Helen H. Lahr
2.2.2012
February
It’s February! It’s February! Why am I stressing on putting so much emphasis on the second month of the year? Well, because to me it is one of the most important months in my life. I will tell you why.
My first baby (a wonderful and very precious gift) was born on the 6th of February. He has grown up to be a loving and devoted son and father and he has made us extremely proud of him.
Hazel Nurse
1.26.2012
Senior Show Day
Come seniors at our age,
Let’s all take the center stage.
We’ll roll the years back
And, give our youth a big whack!
No more babies to kick and scream,
Often interrupting a truly good dream.
Mo more paying for a ride
We hop on Septa with a stride!
Mo more losing of teens because we are old,
We’ll find their good works and let them be told.
No more job to guide our life,
We’ll all sleep late minus the strife.
Twenty-four hours all made for us –
To live and love without any fuss!
Writing is fun since we know how!
It’s time to go! Let’s take a bow!
Aileen Jefferson
11.10.2011
So This is Manhattan
The expectancy I enjoyed: a trip to New York. Bergdorf-Goodman, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus and then I thought – expense. Who would be the easiest prey? Mother? Daddy? Neither? Isn't there a distant relative I could cajole? My head was swimming with thoughts of Bergdorf-Goodman and the other high end fashion. How do I get to these fashionable houses? Where are they? Where in New York? And I am so knowledgeable of fashion houses I said with a smirk. The excitement of the purchase pleases me, the price confounds me. For the first time in my life I am where I belong. My Children, all three of them, are amazed at my savvy familiarity with the city.
Aileen Jefferson
2.2.2012
Clothes and Their Importance to the Ego
Think of the effect of new clothes to the ego.
From a psychological point of view, clothes play a vital part in our self worth.
Consider the advantages of new clothes:
“I feel pretty, o so pretty, I feel pretty and witty and gay…” from the Broadway play “West Side Story”, lyrics Stephen Sondheim; music L.B. and I am going to give him all the credit.
Now because of this I am going to wear my special outfit which is also pretty, witty, and gay.
Therefore, you mothers remember the importance of your offsprings’ clothing as you dress them for morning class.
And as they say, “clothes make the man”.
You ladies can take care of yourselves.
Robert Mitchell
1.12.2012
Mentors
Mr. Williams - Growing up as a teenager in the mean streets of Philadelphia, in the 60’s during the gang war and street fights era, I learned how to be accountable for your growing up. P.S. Mr. Williams is the father of the D.A. for the city of Philadelphia (Seth Williams)
My 8th Grade Reading Teacher – Who taught me how to read and spell words as you hear them.
My Mother – Who raised me to be respectful around adults and people in general, right from wrong, love for family and how to adapt when you go into the work force.
The Military – which taught me how to take care of myself, go to work, gave me 3 meals a day, how to keep my area tidy, wash my clothes, and how to be all you can be.
Ms. Bryant, Ms. Young, Ms. Sampson - These are women in my life who gave me the initiative to better myself in the work force. Ms. Sampson was also my financial consultant.
My Wife, aka home girl, - was there for me when I was in the “Lost and Found” until she claimed me, and taught me how to balance a check book.
These are the mentors in my life from who I learned and fed from their energy.
Amen
Norman Cain
1.12.2012
Foots
1954. When I decided to attend high school, I broke a neighborhood tradition by not choosing West Philadelphia High School or Overbrook High School. Instead I chose John Bartram High School. The neighborhood youth were not impressed with my decision. To them it was as if I was abandoning the crew and had become a traitor.
Two peers, a girl and a boy, let me know how they and others felt about my decision to attend Bartram. First Vivian, a senior at Overbrook High, who was four years older than I and who was a play-big-sister and former babysitter voiced her displeasure with me. Her main argument was Bartram’s low rating in the high school athlete system; because, after all, Wilt Chamberlin was a product of Overbrook.
The next person to question my decision was my next-door neighbor, Jimmy, who was a freshman at Overbrook. His message did not contain anything about sports, but rather, safety. He said that I would have to cross 49th and Woodland on route to Bartram. He went on to say how this corner was dangerous, mentioning names of some of its most notorious members, among them, Foots. I still opted to attend Bartram. Once there, I did run into Foots, he was a senior and was not a terror. He became my mentor, best friend, daughter’s Godfather, etc.
Missouri Grier
2.2.2012
Without Permission
My mother told me to go up to her room and get her purse. On the table also were my father’s car keys. So I took the keys also. On the way to the store, there was the garage, so I went to the store, came out with my purse and went into the garage to see if I could start the car. It did and I went through the door. Slowly. A man saw me, jumped on the running board, reached in and pulled the key out. He backed the car back and told me, “Tell your father to fix the door.”
