5 minute read
LIFE'S OBSERVATIONS
By David Mosdal
Guest Columnist
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who matter don't mind.” “If shoe shine boys are giving stock tips, then it's time to get out of the market.” said Joseph Kennedy about a hundred years ago, or so the story goes. A contemporary of Mr. Kennedy, economist Bernard Baruch said “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those This newsletter is making a change and will be called Prime Connections. The focus of this issue is the same, that being Prime Connections. So where will that lead us? I don't know for sure but I'm along for the ride.
To gain a little insight, a good way to start, is with the dictionary. Prime is defined as “first in rank” or “of superior grade” or a number that cannot be evenly divided by any other number. A prime number is foundational. Remember, that three points determine a plane. There are seven days in a week, and so on. Those are prime numbers.
I have to wonder if there may be a lesson in century old thinking that could have relevance today. I think we are at a point in history where we are inclined to believe that we don't matter much unless we have strong opinions, and strong opinions need to be served up with a mouthful of salt or something worse tasting that we have spit out so we don't choke on it. But have we gone a bit too far?
So what little gems will be revealed as we search for prime connections? We all know someone who is “first in rank” in our lives. Perhaps we are “of superior grade” to someone else. Given that we are all unique in many ways, the term “prime” should be a way to define who we are to those around us.
When we are with our friends and neighbors, or worse yet, our own families, do we descend to the lowest common denominator and regurgitate the latest babble we've been spoon fed from social media or our favorite news provider? Are we really saying what we feel or is the dominant speaker in the room reciting the litany so that heads will nod or people will start looking for their coats to go home?
— David Mosdal So, in an effort to accomplish this goal, I think we should listen more than we talk. We should search for truth. Trust in what we learn. We should be willing to tolerate and even celebrate the differences in each of us. And we should not be afraid to be someone's Prime Connection.
Holiday 2021 It was a year ago, almost to the day, when I met Ruthie. I was delivering Meals on Wheels, something that our staff does occasionally. My car was packed with meals, I had my mask, and I was ready to go. I love having the opportunity to deliver Dear Name, meals once in a while. However, on this day, the connection I had always felt during these deliveries was missing. I set the meals on the porch, rang the doorbell and left, per COVID protocol. Some people waved and thanked me through the door, but it still felt like something was missing…until my last stop of the day. The door was open a few inches and a sweet voice said, “I’ll be right there.” I adjusted my mask, and Ruthie opened the door. She looked beautiful. I said, “You must be going somewhere special today.” “No, I was waiting for you.” She said. “You drivers are the highlight of my day.” After that comment, I just had to visit for a minute. She was delightful. As I was leaving, she said, “Actually, I didn’t tell you the whole truth when you asked me what I was dressed up for.”
Ruthie, you looked good, dang good! You were an inspiration for me that day. I will never forget your amazing spirit. Meals on Wheels is definitely about the food. I see that need in every person that receives it, However, Meals on Wheels is also about connections. On that cloudy, cold November day in a world filled with so much darkness, Ruthie reached out and gave
me a gift I didn’t even know I needed. “We are in the middle of extremely challenging times. Meals on Wheels is no exception. Increased need, higher food costs, and a lack of volunteers are stretching this organization like no time in its history. Your support for Meals on Wheels will help ensure that hungry people are fed and connections are made.
For just $100, a senior will receive a hot nutritious meal five days a week plus two frozen meals for the weekend for an entire month. Without your help, this just wouldn’t be possible.
May your holiday season be filled with peace and wellness. Judy Hughes Development Director
P.S. By working together, we can continue to provide Meals on Wheels and the many other programs and services essential to seniors in our community.
you cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. what you do makes a difference, “ and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. — Jane Goodall
ADULT RESOURCE Alliance
of Yellowstone County YES, I want to help a Senior in need in this community!
Gift Amount: ❑ $200 ❑ $100 ❑ $50 ❑ Other $__________
PLEASE DESIGNATE MY GIFT TO:
❑ Meals on Wheels ❑ Alliance Volunteer Program ❑ Resource Center
❑ Transportation ❑ Endowment ❑ As Needed
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING YELLOWSTONE COUNTY SENIORS!
PREFER TO MAKE YOUR GIFT ONLINE? Help a senior in need at www.allianceyc.org
