Hope everyone enjoyed the most beautiful Labor Day ever. A quote from Jonathan Safron Foyer, “August has passed and yet summer continues by force to grow days. They sprout secretly between the chapters of the year, covently included between its pages.” The beauty of God’s creativity is so amazing.

Last week we had our annual Summer Tea and kickoff to Senior Center Month. Oh my, it was awesome! The men and women were all dressed up in their pretty outfits. Each person wore a beautiful hat. They reminded me of the many hats our staff wears at the Department of Aging. We had so much fun. We read poems, danced and enjoyed talking to each other over a cup of tea. Each table was set with fine china and though none of the pieces matched, that did not matter to us. We were entertained by Susan McUmber. She is the director of the Wound Center at Sampson Regional. She played her guitar and sang some delightful songs. When she sang the old church hymn, “I’d Rather Have Jesus,” it gave me goose bumps! The music and singing kept ringing and we had such a sweet spirit in the Garland Senior Center. At the end of her performance, she shared information about her work, including the many ways that we can control our wounds so we can avoid bone infections. We will definitely have her back at the Center.

After all this tea, entertainment and education, we turned on a CD of “Motown” music and took a trip down “Memory Lane” with music like “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” and “Sugar Shack”! These peeps from 55 years old up to 90 years old tore the house down — all in fun!! One of those peeps — Sabina Gamas — fell to the floor and did several pushups! Yes, this is true. I saw it with my own eyes; she is 90 years old!! I cannot do that, can you? I love my seniors!

Please readers, we are still in great need of volunteers at the Butler Court Center. If you can help, please call Linda Armwood at 910-592-4653 or Marie 910-529-3931. Volunteering is a blessing. I am reminded of an elderly lady, Mary Smith. I had delivered a meal to her when it was wet and rainy. She told me how thankful she was. Then her precious words to me were, “You keep on stepping where I can’t step and someday someone will step for you.” Those words stuck with me; words of a wise woman are precious.

Upcoming events include Grandparents Support Group Meeting at the Center on the third Monday of each month at 12:30. Rashanda Ruffin will be at the Center Sept. 12 at 10:30. Come for some good information and fun. We will be playing “Bingo” and if you need help with Affordable Health Care Insurance we can provide service through Legal Aide. We provide so much information for your needs but you have to let us know: ask and receive, doubt and do without!

I get so excited about what we can do to help others. Oprah Winfrey quotes, “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

Stay connected to the Shade Tree of Life; be prepared for whatever life throws your way. Live, love and laugh, smile and others will smile with you!

Marie Faircloth
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/web1_Marie-Faircloth-1.jpgMarie Faircloth

By Marie Faircloth

Contributing columnist

Marie Faircloth is the director of the Garland Senior Center.