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There is a kind of love this world cannot teach in a classroom or buy from a store. It is learned by watching, by being present, by witnessing something sacred the care of one generation for another.

When our children see us caring for our elders, something beautiful takes root in them. They may see the struggle the long days, the frustration, the tears that sometimes fall when our hearts ache for the ones we love. They may see the moments of confusion or anger that come with dementia or illness. They may see us feed, bathe, or comfort someone who once did those very things for us. But through it all, they see love enduring to the end.

That sight is priceless. No lesson, no book, no sermon could ever teach what those moments do. They show our children empathy. They teach them patience, sacrifice, and the kind of responsibility that doesn’t quit when things get hard. They show them that real love doesn’t walk away it stays, it adjusts, it learns, and it holds on.

Let your children be part of it. Hand them a spoon to help feed Grandma. Let them wipe Grandpa’s chin or brush his hair. Let them see your gentle hands doing the hard things, and then let them try. Praise them tell them, “Look how much love you have in your heart. Grandma feels that. You’re amazing.” These words plant seeds of compassion that will last their whole lives.

And if your loved one is in a care home don’t let that stop the love from flowing. Take your children with you. Visit often. Sit for lunch, read stories, brush hair, or simply talk. Let your children see that even when someone needs full-time care, the heart connection remains. Let them witness that our elders are not forgotten, that love still finds a way to show up, even through the walls of a care facility.

Our children are always watching. What they see becomes part of who they are. When they see us love our elders tenderly even through exhaustion and tears, they learn what it means to be fully human. They learn that love is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

 

That is a lesson more valuable than gold a treasure they’ll carry forever.

Opening hearts to our elders, family, and the treasures of life

Hi friends,

Today I want to share a story that’s close to my heart the moment I discovered what it truly means to experience a love without walls.

For me, working with people who have dementia and Alzheimer’s has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. These beautiful souls have taught me that love can exist beyond memory, beyond words, beyond anything we understand.

When someone’s walls come down when the parts of their mind that filtered or hid their emotions fade away what’s left is their pure, raw soul. And when you love someone in that place, you experience a kind of love that’s unfiltered, unguarded, and absolutely divine.

I often tell people that when you love someone whose memory is slipping away, your own walls start to fall too. You begin to love freely, without judgment, without fear. You stop trying to fix or control, and instead, you just love. And in return, they love you right back with a purity that changes you forever.

I remember the day I realized this truth. I had been struggling for weeks trying to name my book. My team kept saying, “Coleen, we need a title!” But nothing felt right. I prayed, I waited, I thought and still, nothing.

Then one morning at work, I saw my sweet angel, Lois, waiting for me. I went straight to her, wrapped her in a big cuddle bug hug, kissed her forehead, and told her how much I loved her. And as I held her, it hit me this is what I do every day. I love these people without walls.

The words came so clearly in my mind: “A Love Without Walls.”

I froze, smiled, and whispered, “That’s it.” That was the name I’d been waiting for.

Later that week, my husband and I were sitting in a little Mexican restaurant in town. And right there, in the middle of lunch, I felt something stirring in my heart. It wasn’t just a thought it was a calling. I heard it so strongly inside: “I want you to write a book.”

 

Now, I’ll be honest I’m not what the world would call “qualified.” I didn’t finish high school. I was in special education. Writing a book was never in my plans. But I looked at my husband and said, “Bear, I think God is telling me to write a book.”

He smiled and said, “Well then, write a book.”

 

And from that moment on, doors started opening. People came into my life to help. Words poured out of me like a river I didn’t even know was there. It was as if God had unlocked something that had been waiting all along.

I truly believe this is His work not mine. He loves His elderly children so deeply, and maybe He just needed someone willing to tell their stories. Someone who sees them not as patients, but as treasures full of light, wisdom, and love.

So here I am, following that calling, learning to give and receive a love without walls and hoping that through this blog, you’ll be inspired to open your heart and experience the same kind of love.

With love,

Coleen

Hi friends,

Welcome to The Treasure Chest Blog! This is all so new to me, and I’ll be honest I’m a little nervous. But I’m ready. Ready to learn, to grow, and to share what’s in my heart.

If you knew me personally, you’d know I never planned to write a book in fact, I never even wanted to. But deep down, I felt God gently guiding me. It’s as if He said, “They need a voice My elders need a voice.”

Maybe that’s why I’m here. Maybe He chose me to speak up for them to remind the world that our elders are treasures. Beautiful, wise, and still deserving of love, attention, and companionship.

Every day, I see people in care homes who just need someone to sit with them, read to them, color with them, or simply listen. Many have no visitors at all. A small gift a warm pair of socks, a shirt, or a simple smile can make their day brighter.

