July 2011 CPS Newsletter 1075 Fulton1 - Carlton Senior Living

Love Honor Provide 

July 2011 

1075 Fulton Ave., Sacramento, CA 95825 916.971.4800 License# 347002787 www.carltonseniorliving.com

In the pre-Revolutionary years, colonists had held annual celebrations of the king's birthday, which traditionally 

included the ringing of bells, bonfires, processions and speechmaking. By contrast, during the summer of 1776 

some colonists celebrated the birth of independence by holding mock funerals for King George III, as a way of 

symbolizing the end of the monarchy's hold on America and the triumph of liberty. Festivities including concerts, 

bonfires, parades and the firing of cannons and muskets usually accompanied the first public readings of the 

Declaration of Independence, beginning immediately after its adoption. Philadelphia held the first annual 

commemoration of independence on July 4, 1777, while Congress was still occupied with the ongoing war. 

George Washington issued double rations of rum to all his soldiers to mark the anniversary of independence in 

1778, and in 1781, several months before the key American victory at Yorktown, Massachusetts became the first 

state to make July 4th an official state holiday. 

After the Revolutionary War, Americans continued to commemorate Independence Day every year, in 

celebrations that allowed the new nation's emerging political leaders to address citizens and create a feeling of 

unity. By the last decade of the 18th century, the two major political parties--Federalists and Democratic- 

Republicans--that had arisen began holding separate Independence Day celebrations in many large cities. 

The tradition of patriotic celebration became even more widespread after the War of 1812, in which the United 

States again faced Great Britain. In 1870, the U.S. Congress made July 4th a federal holiday; in 1941, the 

provision was expanded to grant a paid holiday to all federal employees. Over the years, the political importance 

of the holiday would decline, but Independence Day remained an important national holiday and a symbol of 

patriotism. 

Falling in mid-summer, the Fourth of July has since the late 19th century become a major focus of leisure 

activities and a common occasion for family get-togethers, often involving fireworks and outdoor barbecues. The 

most common symbol of the holiday is the American flag, and a common musical accompaniment is "The 

Star-Spangled Banner," the national anthem of the United States. 

Health 

Corner 

Patients arriving at Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital in Portland, Ore., expect to convalesce from their 

ailments the traditional way, with doctors and nurses, medications and treatments. But what they probably 

don’t anticipate is a recovery that includes tending flower beds or harvesting vegetables from plants in the 

hospital’s healing garden. 

“There’s a big emotional benefit to nurturing a living thing,” says horticultural therapist Teresia Hazen, who 

oversees the Portland Legacy Health System’s gardens. “You know the tomato needs you, and you need the 

tomato.” 

Patients at healthcare facilities nationwide are enjoying the benefits of gardens designed to help improve 

mobility, ease depression and get muscles working while planting, watering and weeding. 

“Seeing flowers, touching plants and listening to birds stimulates our brains in ways that make us feel better,” 

says landscape designer Naomi Sachs, founder of the Therapeutic Landscapes Network 

(Healinglandscapes.org). 

The health benefits of the outdoors are well known, but using gardens as recovery tools is a relatively new 

trend. In fact, virtually all of the healing gardens now found at healthcare facilities nationwide have been 

installed in the last 15 years, Hazen says. Backing the movement is research on the therapeutic aspects of 

spending time in gardens. In fact, one 2007 study found that relaxing in gardens helped curb depression in 

older adults as well as art therapy, a known antidote to depression among seniors. 

Healing gardens are typically designed for the elderly, or for groups with specific needs such as Alzheimer’s, 

burn center or psychiatric patients, or children. But anyone can experience the gardens’ positive effects in 

their own backyard. To prepare for creating your own healing garden, Sachs suggests, “Visit botanical gardens, 

arboretums and parks, and be in tune with what spaces make you feel good. Often you don’t know until you’re 

in that space.”

Carlton Plaza Management Team 

Lisa Schumann Amber Carver Misty Charles Ana Cardenas Neel Singh 

Executive Director Retirement Counselor Retirement Counselor Retirement Counselor Med Tech Manager 

Amanda Friedman Marilyn Royce Donna Myers Boo 

Associate Director PE Director Personal Care Manager Community Dog 

Shantel Koehler Fred Peace Shawn Kynett Elizabeth K. Mohrherr Umesh Maharaj 

Dining Room Manager Kitchen Manager Director Resident Services Resident Liaison Director of Plant Ops 

“We honor our residents with love and proudly provide life enriching experiences.” 

