I can’t tell you how excited I am about all the things that my team and I are working on for you behind the scenes – they’re all about bringing you more ways than ever to engage with the older adults in your family and community. Want the scoop? Here you go! http://bit.ly/1UyuRPH
So I want to apologize… I have been a little slower than usual at sharing the fresh, new stories here on the blog that our superstar storytellers have been telling in our group! Can I make up for you today with a fully loaded post?? Is that cool?
Let’s start by putting Norman on the spot – I can because we’re super good buds and that sentence, I hope, Norman, made you smile!!
(And for the record, everyone, he is the definition of NOT lazy ;))
Norman Cain
7.14.2016
The Unwritten Lazy and Overdid Story
When I came to the Phila Senior Center this morning, I intended to go to the computer room and type and print a long over-due story.
Instead of following my plan, I stopped in the dining room and became involved in two lengthy conversations.
The first conversation, one involving the insensitivity of church and fraternal organization towards the less fortunate, was held with a Center member that was a co-worker of mine at the Youth Study Center 25 years ago.
The second lengthy conversation was held with an acquaintance from the area of West Phila – known as the bottom – where I was raised. Names and incidents and landmarks became vivid. I thoroughly enjoyed myself with the two conversations I had this morning.
Hopefully, I will present my intended long overdue story next week.
Loretta Gaither
7.14.2016
Death of My Husband
I took him back 9 times and he didn’t want to listen. So he got shot dead, 9 times over drugs. And he couldn’t find me. I’m glad he couldn’t find me in no bar and he said he got $11,000 but he was high on drugs. I’m glad I didn’t see him high. He didn’t have to die a horrible death. He chose this death. They could not find me, but they found out from City Hall that I had a house and I was divorced, but I still hold his name – G-A-I-T-H-E-R! I got married when I was 18 so you can imagine how old he was when he died.
I would’ve gone to his funeral even though he died of crack and cocaine. And I was a voice for him, but he taught me how to cook. A friend of mine gave me this ring today, and now they’re angry at me for having this ring. When I got that house, they started gossiping about where I got the house and money. But they should mind their business about what Robert Gaither put in his will, instead of spreading rumors and trying to make me angry.
God bless the enemy and thank you for writing for me. I come to the Senior Center to be happy, not angry. Signing off now. God bless the readers and everyone at the Center. Amen.
*Related to Alma Gaither of the Eagles.
Loretta Gaither
6.23.2016
Funny Moment in a Bus
To the two people who moved into my building yesterday – We laughed and talked together. People in my building don’t like me because of their own reasons.
Two couples and me were riding on a bus. The driver was a young man and I was flirting with the driver and told him I am 37 years old. I was going into the water to put the flower for him as I was joking to him. I even teased him I wanted to drive the bus, but he smiled and said, “No, you can’t drive.” That was a very fun and teasing moment for me after a long time.
I would like to thank Neha for helping me write the story and hope to meet with her again.
Joan Bunting
6.23.2016
Summer
Summer’s here everyone. Is everyone happy? It hasn’t been too long ago that everyone, or mostly everyone, could hardly wait for spring or summer to arrive (not me, I prefer the cooler or even the cold weather).
The one thing I do appreciate about the warm weather is that we took off all the extra winter clothes we had to wear.
But now, I believe some have taken off a bit too much, but that’s not any of my business.
I don’t have much to say but I can say this, “Enjoy the summer, keep cool, and God bless you one and all!”
Joe Garrison
7.14.2016
New Words in 21st Century
For the 21st Century, a number of new words have been added in the dictionary. For instance, “emoji.” I have never heard of what an emoji is, but I got to know about it a year ago. It’s so wonderful how the various adjectives / feelings can be expressed graphically.
Now a days, people have started using abbreviations during chating like “LOL.” The other craze people are having these days is of SELFIE. People are taking selfies which is a new trend. The idea of taking a picture of myself has never got into me.
I watch an investigation channel on TV, I know they have writers who write the show. One of the expressions I have heard of is “Nobody needs electricity as you can light up the room with your smile.”
A woman from the South is called “Southern Belle” as if other women are not beautiful.
An other expression which I am tired of hearing is the word “Blockbuster.” During World War II, the people used a type of grenade and explosive to demolish a block of the city, so the word came into existence.
