Bonds of sisterhood brought these siblings together at Topeka Presbyterian Manor
“Phil and Roses”
By Bob Giffin, Chaplain
What do Phil and roses share in common?
February!
The most famous of groundhogs, Punxsutawney Phil, is expected to emerge on February 2nd. When he does, we’ll have some idea as to how much more winter there will be. Regardless of whether or not Phil sees his shadow, the world will see lots of roses – an estimated 250 million of them on February 14th – Valentine’s Day!
SistersKayJonesandWilmaCravensbothareresidentsatTopekaPresbyterian Manor.
They say blood is thicker than water. They say the bonds of sisterhood can’t be broken. Those and other such sayings all apply to Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents Kay Jones and Wilma Cravens. Jones has lived at the manor for 9 years. Cravens joined her younger sister in October and the two have since been inseparable.
“She’s on the second floor and I’m on the first,” said Jones.“We grab lunch together, go to the exercise room and meet up for various activities or just to spend time with one another”
Jones, whose husband is also a resident, said having her sister and her spouse together at one community that offers a continuum of care is “second to none. ”
“My husband is in the health care area, ” Jones explained.“Being able to visit him without leaving the building is an immeasurable benefit”
Sisters – continued on page 4
Expressions of love given in the form of flowers, candy, cards, etc. will be seen and shared on the 14th. The Bible encourages us to share love with others: “Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11, NIV). This kind of a loving affection and attitude can be as simple and genuine as a smile, hug, handshake, or deed of thoughtfulness. The motive behind your love is much more important than any material gift. In fact, once again, the Bible urges us to “do everything in love” (1 Corinthians 16:14,
Chaplain -continued on page 2
Chaplain – continued from page 1
NIV). So, make sure you take time to share the love!
For you football fans out there, maybe the team you love will be playing in the Super Bowl. It’s the biggest game of the year happening on February 12th with over 208 million estimated to be watching. If the statistics align, there should be a rose for each person watching!
Presidents Day is on Monday, Feb. 20 this year. Presidents Day is celebrated on the third Monday of February every year. For some, this is a paid holiday off. Presidents Day is also a day off in most public schools. For all of us, Presidents Day is a reminder to pray for our local state, and national leaders. 1 Timothy 2:14 encourages us to do so – and they need our prayers.
Maybe you or a loved one will celebrate a birthday in February? If you do you’re sharing your birthday month with Thomas Edison, Barbie, and Facebook! How’s that for some famous company?
February can sometimes be a challenging month as the winter drags on. However, February whets our springtime appetites: there will be more daylight for your vitamin D needs, the sunsets seem to become more brilliant, and the birds are beginning to migrate back north.
From chocolates and flowers, to groundhogs and football, the shortest month of the year has
a lot to offer. In February, make sure you take time to stop and smell the roses – which by the way aren’t far off! u
meridianwellbeing.com
factcity.com/facts-about-February/ safnow.org/aboutflowers.com
www.nfl.com/news/super-bowl
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OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Things we love: Chapel and Bistro
There’s plenty to love at Topeka Presbyterian Manor! Lately, our residents have been celebrating two things, in particular – our beautiful chapel and our newly re-opened bistro!
Chaplain Bob Giffin said the chapel will celebrate its 60th anniversary in July.
“We are so privileged and blessed to have this chapel on our property,” said Giffin. “Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Jellison made a $50K donation in 1962 and a year later it opened. I’ve been in many chapels during my time as a pastor. Ours is really second to none.”
Giffin said plans are in place to purchase several items that will further enhance the gorgeous space, including table runners, wall banners and pulpit scarves.
“I’m so grateful that the Manor is partnering with us to do this,” he said.
The chapel is used frequently by residents, either as a place to attend church services (held twice weekly) or as a place for quiet contemplation and prayer.
Closer to the dining area is the new bistro, which includes options for coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate and a “hydration station” where residents can grab some snacks.
“They’re really excited about it,” said Thomas Garvin, director of dining services. “Our residents love having the extra options.”
Garvin said the bistro had been in the planning stages for several months and he thinks the space looks great! u
Sisters – continued from page 1
The sisters are two of ten children, both growing up together in Topeka. Cravens eventually moved to Emporia, where she enjoyed life with her husband, Don, who has since passed away.
Both sisters raised families and have remained close since childhood.
“We grew up under the same roof and here we are together again,” smiled Jones.
For these two sisters, life at Topeka Presbyterian Manor is all they could hope for! u
