William Penn Life, 2018 (53. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2018-02-01 / 2. szám
Aging Well with Cathy Graham Inside this ‘old house’ THEY DESCRIBE US in a fashion that is well below our true selves. We are often compared to an old, uncared-for home. The peeling paint and uprooted floor boards are signs of weathered storms and hundreds of gatherings. We are a reflection of all that we have done, not as you see us in your mind, in this minute, in this lifetime. We are not dingy, sallow or cranky; we are full of depth and courage. We have strong foundations and stairways that have seen thousands of footsteps. We are not dark clouds, mystifying or storyless. Although our stature may not be forthcoming, we should not and will not be denied. Attitudes about aging have a long way to go. Do not dismiss us and pretend you do not see us. We are not invisible, and we know more about you and your shortsightedness then we care to admit. There are no reasons, excuses or perceptions that make it okay for you to pity us or park us. Yes, we are old. But why in the world would that be a handicap? We are old, and we have traveled and traversed for three-quarters a century or more. Go ahead and compare us to an old home, but don't choose to see just our age. We have character and charm that would exceed your imagination. We have had careers, raised families and care more about Photo © Can Stock Photo/photography33 citizenship than the clothes we wear. We are not blank faces. We are the fiber of this great nation. We have earned your time and admiration. Our pace may be slower, but at one time, we were just like you. And someday, God willing, you will be just like us. Honor us, listen to us and let us give you a reason to smile. Yes, we are old, but oh my goodness, we are mighty. Cathy Graham is director of the Graceful Aging Wellness Center at Bethlen Communities in Ligonier, Pa. Enjoy even more tastes of Hungary The Official WPA Cookbooks Buy one or both - Different recipes in each book A Taste of Hungarian Heaven - $20 per copy Our hard-back book with 500-plus recipes & book stand Treasured Hungarian Recipes - $7 per copy A soft-back collection of 160 classic Magyar recipes Prices include shipping Make your check payable to “WPFA Scholarship Foundation'’ and mail to: WPA Cookbook, William Penn Association,709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 All proceeds benefit the William Penn Fraternal Association Scholarship Foundation, Inc. WILLIAM PENN LIFE 0 February 2018 0 9
