The Senior Center

I take my Dad to the Senior Center once a week for lunch. Today we had spaghetti, green beans (too tough to eat), garlic bread and a big piece of chocolate cake. I take Dad so he can be around people his own age. He seems to enjoy going, but he's usually very quiet and I'm the one who winds up talking to everyone. I enjoy hearing bits and pieces of people's history, and I have learned that big gaps of silence in the conversation is perfectly acceptable and it's becoming more comfortable for me.

Some never say a word, others enjoy seeing their friends and have lots to say.

Many are stooped over and move very carefully and slowly.

Walkers and canes are visible at most tables.

Eighty-three year old Mary is still very spry, speaks her mind and is still full of life.

Donna (in her 80's) may tell the same stories over and over, but she still loves to help others get their food and clean off the tables.

You can see the light of life in some of their eyes, while others have a blank stare.

When someone doesn't show up for a couple weeks, you fear the worst.

I look at the variety of people in the room every week and wonder....

What careers did they have?

Where are their families?

What goals did they pursue?

What have they contributed to society?

What passions still burn in their hearts and minds?

Do they still feel useful and needed?

Even though I'm usually the youngest one in the room, I realize it won't always be that way. One of these days I'll be the one with the cane, I'll be moving slowly and my words won't come out correctly (that's happening now!!!!). I pray that age will not.....

steal my zest for life.

kill my purpose and passions in life

devour my abilities to love and serve others

leave me lifeless and bored

deceive me into thinking I'm no longer needed and useful

Oh to be like Caleb.... "So here I am today, eighty-five years old! I am still as strong today as the day Moses sent me out; I'm just as vigorous to go out to battle now as I was then. Now give me this hill country that the Lord promised me that day....but, the LORD HELPING ME, I will drive them out just as he said." Josh 14:10-12