President Joan Petersen’s July 2011 Remarks 

Summer arrived on June 21st and a pool party at Crown Plaza was a perfect beginning. The 

Father’s Day Brunch gave us an opportunity to honor the fathers among us and it was quite a 

sporty event! Another notable June event was our first ever two day open house. Many 

residents got to show off the wonderful activities here at the Plazas, along with each 

department showcasing to the public their strengths and what makes Carlton the best place 

to live. We also had a special celebration honoring those residents who have referred a friend 

to live here. Each recipient received a check for $1000.00 and Edna Lewkowitz won the “big” 

check for the most recent referral. We had several new activities last month including Viagra 

Veterans, Cribbage, Charades, and Spoons. July promises to bring some new outings as well. 

Lots of fun things to do!! This month, I am featuring the Carlton Plaza’s fee based Personal Care 

program, known as the “PCs”. Donna Myers is the Manager of the Personal Care Department. 

They provide services to approximately 100 residents. These services include, but are not 

limited to, helping with bathing, dressing, shaving, eating meals, as well as, escort services. 

Donna’s responsibilities include hiring, training and scheduling the Personal Care staff. Donna 

supervises the PCs to ensure they are using best practices. She also manages the Wellness 

Department budget, time sheets, and orders the necessary supplies. Donna spends a lot of 

time on task sheets and resident updates. She is also the PC Manager at Crown Plaza. On the 

lighter side... She will be your BlackJack dealer this month. Well, get ready residents, it is the 

season of our famous “block parties” beginning with our Carlton Family BBQ on the 5th of July. 

Don’t forget to remind yourselves and your family to wear red, white and blue. Each day, 

select an activity or two to attend, invite a friend and make a friend. 

Enjoy!! 

Joan Petersen 

President

Dear Residents, Families, and Friends, 

My father always said watch what you ask 

for. Now, I know what he meant. After all 

the rain and cold weather we have been 

having, I have heard more than once "I 

wish summer would be here today. It can't 

get to be 100 degrees fast enough." Well it's 

here. The last two weeks of June have been 

wonderfully warm, okay HOT. I love every 

minute of it, as long as I am either in an air 

conditioned room or the pool. Summer is 

my most favorite season of the year. To me 

there is nothing better than waking up to 

blue skies and the warmth of the sun on my 

face. It's such a great way to start the day. 

With that being said if summer is here, then 

4th of July is right around the corner. That 

means we will be having our Carlton Family 

BBQ. Don't miss out on our family celebration, 

July 5th at 4:30 to 9:00 pm. It is such a 

fun event we have each year. We will be 

serving a fabulous BBQ dinner from 4:30 pm 

to 7:00 pm and then after dinner we will 

meet in between the two communities for a 

block party. We will have ice cream, entertainment 

and lots of dancing. The night will 

end with a magical fireworks show. I hope 

you will all come out and join us. 

If I haven't told you lately, we have the best 

residents around. I have been at many 

other communities lately and you all are 

truly the best. Your active, happy and very 

positive humans. It is a true pleasure for me 

to come into your home each day and 

work with all of you. You all make my day 

better. If you think the sun warms my heart 

you should see it after I spend time with all 

of you, its burning up with love, joy and 

much happiness. Please know I am here for 

all of you. My door is always open. Thank 

you for brightening my days. 

Warm regards, 

Lisa Schumann 

Executive Director 

Helping Hearts 

Mildred Cox 

Thea Chitambar 

Emme Blucher 

Beth Shoemaker 

“Carlton Ambassadors” 

Ken Byers Lori Brink 

Jack Carey Barbara Carey 

Cleo Wipff Doris Haney 

Walt Jensen Erma Cole 

Edwin Iloff Yvonne Eckhardt 

Linda Jenkins Eric Hawkinson 

You are Cordially Invited to 

Carlton Plaza of Sacramento’s 

Carlton Family BBQ 

Eric & Paisley 

Tuesday, July 5th 

From 4:30 pm to Dusk 

Please R.S.V.P by Friday, July 1st 

Please join us on this very special day!

Carlton Family News 

Just for Family Members... We are pleased to 

announce that we have a family support group 

held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 

6:00 to 7:00 pm in the 3rd floor craft room. 

Anyone with a loved one living at either Crown 

Plaza or Carlton Plaza may attend this group. 

and Coming Soon... 

The Family Connection 

“Toy Basket” 

Attention Residents: Our Balance Fitness 

classes may be the very best activity for you! 

