Ingrid – August 6, 2018 I visited my friend “Farfar” last week at The Danish Home, and for the first time ever, he did not greet me with a smile. Farfar, my roommate Lindsay’s grandfather, is always the picture of positivity, but that day he was visibly sad. “What’s wrong, Farfar?” I asked him. (I’ve…
Ella – April 30, 2018 I have always been a lover of learning. I would still be in college and have countless degrees if higher education weren’t so expensive. Whether I am rediscovering information while helping teach my children or reading the news, being a lifelong learner has always been a passion. It is one…
Lili – April 23, 2018 Although April can still be a little chilly here in Chicago, it’s always exciting to know that warmer days are just around the corner. When I went along to The Danish Home to help with a flower arranging class earlier this month, it really felt like spring. It’s an especially…
Ingrid – April 16, 2018 After the harrowing experience of doing my taxes last night (yes, I’m that person who waits until the last minute), I am really in need of something fun to look forward to. Good thing The Danish Home’s Women’s Auxiliary Spring Luncheon is this Saturday, April 21. Even though it’s snowing…
Mia – April 9, 2018 I’ve got quite a collection of storks, thanks to my mother. The first, in celebration of my birth, was a china figurine of a stork carrying a baby girl. Over the years, more storks followed, tucked into my Christmas stocking or posed atop my birthday cake. Stuffed storks, wooden storks,…
Liam – April 3, 2018 There are a lot of origin stories for April Fool’s Day. One is that the first day of the year was once considered April 1, and when the Gregorian calendar moved New Year’s Day to January 1, those who refused to adapt were called fools. That’s kind of like the…
Ella – March 26, 2018 Decorating is one of my favorite ways to get everyone excited about the upcoming holidays. I love pulling out the storage bin filled with memories and moments from last year or decades-old items passed down through the generations. One of my favorite items tucked away among our Easter decor is…
Ella – March 19, 2018 I am drawn to The Danish Home, not just because my great-great grandmother, Anna Mikkelsen, is one of the founders and part of its history, but because when I visit, I am always deeply warmed by its comfortable feeling. Decor is contemporary, but many residents have their own unique touches…
Lili – March 12, 2018 Much as my family enjoys celebrating its Danish roots, there’s one day of the year when everyone’s a little bit Irish – St. Patrick’s Day. When the girls were younger, Brad and I would take them into Chicago to see the dyeing of the river. It was so magical for…
Mia – March 5, 2018 When I was a kid, my dad would entertain me with stories of his childhood in Racine, Wisconsin. The town has one of the largest Danish-American populations in the U.S., and he would tell me about Mrs. Jensen, his first grade teacher; Dr. Rasmussen, the family physician; Rev. Larsen, pastor of…