Tag Archives: Elder Speak

Sep9

Elder Speak

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Elder Speak

Our world is different today. We email, we text, we tweet. Families live miles apart and no longer congregate regularly around the dining room table.

The Ripple Foundation offers a variety of programs throughout the year. Most of these take place over the fall and winter when I am not here. But I have attended Elder Speak for the past three years.

Four individuals are chosen each year to prepare for this event. They speak of their childhood, their careers, their marriages, their losses and their life experiences.

Yesterday the discussion centered around such topics as relationships and courage. The ideas of living, loving and learning were stressed.

A quote by Everett Berts, one of the Elders, jumped out at me. “There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom.”

Thank you to the Ripple Foundation for sponsoring this event. And thank you to the Elders for sharing their valuable life lessons.

Sep15

Six Days

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Six Days

This morning I went to Wenatchee. As I drove along the winding roads I marveled at the view of the majestic mountains, valleys and rivers alongside Highway 2. The sun shone brightly and traffic was light. This truly is God’s country.

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Last night Becky and I went out to Mountain Meadows, a personal care home that also has assisted living units. The Village Voices were performing and our friend Charlene sings in this choir. Their harmony was beautiful and their renditions of a variety of songs brought bright smiles to the faces of the seniors in the audience.

I volunteered at a children’s ministry in church the other day. The children were enthralled with the story of Adam and Eve, and eagerly participated in games and crafts. Children are so precious.

I met a woman the other day who had just celebrated her 72nd wedding anniversary. She and her husband chose Disneyland as the venue for this momentous occasion. An amazing event.

Spirit of America in Cashmere captured my heart at a memorial service on September 11th. The flag at half mast, a color guard, music, awesome speakers and a 21 gun salute ensured that there was not a dry eye in the audience. God Bless America.

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Elder Speak was held at Snowy Owl Theater in honor of Grandparents Day. I was especially touched by one member of the panel who at the tender age of ninety-five offered the wisdom he had gleaned throughout his years.

And I also got to speak to both of my kids in Canada the other day. Real conversation, not just voicemail. The highlight of my week.