Please make every effort to attend. Classes 

are held on Tuesday, Thursday at 1:00pm 

and Saturdays at 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. 

Please see Marilyn for class availability. 

You may join any class time if there is room 

at the bar. Ideally, you should be doing 

balance fitness exercises 2 to 3 times a week! 

Refer a Friend Check Recipients 

June Awards went out to Edna Lewkowitz 

(who won the big check, for most recent 

Referral), Ken Byers, Erna Anderson, 

Yvonne Eckhardt and Beth Shoemaker. 

Refer a friend to the Plazas and receive 

$1000.00, if they stay 90 days or more! 

Activities are Subject to Change!! 

Sometimes, contractors may cancel, or other events occur that 

may change an activity day and time. (After the calendar is printed). 

Please check the Daily board in the front lobby for up to date activities. 

Welcome to Our New Residents 

Friday, July 1 

9:15 Fabulous Fitness (PE) 

10:00 Wal-Mart Shopping (FD) 

10:30 Teacher’s Choice (PE) 

11:00 Door De’Cor Sale (FD) 

1:00 Piano Music with Brian (LR) 

1:15 Afternoon Poker Game (GR) 

2:15 Friday Bingo (CCP) 

2:30 Gentle Yoga (PFR) 

3:30 Happy Hour: Tim Durnan (LR) 

Saturday, July 2 


10:00 to 11:00 General Store (3rd Floor) 

10:00 Morning Balance Fitness (PFR) 

10:00 Social Morning Bridge (Lib) 

10:30 Reminiscing Game(PE) 

1:00 Balance Fitness (PFR) 

1:30 Terrific Tai Chi (PE) 

2:30 Afternoon Bingo (PE) 

7:00 Evening Movie (TV) 

Key 

Highlighted Activities are led by our Helping Hearts 

1st floor: LR: Living Room, PE: Personal Expressions Room, 

Gaz: Gazebo, DR: Dining Room, FD: Front Desk, PDR: 

Private Dining Room, OH: Our House, CO: Courtyard 

2nd Floor: GR: Game Room, PFR: Personal Fitness Room, 

HWO: Health & Wellness Office,TV: TV Room, Lib: Library, 

3rd Floor: BS: Beauty Salon, CR: Craft Room, 

Crown Plaza: CCP 

Brain 

Fitness 

Bill Finch #118 

Bernice Pennison #209 

Kay Castelli #110 

Hal Hession #223 

Adrienne Stuhler #261 

Virginia Dennis #317 

Diabetic 

Focus 

Musical 

Performance 

Happy Birthday 

Louise Myers 


Xiong Yang 

Exercise 

Program

Sunday, July 3 Thursday, July 7 

9:00 to 12:00 pm Church Shuttles 

9:15 Carlton Walking Club (FD) 

10:00 SPCA: Love on Loan (Crown) 

10:30 Sunday Snacks & Social (PE) 

1:15 Wii Experience (PE) 

2:00 Sunday Worship: Miles Patten (TV) 

2:30 Sunday Bingo (PE) 

7:00 Sunday Evening Movie (TV) 

9:00 to 3:30 Doctor Shuttles (FD) 


10:15 Stamping Up: Card-making (CR) 

10:45 What’s Happening Now? (GR) 

11:00 Parkinson’s Men’s Group (Crown) 

1:00 Balance Fitness 1:15 Reflections (Lib) 

2:15 Fred Edano Plays (CCP) 

2:30 Root Beer Floats (Cafe) 


Monday, July 4 Friday, July 8 



10:15 Adult Education with Karen (PE) 

10:30 Carlton Garden Group (patio) 

11:30 New Resident Luncheon (DR) 

1:15 Marvin Ulvild on Piano (LR) 

2:15 Bingo at the Crown 

2:15 Darn Yarn & More (PE) 

3:15 Email with Marilyn (PE) 



10:00 Shopping: Loehmann’s Plaza (FD) 

10:30 Brain Games (PE) 

1:15 Lift your Voice with Jack Carey (LR) 

1:30 Afternoon Poker Game (GR) 

2:15 Friday Bingo (CCP) 


3:30 Happy Hour: Julian LaCalle (LR) 

Tuesday, July 5 Hug Day Saturday, July 9 

8:00 Eye Glass Cleaning & Repairs (LR) 


9:15 Fabulous Fitness/Conductorcise (PE) 

10:30 Our Country’s Crossword (PE) 


