Senior Daze

by Katie Bourg

About Katie: Having arrived in time for the Great (?) Depression, WWII, and all other 20th century problems, I am endowed with long and varied memories. Writing classes have long been my home away from home. Other people's stories are fascinating, and sharing is growth at its best. Hope you seniors will join me with your stories. Try it. You'll like it.

I spent the first Sunday morning of March rejoicing. I got my extra hour of daylight back. Then I took another look at the clock and set a new speed record for getting out of the house. I almost missed my Sunday morning breakfast at Fanny's with old friends--they were already served when I arrived. I've been a little off kilter all week, but expect to adjust by next Sunday morning.

In the meantime, I'm doing my 'Why can't they leave the clock on Daylight Savings Time year round?' complaint. In the winter months seniors, who can't drive after dark, are incarcerated early, before they are ready. That extra hour of light makes a big difference in the quality of life for them. That's my grouch for the week.

Last week I was asked by Adele Erbeck to sit in on a new group at the Stillaguamish Senior Center. Adele is the outreach social worker at the center. I almost didn't go, as my Thursdays are already taken up with the Singing Strings, and I must be ready by 1 p.m. But I was curious, and went anyway--and I'm so glad I did.

Ellis Walker is the leader of what is called 'The Humor Group.'  They meet at 10 a.m. in the main building. The purpose is learning to use humor to relieve stress. As it happened this particular session included many with stress over illness and loss of loved ones. The program is actually about how to use humor to relieve all stress, family problems, bills, boredom as well as loss. It is a little different than just a support group, and I would say very effective. There was constant laughter mixed in with the stories being told. One lady received a phone call during the meeting from her husband's caregiver, to report he refused to take a bath. Everyone was an active contributor for two hours. Hugs were free and fun. We all left with a fortune cookie, and a giggle or two on our mind. I plan to go back next week. If you are feeling overloaded, you might want to join in. Humor works.

The Stilly Center offers so many services. If you haven't been there, drop in and ask for a calendar, or go online. It's in your computer and designed for YOU.

According to my calendar, Spring started on March 20th. The lacy pink cherry blossoms on 88th Street by the cemetery and daffodils all around the area are verifying this change of season. Get out and enjoy them.

As for me, it's time to clean out that front flower bed.

And think SUMMER!