Commun ty Matters Salina Presbyterian Manor
May 2018
Mary’s musings By Mary Bridges, chaplain Salina Presbyterian Manor
The theme for Older Americans Month in May is “engage at every age.” I think we all have a mental image of who we are and how we would describe ourselves. These images change throughout our lives. As an 18-year-old, I saw myself as mature. At age 30, I began going backward. During my 40s, I became a grandmother. Then age 50 came, and by my early 60s, I was getting knee replacements and doing colorful things to my hair. Now, in my 70s, I have received a new eardrum, a shoulder replacement and stopped doing colorful things to my hair. On the Dayspring website there is a devotional called, “What God Says About Growing Older,” which reads: “The more years we live, the more experiences we’re given to learn from, and the more wisdom and perspective we gain to see life in new and beautiful ways.” When we see someone in their later years, or when we look in the mirror, remember what a gift that is.We are treasured by God at every age. Not only that, but He gives us specific gifts to share with the world in every season of our lives. Isaiah tells us that God vows to be with us every step of the way.
Resident Julie Ottley on the red carpet.
Resident Julie Ottley quick to lend a hand Day or night, the staff and residents of Salina Presbyterian Manor know they can always count on resident Julie Ottley. From serving at community potlucks and setting up in-house art receptions to distributing cookies during support groups and filling coffee pots at social gatherings, Julie has done it all—even playing the Easter bunny. “One of the favorite things I have done here was when they asked me to hide Easter eggs last year,” said Julie. “Everyone from assisted living and health care came out to watch and enjoy the hunt. It was so much fun!” Her natural instinct to help others is something Julie believes she was born with and has served as a point of pride throughout her life. “Since the age of three, I’ve had a feeling in my heart that God has expected me to help others, so I always have,” said Julie. “I’m very plain and simple, I don’t have any real talents or skills, but I have a loving and giving heart, and I want to jump up and help people right away.” Beyond her regular volunteering duties, Julie makes pillows and writes JULIE, continued on page 2