We listen.
When our parents retired and decided it was time to sell our childhood home and move to a retirement community, the idea was exciting…until we realized how much work was involved with sorting through 30+ years of accumulation.
Mom & Dad were still young and healthy enough to get started, and initially they were driven to get things done quickly. Their excitement was driving their activities and things were moving along on schedule.
Then, things took a turn. Mom climbed on a step stool to reach the window treatments for cleaning and she fell. Hard. She fractured her elbow and required surgery.
I am the youngest of four siblings, all scattered across the States with careers and families keeping us busier than we’d ever seen our own parents at our ages. While I lived more than 450 miles away, I was still the closest, and therefore nominated to help. I had no idea where to even begin and the emotional impact on not only my parents but also me as their support was overwhelming.
I searched for help online and found nothing. I found professional organizers, but what we needed was more than they offered. Besides, sorting through sensitive paperwork with a keen eye was beyond the scope of organization. I needed someone I could trust.
LAURIE LEVIN, founder
there was nothing there for me, WHICH IS WHY I AM NOW HERE FOR YOU
My own experience as the daughter of aging parents was an eye-opener. Facing the task of organizing and packing decades of accumulation, sorting & understanding important financial documents while coordinating with movers, inspectors and realtors was a bit frightening. The added challenge of managing waves of emotions and supporting my Mom’s recovery from surgery after the fall would at times bring me to tears.
In a moment of clarity, I realized I couldn’t possibly be the alone in this experience and the emotions that accompanied the physical tasks. I began to talk about it, and more stories came forward of struggle, frustration, overwhelm and burnout. I wasn’t alone in needing help that seemingly did not exist, and in these moments, I heard the call to turn my experience into a system to help others.
I began to take notes. I kept track of what worked and what didn’t. I created checklists, schedules and resource lists. I poured my soul into finding a way forward, for myself and my own family, also for others. I knew a heart centered approach to a repeatable process was key. It had to be adaptable to each family’s unique situation, yet also be a documentable way to work step by step through common challenges. It had to be a caring way to come in like another member of the family, while also ensuring focus, timeline and attention to details.
My personal experience with my own family helped me to define the process. My career in banking and financial services allows me to help with the paperwork. Over 18 years in the banking industry I worked with seniors and small business owners, both of whom are often targets for unscrupulous sales tactics, and helped them to better understand what they already have, what they may need and what questions to ask their advisor when needed. I took pride in being a helpful resource that they could turn to avoid being oversold, helping to manage spending and debt, and to ensure that their actions were in line with their goals.
This is why Another Mother’s Daughter was founded. I work side by side with families, filling the need for an organized family member who truly cares about the outcome, and also the professional who can keep perspective. Lean into me to coordinate each step of the process, and help navigate the emotions that your family may encounter along the way.
We'd love to connect with you!
Drop us a note here, and we will reach out to you in your preferred method in 24-48 hours.