1:45 Poetry Society (PE) 

4:30 to Dusk Carlton Family BBQ 

Delta Breeze, Block Party & Dancing 

Fireworks, Ice Cream & More: 



10:00 Bridge (Lib) 


1:30 Saturday Scrabble with Brian (PE) 

2:30 Bingo (PE) 


Balance Fitness 10:00 am & 1:00 pm (PFR) 

Wednesday, July 6 Key 

9:00 Carlton Bank (FD) 


10:00 Buds Babes 

10:30 Geritol Jets 

10:45 Hits & Misses 

Wear Red, White & Blue Today 


Saheeda Ahmadi 

9:45 Amador Flower Farm & Wine Outing 

10:15 Rite Aid Outing (FD) 

10:30 Tops & Bottoms (PE) 

10:30-12:00 Weight/Blood Pressure (HWO) 

11:00 Resident Activity Meeting (PE) 

1:15 Carlton Poker Game (GR) 

3:30 Crown Happy Hour: Jerry Lopes 

6:30 Holy Mass (TV) 







3rd Floor: BS: Beauty Salon, CR: Craft Room 


Brain 

Fitness 

Diabetic 

Focus 

Musical 

Performance 


Cleo Wipff 




Caesars Scissors Sale 11-2 Today 

Happy Birthday Carol Johanson & Nazar Pridyuk & Jesse Mendoza 

Exercise 

Program


9:00 to 12:00 pm Church Shuttles (FD) 


10:30 Super Sunday Social (PE) 

1:15 Sunday Poker (PE) 

1:15 Ecumenical Worship (Crown LR) 


7:00 Sunday Movie (TV) 


9:15 Fabulous Fitness (LR) 

10:30 Hand Spa (CR) 

1:15 Reflection: Life Stories (Lib) 

1:30 Men’s Group “Viagra Veterans” (PE) 

2:00 Food Committee (PE) 

3:00 Sign Language (PDR) 





10:30 Crafts at Carlton (PE) 

1:15 Beats & Rhythms Perform(LR) 



7:00 Monday Movie (TV) 


10:00 Shopping: Target (FD) 

10:30 Spoons! (PE) 



2:15 Friday Bingo (Crown) 


3:30 Happy Hour: Fred Edano (LR) 



9:15 Fab. Fitness/Conductorcise (PE) 

10:30 Team Trivia Challenge(PE) 


1:30 UNO Game (PE) 

2:00 Red Cross Emergency Preparedness 

2:15 BlackJack (PE) 

5:30 Cribbage (PE) 

7:15 Movie (TV) 


Cheng Chang 

10:00 Buds Babes (PFR) 

10:30 Geritol Jets (PFR) 

10:45 Hits & Misses (PFR) 



10:00 Bridge Game (Lib) 

10:30 Totally Trivia (PE) 





Wednesday, July 13 Room Key 



10:15 Walgreens Outing (FD) 

10:30 Crafted by Angels (PE) 

1:00 Mystery Trip Outing (FD) 

1:15 Carlton Casino Hour (PE) 

2:30 Get Juiced with Neel (PE) 

3:30 Crown Happy Hour: Larry Adair 

6:30 Communion (TV) 












Brain 

Fitness 

Diabetic 

Focus 

Musical 

Performance 


Dorcas Njoroge 

Galina Kamenskaya 


Clarice Ohanesian 

Carmel Tetlow 

Exercise 

Program




10:30 Sunday Morning Social (PE) 

11:00-2:00 Some Day Brunch (DR) 

1:15 Wii Experience (PE) 

2:00 Sunday Worship: Miles Patten (TV) 

2:30 Bingo & More Bingo (PE) 

4:15 Exec. Committee Meeting (PDR) 

7:00 Sunday Evening Movie (TV) 

9:00 -3:00 Doctor Shuttles (FD) 10:00 Buds Babes 

9:15 Fabulous Fitness (PE) 10:30 Geritol Jets 

10:30 July Tea & Treats (PE) 10:45 Hits & Misses 

10:45 What’s Happening Now? (GR) 

12:15 Resident of the Month Lunch (DR) 


1:15 Reflections (Lib) 

2:30 Rootbeer Floats (Cafe) 




9:15 Fabulous Fitness with Karen (PE) 

10:15 Adult Ed: Teacher’s Choice (PE) 

10:30 Carlton Garden Group (patio) 

1:15 The Cello Sound (LR) 





10:00 Safeway & Longs Outing (FD) 