Mo McCooper
2.9.2012
The Locker
Freshman lockers for books and clothes were located under the stands in the gym. We each had a combination lock but some of us needed a match or lighter to see the numbers on the lock. There was no light under there. Ninth graders were warned that bullies would probably try to borrow money from us under the stands. Being under five feet tall and under 100 pounds made me a target. My dad had taught me a little about boxing but some of the other students were almost full grown.
One morning I felt a strong hand on my shoulder and a strange voice asking me for a quarter. Before I could tell him I only had enough for my soda another voice said: “Whatever you’re asking him, ask me first.” It was my best friend Louie Spinelli who was five-foot-eleven and around 150 pounds. The other guy left and never came back.
Beatrice Newkirk
6.16.2011
Writing from the Heart and Talking
Writing from the heart.
When you write down things, you are getting a load off your chest. Sometimes people keep things to themselves. They carry it for years.
If only people would just talk to someone. They let important things go so long. People can help each other by listening to other people’s stories. Sometimes people want to talk to someone, but they are afraid to trust other people. That is the main thing I am talking about.
Some people don’t want to let go. Like when you lose someone or lots of family members.
No one gets over losing a loved one or a special friend. Sometimes it’s hard losing a neighbor. When you grow up with a real friend, and when they are taken from you, you feel so bad.
I had a special friend. He was always worrying about me.
Sometimes you need someone to talk with, and it’s good to talk to people your age. But then it’s also good to talk to the younger generation. It’s good to connect.
Loretta Gaither
1.5.2012
Long Lost Love
When I was younger (around 25 years of age) I was raising my 5 kids and he was working at the gas company. He was a friend of mine. He asked me out to go to the dance clubs. I had an abusive boyfriend before I met him, and he talked to me and helped me end the relationship with the abusive boyfriend. Sunny Bell is the name of my true love. I saw him this morning at the Independent Living Home where I live now. He is living there too. I was so surprised and so was he. He wanted to hug me and I said no because I didn’t want to get in trouble with the staff. I don’t know what will happen next but I am glad to see him again. I hadn’t seen him for 30 years.
Joe Garrison
02.19.2012
Honey Girl, Part 2
(I left off last time by writing about how I told her I loved her . . .)
When I left her that day, I felt like I was walking on air. I still can’t find the words to convey the happiness I was feeling at the time. The holiday season felt more joyful and meaningful. I waited for Christmas morning as though I was a child waiting for Santa. I was just waiting to make a telephone call to her to tell her Merry Christmas, but that was enough to make the entire day mean more to me than any other year.
When I dialed her number she answered right away. She told me how much she enjoyed the Christmas present I had given her (a heart-shaped pendant and a bottle of red wine). She had given me an ornament on a gold chain with a design that represented faith, hope and love. We talked for about 20 minutes.
I went to visit my cousin Sherry that day and told her all about it. Sherry was a big part of this because she helped me pick out Debra’s gift. (Pardon me for being a little nervous telling this story because there is so much I want to express and I am trying to figure out how.)
There is so much I want to say, let me end with this: I will always keep the memory of that Christmas and Debra’s sweetness for as long as I live.
Arthur Murray
11.18.2010
Broken Hearts
Outside of being nervous Sunday November 14 everyone was so nice and the people that came were very nice. I don’t know where to begin. I was excited and nervous. Also the event staff and volunteers were so nice.
Well, two audience members asked about what to do or how to react on a broken heart. I myself believe when or if your heart gets broken, first you must pray and ask your Lord and Savior to help you, guide you and he will answer your prayers. Keep faith in him, you can’t let the joneses get you down. It may be good to have an ace in the hole, (smile) to have more than one friend to relate to. Sometime we think we’re doing alright until we drop our guards down. In life you never, you never know, what tomorrow brings. I would love to know more about the situations that brought you the broken hearts.
As for myself, I have experienced it five times, on and off. 1973 was the last time we broke up. Every time I had my heart broken, I started singing more. So, I'd say, fall on the next thing you love to do in life. Get off a bus; get on another. I changed my surroundings by meeting new people in life, new love, new people, new energy. Mainly keep God in your life no matter who tells you not to. I don’t have to worry or regret anything now. I feel good whenever I do something good in life to help someone.
Hattie Lee Ellerbe
1.20.2011
Loves of My Life
I am thinking of two little people who think that I have just as much energy as they do and have answers to all of their questions.
