John
C. Maxwell, an American author and speaker, talks about two kinds of pride: “Good
pride” representing our dignity and self-respect; and “bad pride” - the deadly
sin of superiority composed of conceit and arrogance. As we age, sometimes we
let that “bad” pride” get in the way when making decisions about our own well-being.
This
may sound silly, but for example, I was proud I took only one prescribed medication.
I felt special particularly when nurses were always surprised to learn I took
so few for a “man of my age”.
That
was until my annual physical when I was told that according to the latest
recommendations, I should be taking a statin to help reduce my cholesterol. I
balked. That would mean two prescriptions. And I wouldn’t be so special!
So I went
to a higher authority – my cardiologist. He explained that by taking a statin,
it would increase my chances of living another twenty years. Okay, so I could
be proud and take only one prescription OR I could have a better chance of
living another twenty years. And since I need to work twenty more years to pay off
my parent loans for my children’s college education, I decided to swallow (no
pun intended) my pride and take the statin.
We
would all like to feel and act as we did fifty years ago (without repeating the
stupid things!). But let’s face it. It ain’t gonna happen. Instead we need to
be smart and accept what “is” - and adapt the “is” to what we want it to be. And
not let pride get in the way of making good choices – whether deciding to use a
walker, or telling someone you were wrong or taking a recommended medication.
It’s
early but save the date, October 7th, for the annual Baby Back Rib
dinner. The dinner is again sponsored by the good folks at The Springs at Mill
Creek, so all the proceeds from the dinner will support Meals-on-Wheels and the
Center. The cost is still only $15 - and it includes music performed by the
fabulous bluegrass band Hardshell Harmony,
who you may have heard at the County Fair’s Senior Picnic.
And
speaking of the Senior Picnic, it was good to see The Dalles Mayor Steve Lawrence;
Wasco County Commissioners Steve Kramer and Rod Runyon; and Wasco County Clerk,
Lisa Gambee, dishing out all the fried chicken and fixins. (There were others
but apparently my memory’s capacity is only four names). Thanks to Flagstone,
the Area Agency on Aging and Canyon Rim Manor for sponsoring this county fair tradition.
At the
Center’s Saturday Night Bingo on the 27th, there is a real good
chance someone will blackout in 58 numbers on the last game and drive home with
an extra $1000. Games start at 6:00 and the minimum buy-in is $10. All ages are
welcome.
I know
there are more great stories out there about your special grandchild experiences.
Entries have to be less than 300 words - we have one entry of only 40 words,
and you can even write you story on the back of a napkin. We don’t care. Prizes
include a Grand prize of a $300 certificate to any Shilo Inn. You have until
September 3rd. So get a pen and napkin and start writing.
The
Center’s usual fifth Tuesday band couldn’t make it, but we were able to rope in
the Shades of Country to perform on
Tuesday August 30th. Doors open at 6:00, music starts at 7:00, and donations
are appreciated.
The
television broadcaster and entertainer who hosted his own Talent Scouts television show was the “Old Redhead” Arthur Godfrey.
(This week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket is Harold Stephens.)
Back
in Indianapolis, I remember watching this epic movie with my parents at one of
those big motion picture palaces built in the 20’s and 30’s. For this week’s “Remember
When” question, what was the name of the movie
that starred Charlton Heston; and was the
highest-grossing film of 1959 and winner of a record eleven Academy
Awards? Email
your answer to www.mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788 or
drive it to the Center in a late model chariot.
Well,
it’s been another week, looking for shade on a sunny afternoon. Until we meet
again, don’t let the “some things” that could happen, keep you from enjoying the
“good things”.
“I
don’t intentionally spoil my grandkids. It’s just that correcting them often
takes more energy than I have left.” Gene Perret
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