BY THE SENIOR CONNECTION
We, at The Senior Connection, are filled with gratitude for the friends we’ve made and the work we do for and with seniors. Some of our more active members have expressed gratitude for events that have shaped their lives in unexpected ways.
Tommy Farr just celebrated his 96th birthday. In 1982, he was one of a group who secured funding and 501(c)(3) status for The Senior Connection, so that the 11-year-old organization could build its facility.
Tommy was an honored veteran of World War II, a pilot in the European Theatre, and an active participant on D-Day. He was a member of Idaho’s Honor Flight program in September, touring the many memorials of Washington, D.C. It was one of the highlights of his life and he’s very grateful for that opportunity. He believes that we all have reason to feel gratitude for the social outlet that is The Senior Connection.
Catherine Samway is grateful to have been accepted for the horseback-riding program at Swiftsure Ranch. Every Monday she participates in equine-assisted therapies, including riding and grooming. The sessions improve her core and balance and strengthen her ride side, which was affected by a stroke five years ago. She’s also grateful to be coming to the Connection Club three times a week, where we do word games, create arts and crafts, exercise and sing.
Michel and Helga Barton consider that the big gift in their lives was becoming citizens of the United States. Having fought for France during World War II, Michel came to the United States in 1950. Before he could learn English, he was drafted to fight in Korea. He earned many medals and commendations for his courage in both wars. He met his German-born wife, Helga, onboard a ship to Australia where he was a bartender and she was a stewardess. On their first trip to Sun Valley, they explored our area, fell in love with it and bought a house that day. They’ve been very happy here ever since.
Betty Grant is thankful for the people in her life, including her children and grandchildren, the roof over her head and that she’s still here. Her husband, Bill, nearly died in a ski accident in 1998 and, though disabled, he continues to be her best friend. She’s especially grateful to the caregivers who enable her to travel with Bill to such places as Yellowstone National Park, Sandpoint and Palm Springs.
Teresa Beahen Lipman, The Connection’s executive director, invites the community to join us to feel the attitude of gratitude daily. Our members recognize how good things are. We embrace the gifts of aging and spending time with others. We start and end our days with grateful hearts. Gratitude is good medicine, as is music.
Join us for the Holiday Singalong at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, at The Senior Connection, 721 S. 3rd Ave., Hailey. Music and gratitude will leave you feeling joyful.