After COVID, these homes changed. Many residents are alone, forgotten, or feel invisible. But I believe we can make a difference one small act of love at a time.

I’ll never forget a lady named Tammie. Her family surprised her with a visit, and the joy in that room was overwhelming. She cried and squealed with happiness, and everyone there could feel the love. That’s the kind of love I want to share with the world and this blog is my way of starting that.

And it’s not just about care homes. It’s about family too. About bringing love back around the dinner table, sharing stories, teaching our children about empathy and respect, and letting them know where they came from.

 

Our family trees grow strong when we nourish the roots. Don’t cut off your roots unless absolutely necessary. Let your children see love, respect, and care in action. Teach them how to honor their elders, how to value family, and how to be kind. Because love is the greatest legacy we can leave.

So here I am opening The Treasure Chest Blog to you. Sharing my heart, my stories, and my mission to remind the world that our elders matter, our families matter, and love matters.

I hope you’ll join me on this journey. Together, maybe we can start a movement one that brings kindness, compassion, and connection back to families and communities everywhere.

 

With love,

Coleen

We don’t listen like we used to. Engaging with each other, diving deep into conversations, it’s an art that feels lost sometimes. In “I Love With No Walls: Lessons from Those Who Forgot to Pretend” by Coleen Davidson a big point is made about the power of listening, especially with our elders. These folks have lived full lives, packed with stories we don’t even know we’re missing out on.

When we take the time to really listen, we’re not just hearing words. We’re uncovering experiences, wisdom, and lessons. There’s a wealth of knowledge in those narratives that can shift our perspective on life. It’s like opening a door to a whole new world. Each conversation with an elder can be a treasure trove of insights. They’ve seen things we have only read about or heard secondhand.

But let’s be real, how often do we genuinely engage with someone? Life gets busy, distractions pile up. We nod along, but our minds are somewhere else. This is a loss. Think about the impact of those. How often do we genuinely engage with someone? Life gets busy, and shared moments can be hard to come by. It’s where understanding blossoms.

It’s not just about asking questions; it’s about being present. Sure, we might learn a thing or two about the past, but it’s really about connecting as humans. We should reach out more, open those channels of conversation, and embrace the stories waiting to be told. Listening well isn’t just nice; it might just change how we see everything. Let’s not let that slip away.

We often overlook the incredible value of our elders. They have so much to offer us. They carry stories, experiences, and lessons that are just waiting for someone to tap into. You might have heard it said that older people are like treasure boxes. This idea really strikes a chord. In “I Love With No Walls: Lessons from Those Who Forgot to Pretend” by Coleen Davidson, the author explores just how rich our elders truly are. They’ve lived through good times and bad, and their insights reflect that.

Think about it, when was the last time you sat down and really listened to an older person? Not just a casual chat, but really leaned in. There’s a depth to their words you won’t find anywhere else. Every wrinkle, every laugh line, tells a story. They’ve seen the world change, and they’ve adapted. Their memories shape not just their lives but can guide ours, too.

Nowadays, we live fast, too fast. Families are scattered, and we rarely take time to connect with our roots. Too many people dismiss elders as stuck in their ways, but that’s the wrong lens. They’re not outdated, they’re seasoned. Their love? It holds families together. Their resilience? An example for us all.

We need to recognize the importance of these connections. Let’s reclaim those moments. Dive deep. Ask questions. That’s where the treasures lie, waiting for you to discover. It’s a shame when we forget the wisdom that’s there, just beneath the surface. Let’s cherish our elders. After all, they’re our living libraries.

Memories are precious. They shape who we are, where we come from, and how we see the world. In “I Love With No Walls: Lessons from Those Who Forgot to Pretend” by Coleen Davidson, the author drives home the idea that memories shared between people, especially from our elders, are like treasures, and we should cherish them. It’s a reminder that every story told has value, not just for the person sharing it, but for everyone listening to it.

Think about all the little moments in your life. Those conversations with grandparents, tales of bravery from an uncle, or even the silly stories told at family gatherings. Each one holds weight. It’s not just words; it’s history being passed down. They connect us to our roots, to our culture, and to each other.

But here’s the thing. In this fast-paced world, we sometimes forget to take a moment to appreciate these stories. We rush through life, barely stopping to celebrate where we’ve been. Those narratives, the ups and downs, the laughter and tears, they make up our community fabric. They create bonds that might carry us through tough times.

Now more than ever, we need to embrace these memories. Make time to hear those stories. Let’s honor them, not just in words but in actions. It’s all about connection, about understanding our heritage. So next time you’re with family or friends, ask those questions. Listen deeply. Those stories are treasures waiting to be uncovered, and they could change everything for us.