difficulty knowing how to forgive someone who’s wronged you in a significant way, you may have better success working with a therapist who can help you work through your feelings on a deeper level and personally support you through the process.
1. Name the golfer from Spain who won the Masters in 1994 and 1999 and was captain for Europe in the 2012 Ryder Cup.
2. Pro track league Grand Slam Track was founded in 2024 by what four-time Olympic gold medal-winning American sprinter?
3. Who was fired as head coach of the Chicago Blackhawks four games into the 2008-09 NHL season?
4. What was the name of the turbojet-powered vehicle that driver/designer Art Arfons used to claim the land speed record three times from 1964-65?
5. What Soviet/Russian figure skater, along with husband Sergei Grinkov, won gold medals in the pairs event at the 1988 Calgary and 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics?
ANSWERS:
1) Jose Maria Olazabal. 2) Michael Johnson. 3) Denis Savard. 4) The Green Monster. 5) Ekaterina Gordeeva.
CITRUS FIZZ
Ingredients
1 part Pinnacle® Citrus Vodka
2 parts Club Soda
Garnish with Raspberries
Garnish with Lemon Wheel
Instructions
ORANGE CREAM MARTINI
Ingredients
2 parts Pinnacle® Orange Whipped® Vodka
1 part DeKuyper® Creme de Cocoa White Liqueur
2 parts Orange Juice
Orange Wedges
Instructions
JUICY SCREW
Ingredients
1 part Pinnacle® Original Vodka
1 part Watermelon Schnapps
3 parts Orange Juice Splash of Soda Water
Instructions
Cocktail: Build over ice, stir gently, and serve. Ice Cubes: Cut fresh watermelon into workable pieces. Remove the seeds and the rind. Puree the watermelon in a blender
GINGER ROGERS
Ingredients
2 parts Maker’s Mark® Bourbon
2 1/2 parts Mango Nectar
1/2 parts fresh Lime Juice
1/2 part Ginger Beer
1 dash Bitters
Cubes, fresh Mango
Instructions
Pour the Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, nectar, lime juice, ginger beer and bitters into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for about 25 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass or
FLASHBACK
1. No, it wasn’t Tanya Tucker, although hers was the best known, nor was it Helen Reddy, although she topped the charts with her cover of the song. The first to release the song was Bette Midler on her debut album in 1971.
2. Bob Dylan, in 1962. The song didn’t get much attention when it first came out, but it ended up as No. 14 on the Rolling Stone list of 500 greatest songs of all time and went into the Grammy Hall of Fame
3. The all-female The Go-Go’s, organized in 1978.
4. Bon Jovi, in 1988.
5. “So Many Ways,” by Brook Benton, in 1959. Benton (born Benjamin Franklin Peay) had three songs top the R&B charts that year, and “So Many Ways” stayed there for three weeks.
HEALTH
SLEEP BETTER
Research shows one of the best things you can do for your health is to get a good night sleep. Can you remember the last time you had a restful night sleep? If not, here are some ideas to help find your perfect night of sleep.
1. Right before you go to bed, try taking a hot bath or long shower— the rise and resulting sudden drop in your body temperature will help to make you feel more relaxed—and sleepy.
2. Wear warm socks to bed. When you sleep, your body redirects blood flow to your hands and feet to redistribute heat from your core to your extremities; cold feet can inhibit this blood flow and therefore make it harder for you to maintain a restful sleep.
3. If the temperature in your bedroom allows it, try sleeping under a heavy or weighted blanket. Long used by psychiatrists in occupational therapy as a tool for calming patients with sensory overstimulation, the all-over “deep touch pressure” of weighted blankets helps promote deeper relaxation.
4. Still having trouble sleeping? Here’s a breathing trick you can try. Touch your tongue to a spot directly behind your top front teeth, then breathe in through your nose for four seconds. Then hold your breath for seven seconds and exhale through your mouth for eight seconds. Repeat the whole process three times to fully decompress…if you don’t fall asleep before you reach the end.
MOVE FORWARD
Forgiving yourself can be one of the hardest yet most important steps toward healing and personal growth. We often hold ourselves to high standards, and when we make mistakes, the guilt and regret can be overwhelming. However, self-forgiveness is essential for emotional well-being and a more fulfilling life. Here are some steps to help you let go and move forward:
1. Acknowledge Your Mistakes
The first step in self-forgiveness is recognizing what happened. Avoiding or suppressing the mistake only prolongs guilt. Be honest with yourself about what you did, why it happened, and the impact it had. Acknowledgment is not about self-punishment but about understanding.
2. Accept That You Are Human
No one is perfect, and mistakes are a part of life. Remind yourself that growth often comes from failures. Instead of defining yourself by your past actions, recognize that mistakes do not determine your worth. You are more than your worst moments.
3. Apologize and Make Amends
If your actions hurt others, taking responsibility and making amends can help ease guilt. Offer a sincere apology and, if possible, find a way to make things right. However, remember that you cannot control how others respond—focus on your own growth.
4. Learn and Grow
Instead of dwelling on regret, use your mistake as a lesson. Ask yourself what you can do differently in the future. Growth comes from experience, and sometimes our biggest mistakes lead to the greatest personal development.
5. Practice Self-Compassion
Be as kind to yourself as you would be to a close friend. Practice positive self-talk, engage in selfcare, and remind yourself that you deserve love and forgiveness.
6. Let Go and Move Forward
Holding onto guilt will not change the past. Once you have learned from your mistakes, make a conscious decision to release them. Embrace the present and look ahead with self-acceptance.
Forgiving yourself is a journey, but with patience and self-love, you can move forward with peace and a renewed sense of purpose.
AAA SENIOR PLACEMENT AZ
A Message from Sue Royer
“I was born and raised in inner city Chicago, the sixth of eighteen children with fifteen brothers. Being the oldest daughter, I was always a caregiver which I believe influenced me to pursue work in the healthcare industry. Today, I have three daughters and five grandchildren.
Years ago, I volunteered for hospice and knew immediately that helping seniors was my calling. I was soon employed by hospice but I felt something was missing. I realized it was the limited time I was able to spend with my clients. Having my own business allows me to provide the intimate hands on service needed in our community. I am committed to our seniors throughout their lives and I thank the community for the opportunity to serve.”
Sue RoyerDirector
About Us
Since 2002, AAA Senior Placement AZ has been offering FREE services helping seniors find safe, affordable and loving assisted living.
When it becomes too difficult for you or your loved ones to safely manage daily living and/or manage medical needs, call Sue Royer for help navigating the many options available.
We are specialists in all levels of assisted living care resources with referrals to Arizona’s best:
• Group Homes
• Assisted Living Communities
• In-Home Primary Care Physicians
• Home Health Care Therapy
• Transportation
• Private Duty In-Home Care
• Respite Care
• Alzheimer’s Care
• Memory Care
• Hospice
• Support Groups
Assisted living resources accepting:
• Private pay
• Arizona Long Term Care-ALTCS
• Medicaid
• VA Benefits
6 Reasons You Should Call
AAA Senior Placement AZ
• We are well known and respected in the medical community.
• All clients are given a thorough assessment to determine proper placement needs.
• There is never a fee charged to the senior or their family for our service.
• We are NOT contractually bound to any outside business. This allows us to serve our clients with only their interests in mind.
• Years of knowledge and experience in the field of senior care.
• AAA Senior Placement AZ is family owned, allowing us to give you quality, personalized service.
SUN CITY WEST PROPERTIES
COURSE
SUN CITY WEST PROPERTIES OFF THE GOLF COURSE
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