10:30 Brain Games (PE) 

10:00 Parkinson’s Support Group (CCP) 

1:15 Lift your voice with Jack Carey (LR) 


2:00 Totally Trivia with Brian (PE) 

2:15 Bingo (Crown) 


3:30 Happy Hour: Delta Breeze (LR) 




10:30 What’s in a Phrase (PE) 


1:45 Poetry Society (PE) 

2:30 Lisa’s Cooking Class (PE) 

5:30 Cribbage with Ron (PE) 





Happy Birthday Ed Puccinelli & Marcella Roby 


10:00 to 11:00 Carlton Store (3rd Floor) 

10:00 Bridge (Lib) 


1:15 Chess and Yahtzee Game (PE) 

2:30 Bingo Game (PE) 



Wednesday, July 20 Key 



10:15 Rite Aid Outing (FD) 

10:30 Tops & Bottoms (PE) 

10:30-12:00 Weight/Blood Pressure (HWO) 

10:45 High Hand Lunch & Iris Farm (FD) 


2:00 Carlton Book Club (Lib) 

3:30 Crown Happy Hour: Robert Green 







HWO: Health & Wellness office,TV: TV Room, Lib: Library, 



Brain 

Fitness 

Diabetic 

Focus 

Musical 

Performance 


Jimmy Purcell 

Nick Schumann 

“Name That Resident” 

Display at 2:30 Today 


Meyer Tupler 


Shierla Esternon 


Stella Puccinelli 

Exercise 

Program




10:30 Sunday Social-Peets & Treats (PE) 

1:15 Poker Game (PE) 

1:15 Ecumenical Worship (CCP) 

2:30 Sunday Bingo (PE) 

3:45 Vespers Service (LR) 


9:00 -3:00 Doctor Shuttles (FD) 


10:30 Hand Spa (PE) 

12:00 July Birthday Luncheon (DR) 


1:15 TAPS Art Program (PE) 

1:15 Reflections Life Writing (Lib) 

1:30 Men’s Group “Viagra Veterans” (PE) 

2:00 Dr. McCloud Presents (LR) 





10:30 Resident Council Meeting (PE) 

1:15 Bob Gregory Performs (LR) 





10:00 Shopping: Marshall’s, Ross & Sally’s (FD) 

10:30 Scrambled Trivia (PE) 



2:15 Friday Bingo (Crown) 


3:30 Happy Hour: Rotary Band (LR) 




10:30 Team Trivia Rematch (PE) 


2:30 Travel Talk: Taiwan (PE) 

5:30 Cribbage with Ron (PE) 



Manuel Natividad 


Cissie Goldstein 






10:00 Bridge Game (Lib) 

10:30 Totally Trivia (PE) 





Wednesday, July 27 Sunday, July 31 

9:00 Casino Outing (FD) 



10:15 Crafted by Angels (PE) 

11:00 Shine Your Wheels & Walkers (PE) 

1:30 The Magic of Music-Ken Byers (PE) 

2:45 ZUMBA with Dani (PE) 

3:30 Happy Hour: The Songbirds (CCP) 






Sogi Damdinsuren 



10:30 Super Sunday Social (PE) 

1:15 Sunday Poker (PE) 



“Every time you go to an activity, 

bring a friend and make a friend.”

Carlton Plaza of Sacramento 

Resident of 

the Month 

July 

2011 

Larry Schei 

Larry was born in Long Beach, CA, on August 24, 1915. His parents brought Larry to 

Sacramento in July, 1916. Larry has lived in Sacramento since then. In 1940, Larry 

married Janet Barrows Hall of Berkeley. Janet died in 1996. On December 28, 2000, Larry 

married Betty Gibbons McCurry. Her first husband, Robert McCurry passed away in 1989. 

Larry attended Sacramento High School, Sacramento Junior College and UC Berkeley. He 

received several awards for good scholarship, including election to Phi Beta Kappa in 

1937. After passing the bar examination on his first try, he was admitted to the Bar on 

December 10, 1940. Larry practiced law in Sacramento until his retirement in 1987. He 

was President of the Sacramento County Bar Association and Chairman of the California 

State Bar committees on Rules of Court Procedure and Continuing Education of the Bar. 

