Aberdeen Heights
MAY 2022
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Mary Bridges, chaplain at Salina Presbyterian Manor®
Mary’s Musings May is for remembering our Veterans At the end of May on Memorial Day, families take time to remember loved ones, and call special attention to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country. The origin of Memorial Day dates back to 1868, when people set aside a day each spring to pay homage to the soldiers who had lost their lives in the Civil War. Here at Aberdeen Heights, we likewise want to acknowledge our Veteran residents who braved danger home and abroad, serving their country Health Center resident proudly. Charles Clayton
Health Care resident Charles Clayton spent four years in the Navy during the Korean war. His grandsons have all followed in his footsteps - and have carried on the family tradition of serving in the United States military. Be sure to take a few moments to thank Charles - as well as our other Veterans - for their dedication to our freedom and for defending the United States, yesterday and today. u
By Mary Bridges, Chaplain
I must confess that Memorial Day was never my favorite holiday. Growing up, my family made our annual trek to the cemetery to deliver fresh peonies from my mom’s garden. That evening, we’d go back to pick them up. As I grew older, I began to lose friends and family members — even our son. Visiting graves and offering remembrances still left me feeling sad and empty. However, my view on Memorial Day has changed. To illustrate that, I want to tell you about my friend Mary Ellen from Menomonee Falls, Wis. We became friends in 1999 while serving on a national women’s board. More importantly, we became prayer partners. Each day when I awoke, I visualized Mary Ellen on her treadmill, praying with me. Through 20 years, we prayed with each other through our ordinary days, through illnesses and the loss of loved ones. In the midst of the pandemic, Mary Ellen was diagnosed with cancer. Her final Christmas letter in 2019 ended with these words from scripture: “Be
Charles Clayton has four grandsons who also serve in the military.
Prayer – continued on page 4
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