Aaron is my great-grandson. He is almost four. He is always happy to see me and gives me big hugs. I don’t even have to ask for them.
Ari Yanna is my great-great-granddaughter and has to be coaxed to give hugs or kisses but when she feels like it, she is all over me. Ari Yanna is going on 3 yrs. and loves to write with a pen and make pictures. She calls my “Triple G”. Yesterday, I gave her bubble packing material and told her to jump on it. Pop-Pop-Pop!
Mo McCooper
6.17.2010
A Sailor Boy’s Sweetheart
During World War II, my dad’s little brother John served in combat with the U.S. Army. The family had a party in a large back room of a restaurant somewhere in Philadelphia. Dad’s 4 brothers and 4 sisters were there. About 6 other grandchildren were there. All the aunts and unvles sany songs and most danced. Suddenly into the room came this big broad-shouldered lady who must have weighed over 200 pounds, singing “I’m only a Sailor Boy’s sweetheart but I’m proud of my sailor boy.”
It was Uncle John with pillows stuffed in his coat and a wig borrowed from a mop. To me he was hilarious. Best of all he came home safe and sound from the War!
Roger: During the summers of my youth, I would spend time working at my parents’ business, which was located in a retirement community. It was there I listened to seniors tell me stories ranging from grand experiences of fighting in wars and growing up during the great depression to simple life in rural Texas. Those stories brought history to life for me, made me appreciate things, and gave me a much broader perspective on life. For me, their stories and other seniors’ stories are so enriching and need to be communicated in a way that lasts forever, hence, TBDOMLSF and my fondness for being involved.
Toral: I felt that The Best Day of My Life So Far resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Growing up, I spent countless phone calls and visits with my grandmother listening to stories from her life. From those, I learned invaluable lessons and built memories with my grandmother that defines our relationship to this day. I believe in the impact that storytelling can have on the storyteller and their audience, and I love that TBDOMLSF is building a community around sharing stories.
Martha: I belong to a family of very good story tellers and have always appreciated and enjoyed the time spent in their company. So The Best Day of My Life (So Far) appealed to this or my sense of building relationships and knowing people better. As we live in a sometimes very disconnected world, it seems what TBDOMLSF is trying to do is be surrounded by people who can share life experiences and know each other at a deeper level.
Leslie: The neighborhood I grew up in wasn’t rich, but it was very closely-knit. People’s grandparents lived with them, or at most a few streets over. I’d go over to friends’ houses and their grandparents would be there in the kitchen. Seniors were part of everyone’s family, everyone’s household. We could talk whenever we wanted, and they enriched us. The best stories come from those who’ve seen a lot of life. It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long since those days, but now I don’t know many households that include grandparents. I think we’ve lost something important. So how do we get it back?
Vikas: In the past I've worked to support childhood and adult education, so TBDOMLSF is a wonderful opportunity for me to continue working towards education and enrichment for people at every stage of life. I look forward to meeting the rest of the TBDOMLSF team and working to deepen our impact within the community.
Yesterday was an important day in the development of The Best Day of My Life (So Far). Five exceptionally intelligent, experienced, and caring University of Pennsylvania graduate students have chosen our program to work with in their spring semester. Roger Huang, Toral Kothari, Leslie Tullis, and Vikas Sekhri, all students at Wharton Business School, and Martha Heuser, at the School of Social and Public Policy, met with their instructor, Katie Krimmel, Benita, and me to begin their plan of action.
Before starting their graduate studies, these students all had successful experience in professional world, including private equity banking, investment banking, historical preservation, and volunteer work. Their objective is to develop the kind of materials that will help us all (including you, blogreaders!) spread the word about TBDOMLSF, and attract the donations required for our planned expansion.
The students will be visiting the writing group at the senior center and speaking with many experts, supporters, and admirers of TBDOMLSF. I am personally very excited to be working with them and with Katie Krimmel on their project. If you are interested in speaking with our students, please contact our PR Manager Emily Antoszyk (emily@thebestdayofmylifesofar.com) to set up a conversation.
BTW How did I get here? After many years of working in and for educational institutions, government, consulting for businesses and non-profits, and now having a blog (www.elderchicks.com) and writing a book, TBDOMLSF is simply the most exciting program on the horizon. It’s bringing together everything I care about as it brings people of very different ages together and expands all horizons within a truly inspired vision.
Stay tuned for a moving blog post by the students about why each of them has chosen to participate in this project.
Thelma Reese, Ed. D.
Research Officer
The Best Day of My Life (So Far)