Parsons Presbyterian Manor
OCTOBER 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 Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor.
Chaplain’s Corner
New resident lived his dream, made headlines as a pilot in the Air Force As a 22-year-old Air Force pilot, Arnold Weber made news when he bailed out of a plane at 35,000 feet — almost seven miles in the air. It was June 1954, less than a year after the Potwin (Kan.) High School graduate earned his wings. He was on a training flight from Ellsworth Air Force Base in North Dakota when one of the engines exploded. The Minneapolis Tribune recounted the harrowing chain of events in a news story published a few days later: “‘I heard one explosion — maybe two,’ said Lt. Arnold F. Weber, El Dorado, Kan.
Arnold Weber
“‘The engine died right then — tried to pull back on the throttle but it stuck. “‘Then my wingman radioed, ‘Leave it boy, you’ve got a…’ I didn’t hear the rest. I was on my way out.’ “He was catapulted out of the F-86 fighter plane by an ejection seat.” The young pilot didn’t deploy his parachute until he reached about 15,000 feet. Arnold landed safely in a field, though he did suffer a few abrasions. “So strong was the wind that Lieutenant Weber hit the ground about fifty
Air Force pilot – continued on page 3
By Greg Schmidt Have you ever noticed how nature has this amazing way of informing you that you are not as disciplined as you would like to be? A few months ago, an assisted living resident and I planted several varieties of healthy, strong, beautiful plants in brand new containers that had been placed on a brand-new deck. More than 40 plants! It was fun, exciting and gloriously dirty work. We loved every minute of it. Once everything was planted, we generously watered our new arrangements with lots of water with liquid fertilizer in it – just like the pros do – so that the end result would be an AMAZING sight to behold. And it was! Seemingly everyone noticed and talked about the stunning array of ever-growing and ever-expanding display of floral beauty. And then came late July and early August. And tucked in there was my vacation and an almost simultaneous hospital stay for the resident. And, here’s the kicker…a lack of communication on my part with any number of people who would have gladly continued the every-other-day watering…had I asked.
Chaplain – continued on page 2
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Chaplain – continued from page 1 When I returned around 10 days later, a full 50% of the once luscious plants were in such severe stress, they withered and died. My compadre and I felt devastated. Defeated. For me, I knew it wasn’t anyone’s fault but my own. And what happened became (yet another) series of lessons in life. Namely, one cannot live without water. It is life-giving. And one must have plans and effectively communicate those plans to those around them who share their passion and commitment. Here’s what hurts: I already knew that. I came up short. Again. Jesus had a wonderful interaction with a woman who was drawing water from a well. He talked to her, not about the physical water
itself, but about a spiritual, lifegiving “water” that could forever change her life. If she “drank” from the water He was offering, her life would shift from being preoccupied with daily needs to understanding and pursuing never-ending life. With Jesus, she could discover life in this life because of His life. My point? So often we get caught up in the details of day-to-day living – including things like beginning a project and pursuing what we believe will bring success to a venture – that we fail to stay connected to the source of our living. I’m not sure that’s “ironic.” Sometimes the most “obvious” is the very thing we neglect or overlook. And that is exactly where an everpresent Heavenly Father comes in! He is always at the well. Ready to
listen. To respond. To share. All we have to do is receive what Jesus offers and respond with our styles of life (our actions) to His generous offer. We also have to open the door of communication! We have to think hard about the outcome and/or consequences of our words and actions … or the lack thereof. And then we need desperately to share what visions we are dreaming with fellow, likeminded believers. Will you join me in trying/learning to trust God and His people more? We’ve already learned it is the right thing to do! Right?! So, let’s step forward – arm-in-arm in faith – so the world at our doorstep might enjoy richer, fuller, more abundant lives. And May God receive the glory for the evergrowing, ever-expanding display of his growing kingdom. u
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Community Matters 620-421-1450 u Fax: 620-421-1897 3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220 ParsonsPresbyterianManor.org
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Parsons Presbyterian Manor by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: nnash@pmma.org Crystal Packard, executive director Natae Nash, marketing counselor
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Air Force pilot – continued from page 1 horizontal miles from the point at which he left the plane,” reported the El Dorado newspaper. At the time, it was the highest anyone had ever bailed out of a plane and survived. Arnold joined the Presbyterian Manor community as a resident of the PATH (Post-Acute to Home) Program, and now resides in the assisted living neighborhood. He says he joined the Air Force because he was interested in becoming a pilot. “When I was a kid, I wanted to fly,” he said. The opportunity to do so was his favorite part of his service.
Tampa for San Juan, P.R., then Bermuda. From there, the pilots flew a long circuit around the continental U.S.: some 10,000 miles in total.
Later, Arnold earned the Distinguished Flying Cross “for heroism in military operations in southeast Asia.” By then, he was a major and had been awarded the Air Medal 10 times. Arnold was even selected to appear as a pilot on an episode of the “High
“I just enjoyed it,” Arnold said. The emergency at 35,000 feet didn’t slow him down, either. Arnold served in the Air Force for 23 years and went on to another big “first.” Arnold and seven other pilots set the unofficial endurance record for jet fighter aircraft with an F-4C Phantom II flight he led in the mid-1960s. The flight, designed to test the endurance of both the aircraft and its crew, departed MacDill Air Force Base in
Newspaper clipping that tell the tale of Arnold Webers miraculous descent. Parsons Presbyterian Manor | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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3501 Dirr Ave. Parsons, KS 67357-2220
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Get Moving for Active Aging Week Get up and get around…and observe Active Aging Week from October 3 – 9.
It’s not too late to try something new
Active Aging Week started in 2003 by the International Council on Active Aging® and it’s meant to challenge society’s idea of life in our later years. Instead, the week showcases the capabilities of older adults who can live full lives in all areas – physical, social, spiritual, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental. It also promotes the benefits of active lifestyles. If you want to observe this week – all you have to do is get moving and doing things.
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | October 2022
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Find some friends and organize a walk around your community Participate in a fitness class or do a fitness video Play board games Take an art class or start a new hobby Sing or dance And much more…. u