It’s Senior Time, Making the Best of the "Golden Years" 2-7-26

Jerry’s Story

Jerry is an eighty-nine year old originally from Long Island, New York; he goes to the gym, works and attend the wonderful Senior Center where he is loved by all and it is reciprocal. The Center consists of several ethnic group and we accept each other as all in one – a community that bonds together to life better for each of us.

Although he lives in an affluent community in another well known town, Jerry is down to earth and he doesn’t think of himself as being better than anyone else. If that were the case, why would he be at the center with us everyday people?

Jerry participates in most of the activities and he doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to going on outings with other members at the center and he loves to dance. Whatever and wherever there are events at the local center or in one of the centers where  a special event is, Jerry is always on the dance floor. This remarkable man has been a cancer survivor since 2004.

During our most recent conversation, it was discovered that Jerry and had something in common. In the 1970’s I worked at John Wanamaker in Philly, and he was a salesman for a company in South Jersey that sold products to Wanamaker’s housewares department.

Jerry speaks:

“I appreciate the good attitudes, laughter that is felt and experienced at the center; it’s a fun place to be. When problems arise, as an adult group we know how to smooth things out. I maintain my focus wherever I am, doing what is possible to live in the now, and when the negative past comes into my mind (take a couple of deep breaths), I quickly think about the now. In other words, I block it out.

As human beings we all have different problems because we are different, therefore we should not judge one another, but we should be determined to make life as best we can for ourselves and others.”

Thank you Jerry for your encouragement to the reading audience. Thank you Jerry for your encouragement to the reading audience. Your insight on the negative past is scriptural related:

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended [comprehended, understood]; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus Philippians 3:13-14).

Keep that bright smile on your face. You are a recycled teenager for real!

Betty A. Burnett ~ burnettministries.org