Editor’s Note: This article should have been in the January issue. The fact that it wasn’t is entirely my fault; it came in on time as always and I somehow overlooked it. Or perhaps I was so sad knowing that this was Pattie’s last article that I had to prolong it. She has been a joy to work with, and I’ll miss her contributions to Happy Landings. Although this was meant to arrive New Year’s Day, it’s never too late to heed good advice. – Hazel Jones
On November 9 we celebrated two milestone birthdays. Richard Hickey turned 80 and Ted Shramek turned 85. Both are veterans of the Marine Corp, and interestingly, Richard was born the day before the Marine Corp Birthday (November 10) and Ted was born two days after! Diane Teeter, Kathy Spicer and Gretchen Phillips did a fabulous job decorating and serving cake at the pool.
As I reflected on the number of octogenarians we have in Flagship (at least 25 by my latest count) it made me realize how much wisdom and knowledge we have living within our community. This article should come out around the first of the New Year, and I thought it would be a gift to anyone considering a new year’s resolution to hear some words of wisdom coming from those who lived a full life. I asked our residents what was the most important lesson they learned in their life that they would pass along to a younger person for the new year? And what would you say you know now about living a happy and successful life that you didn’t know when you were younger? I challenge you all to consider your answer to these questions and share them with your loved ones. Here are the responses I received:
Richard and Kathleen Hickey: “Pay it forward.” Once when we were in financial trouble, friends helped us weather the storm. When we tried to repay the kindness, the answer was “Pay it Forward.” We have been lucky enough to be able to help others as we were helped. Also, Richard reminded us not to go to bed angry – he stays awake quite often! Richard would also add, “As a parent or grandparent, whatever you do may have a lasting impression on your children and their children – be as good an example as you can.”
Chuck and Karen Erickson: Enjoy each day and leave all your concerns and worries in God’s hands. Always count your blessings as you do take note of what happens. Then anxiety grabs his bags and slips out the back door. One heartfelt thank you will suck the oxygen out of the worries of the world. So, say it often. Focus more on what you do have and less on what you don’t. When you’re feeling down, do something for someone else.
Marlin Teeter (celebrating their 51st anniversary with wife Diane). Happy Wife, Happy Life. Remember these words: Yes, dear, you were right dear, I was wrong, dear, I won’t do it again, dear, I love you, dear.
Doug Slaggert: As far as resolutions are concerned, don’t make what you’re going to break! Getting old is tough, you get to a point when you’re too old to open your mouth and put your foot in it!
Mary Block recalls a lesson she learned when she was 12 years old. She was pushing her father (an amputee) in his wheelchair, and she cried, “Dad, you can’t do anything anymore.” Her dad stated, “it could ALWAYS be worse!”
Ron Wolka: Say something nice to someone every day. When you are old and tired and wonder how people look at you, remember, you are being seen, not viewed!
Here is some food for thought from our gifted Carol Watson:
Equity vs. Equality
Equality is when people looking over the fence all stand in the same size box, as a result tall people can see over the fence, but short people cannot.
Equity is when people’s boxes are sized; Tall people have short boxes and short people have tall boxes. Everyone can see over the fence.
This will be my last article for Happy Landings. It has been a pleasure contributing to this great newspaper. We are looking for a new reporter. Please consider this wonderful opportunity.
I’m going to steal my words of wisdom from Mike Dooley: “Life’s not about expecting, hoping and wishing, it’s about doing, being and becoming.” Happy New Year everyone!