Now people have started using the wood “Doorbuster” that is the greatly reduced price and people are getting and busting the door to get the stuff and now the word came up.
Frances Bryce
7.14.2016
Cooking for Two
My husband and I lived in North Phila in his mother’s house. It was a three-story, row house that if located in Center City would be called a townhouse. As newlyweds, I cooked for my husband. I could cook but my problem, because I am from a family of seven, my skill was to do meals for seven.
My first meal was for a family of seven and not two. So for a person of time, I had to scale down the portions. In time, I learned to accomplish this task.
We were living with a very limited budget, which prepared me for later when we had children and a budget made our living easier until our financial status improved. I didn’t have to make adjustments that were drastic. I still embrace living below our, now my, financial state.
Loretta Dotson
7.14.2016
Age is Wonderful
Age is wonderful It’s good to be able to reach a high number. When we are very young, we can hardly wait to be a teenage. Then, I wanted to be 21 years old. Then the years run by so quick you wonder where did they go? These were a time you would be quick to tell your age. Now, it’s like pulling teeth. I used to say older than my teeth and younger than my tongue (smile). My late husband, God rest his soul, never knew my real age. I would tell him, “You’re not from the Census Bureau or from Social Security. I got this.”
Loretta Dotson
6.30.2016
This is Love
I love you, no, I love the way you respect others.
I love you, no, I love your calm attitude.
I love you, no, I love the way you listen so attentively to my conversations.
I love you, no, I love the way you take time to explain different situations to children and others.
I love you, no, I love your calmness in handing serious issues.
I love you, no, I love the way you look in my eyes and promise me the moon.
Guess what? I really do love you.
Norman Cain
6.16.2016
Re-Uniting With Friends
Fortunately, this past Sunday, I was reunited with a couple that I had lost contact with fifteen years ago.
Several years ago, I was reunited with a man whom I considered my friend after not seeing him for fifteen years.
Sometimes, I have dreams about friends who have made transitions. I feel that being re-united with lost friends is not a matter of happenstance; but rather the result of divine intervention.
It is always good to be re-united with old friends.
Joan Bunting
5.26.2016
I’m So Excited
The best day of my life so far is today. Why? Because we have two new visitors from India.
That’s what’s exciting about being a part of the storytelling and writing group.
We not only listen to funny, historical, serious, and sometimes sad stories, but we also get to meet different people from various walks of life.
I’m really excited to hear what they have written.
Maybe I’ll learn something new about India and if not, it’ll still be exciting – for their just being here and hope they come again.
Welcome, hope you enjoy being with us.
Kadambari Mishra – Volunteer
5.26.2016
Thoughts of Gratitude
As I sit down, invoking words to put them to paper, waiting for revelations, for something meaningful…
I realize that the best sanctuary for my being – my thoughts – are my most loyal companions.
They would not desert me like the sun does on overcast day…
They would not leave my side like a busy partner keeping the hearth aglow…
They would, silently, sit by, stand along, sleep beside me like air does with his beloved earth – invisible, necessary, undermining, forever giving.
And as I write these lines in their praise, their promise grows stronger to come to my rescue whenever I call upon them, whenever I am looking for revelations.
Neha Kataruka – Volunteer
5.26.2016
Untitled
In 2015, when I moved to New York (city of diversity), I joined a social organization (New York Cares) as a volunteer. That was the best experience of my life. I really liked the concept of that organization and am wishing to start a similar type of organization in India as diversity there is no such social organization running over there.
I have always been socially conscious. In India also. I have worked in an NGO of physically challenged and mentally retarded students for 3 year. The things that I have learned after getting involved in a social sector are:
1. It has helped me in developing the leadership skills as everyone is encouraged to put forward their own ideas and suggestions.
2. It has helped me build a good social network,
3. It has helped me be open-minded as now I am able to see the impact of small changes/development.
Jana Henry – Volunteer
5.26.2016
Happy Birthday
While I laid in bed last night, I realized it was way past my bedtime and the days had changed to May 26th 2016. My Granny would be 101 years old today. I was going to make a 7-up cake in her honor, but I’m trying to watch how much sugar I consume.
My Granny was my best friend. We spoke without speaking. I valued that - the closeness of silence. Just being in each others presence. We would bake, walk the neighborhood, go on adventures.
I think about how if I could just be half the woman she was, I’d be on my way to heavenly home where I’m sure to meet her again.