He argued and won one case in the US Supreme Court, and won 6 of 7 cases in the 

California Supreme Court. Larry is a Mason, and a member of Union Lodge. He was 

Venerable Master of the Scottish Rite Lodge of Perfection and in 1969 was Potentate of 

Ben Ali Temple of the Shrine. He is a member of the Board of Scottish Rite Clinic for 

Children with Language Disorders, and, and also a member of the Board of The Marguerite 

Home, a charitable trust to help elderly single women which was founded by Margaret 

Crocker in 1880. Larry believes that God has given each of us all that we have, and that 

we are obligated to use at least part of the Lord’s gifts to us to help people who need 

physical and financial help. His favorite season is summer. He greatly enjoys the family 

vacation home at Tahoe Pines, up Blackwood Creek from Lake Tahoe. Betty and Larry 

have been residents of Carlton Plaza since November of 2010. They like it here! 

Welcome to Carlton Plaza Larry Schei

Carlton Senior Living has now implemented an Associate Wellness Program to keep our employees 

healthy and happy. When we looked to enrich our associates lives we decided that improving all aspects 

of wellness, so we are focusing on the top areas of wellness that the employees decided on. One of the 

top areas that was decided on was physical wellness. The Associate Wellness Committee is addressing 

the need for physical wellness by kicking off a walking challenge in July. The name of the walking 

challenge is “Strut Your Stuff”. The associates will be walking their way to healthier bodies one step 

at a time. You may notice participating employees wearing a button with the words “Associate Wellness 

Program, It begins with you”. If you see a Carlton employee wearing that button, ask them how many 

steps they have taken today. The encouragement from their beloved residents and families will surely 

give them the extra “push” they need to take that next step. The entire Associate Wellness Program is 

completely voluntary, but the more participation the better the challenge. So if you see the badge 

applaud the participant and know that they are not only getting healthy for themselves but also for 

you.

Getting Older 

The other day a young person asked me how I 

felt about being old. I was taken aback; I don’t 

think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, 

the woman was immediately embarrassed. I then 

explained that it was an interesting question and 

I would ponder it. 

Old age, I decided, is a gift. I am now, probably 

for the first time in my life, the person I have 

always wanted to be. Oh, not my body, of course! 

The wrinkles, the baggy eyes, skin spots and 

bumps, the sagging butt, and - - -. Often I am 

taken aback by that old person who lives in my 

mirror, but I don’t agonize over those things for 

very long. This is God’s plan for us. 

I would never trade my amazing friends, my 

wonderful life, and my loving family for less gray 

hair or a flatter belly. As I’ve aged, I’ve become 

kinder to myself and less critical of 

myself. I’ve finally become my own friend and I 

like her. 

I don’t chide myself for eating that extra cookie 

or for not making my bed, or for buying that 

silly trinket. I am entitled to overeat, to be 

messy and to be extravagant. 

I have seen too many dear friends leave this 

world too soon; before they understood the great 

freedom that comes with aging. I dance with 

myself to those wonderful tunes of the 50’s and 

if at the same time wish to weep over a lost love, 

I will. 

I will walk the beach in a swimsuit that is 

stretched over a bulging body and will dive into 

the waves with abandon if I choose to despite the 

pitying glances from the bikini set. Oh yes, they 

too, will eventually look like me. 

I know I am often forgetful. But there again, 

some of life is just as well 

forgotten. Eventually I 

remember 

the important things. 

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. 

How can your heart not break when you lose a 

loved one or when a child suffers or even when a 

beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts 

are what give us strength and understanding 

and compassion. A heart never broken is 

pristine and sterile and will never know the joy 

of being imperfect. 

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have 

my hair turn gray and to have my youthful 

laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my 

face. So many have never laughed and so many 

have died before their hair could turn silver. 

Most importantly, I think that by living this 

many years, I have finally begun to understand 

a bit about why we are all here; why we were 

gifted to walk the pathways we have trod and 

maybe glimpse a bit of God’s plan for now and 

later. I have been truly blessed. 

So, to answer the question: I like being old. It 

has set me free. I like the person I have become. 

I am not going to live forever, but while I am 

still here, I will not waste time lamenting what 

could have been or worrying about what will be. 

And---I shall eat a bit of the “dessert of life” 

every single day! (Author unknown – an email 

forward 5-05) 

*** 

I’d like to thank the person who wrote 

this article because she has fed us some 

challenging food for thought. Today let’s all 

rethink our own attitudes about aging. If 

they are less than positive, let’s 

turn those thoughts around so that each and 

every day that God gives us will be a precious 

gift for which we truly give thanks and 

receive with gratitude each and every 

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July 2011 CPS Newsletter 1075 Fulton1 - Carlton Senior Living

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