Remembering - All About Seniors

By Janice N.Meyer, MDiv, GC-CHe greeted me in the driveway, sharing that he had just accomplished getting the trailer hitch off of his car; he punctuated this accomplishment with twinkling blue eyes peeking out from under his WWII hat, saying, got er done.The storm the night before had cleared the air and brought the temperature to a tolerable degree that day; this, along with the breeze, kept the air sweet with early summer flowers and outdoor grills as the three of usthe WWII veteran, his wife, and Isat in the backyard under the pecan tree that they had planted together as a twig some fifty years ago, they shared.After a bit of time, he looked off into the distance and, unprompted by anyone but his memories, began to share some of the profound personal experience at the invasion of Normandy, otherwise known to us as D-Day, June 6, 1944.

He shared the detailed experience as though it was yesterdaythe numbers, the fear, and the strength and presence of God with him on that day; he spoke of his companions, especially of one, saying that he would not have made it if the fellow next to him had not pulled him up by his shirt, saying, come on son, as he lifted him a few feet out of the water until he could regain his balance and follow the surge into the battle ahead.He punctuated this also with got er done.The three of us sat in silence for a while.The breeze rippled the pecan tree leaves just enough to keep us cool.The crystal blue sky looked down on us.

Not another sound interrupted that sacred, holy space and time.Some 80-plus years ago, June 6, 1944, many stories such as the above became the reality of so many.Today, we remember and give thanks for all of the service that so many have given for our freedom.Grief lingers among the many celebrations and gratitude.Did you know that many senior citizens harbor long-term or recent untreated grief associated with many life changes? Did you know that unresolved grief is treated often after the fact in the context of treating veterans and others for conditions such as post-traumatic stress?Among joy and celebrations, our nation and the world function under a blanket of continuous grief fraught from both international, national, and local instances of discord.

Perhaps we can all consider being a part of anakainosisthe renewal, renovation, complete change for the betterand tikkun olam, defined by acts of kindness to perfect or repair the world.if this century will be remembered it will be remembered for those who gave themselves for the cause of peace.(Henri Nouwen)Jesus said, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.Matthew 5:9