My Favorite Senior Moments by Karen O'Connor

headed out to the garage. First things first! He whipped out his phone and called Beacon Dinner House. He made reservations for two. This might even lead to a sweet kiss! he decided. Now he was in the mood to fix that window.
    Today’s Thoughts
    My chosen ones will long enjoy the works of their hands.
    I SAIAH 65:22
    Lord, thank you for giving me the time and skills to maintain my home and my relationships.

32
    Turtle Race
    Minnie wanted to liven things up a bit at Meadowbrook Senior Living where she’d recently moved. She loved the array of activities to choose from to fill her days, but they were too tame. Croquet? Bridge? Flower arranging? Pul-eeze! There had to be more available than those ordinary pastimes. She wanted to join hiking and running groups, but at 86 she knew those days were over. Still, she was committed to staying active. Minnie decided to organize a day of sports for the residents—offering a variety of suitable activities.
    She came up with a plan and presented it to Miss Marston, the recreation manager, for consideration. Minnie’s suggestions included exercises that everyone could participate in—even those who relied on wheelchairs and walkers.
    Miss Marston looked over the well-written proposal and was about to give her stamp of approval when she noticed something called “Turtle Race.”
    â€œI’m sorry,” she said. “This is one activity that will have to go. We can’t have live turtles running around our recreation room. Let’s come up with an alternative.”
    Minnie pushed back with logic of her own. “But, Miss Marston, we can’t eliminate that one. I think it will be one of the highlights. People will love it. And we’ll have prizes for the winners.”
    â€œI’m afraid not.” Miss Marston was adamant. “No turtles, and that’s that. I’m sorry.”
    Minnie wouldn’t take no for an answer. She admitted with asmile, “Okay, I have a confession. The kind of turtles I’m talking about are no trouble at all.” A sheepish grin crossed her face. “I’m proposing a walking people race. People walking at a turtle’s pace. The residents will do the racing, and the first and last ones will win pet turtles.”
    Today’s Thoughts
    â€œMake level paths for your feet,” so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.
    H EBREWS 12:13
    I may not be able to run as fast as I once did, but you make my paths straight, Lord. You strengthen my legs so that I won’t be set aside in the race for your kingdom.

33
    Front to Back
    The Roberts clan gathered for a backyard barbecue to honor Grandpa Lou on his birthday. Lou’s wife, Rosemarie, was very excited about donning her brand-new, white Capri pants and coral-colored top, which she’d bought for the occasion. She wanted to show off her new figure after losing a few pounds.
    She pulled on the pants and slipped the long top over her head, pulling it snugly around her hips. Then she touched up her makeup and hair. She was ready when the family arrived. While walking back and forth from the kitchen to the yard, she felt the pants tug. That’s a bit odd , she thought. Sitting was also uncomfortable, but still, it was a small price to pay for the wonderful way she felt without the extra five pounds she’d been trying to shed for so long. Maybe she’d picked up the wrong size of pants by mistake. She’d handle it on Monday. Now was the time to enter into the spirit of the birthday celebration! After the meal, Rosemarie went into the guest bathroom to loosen her pants a bit after that extra helping of barbecued ribs. She discovered to her surprise that she’d put the pants on backward! The back patch pockets were in the front. Good thing the pants had an elastic waistband!
    Before switching them around, she decided to give everyone a good laugh. She walked into the kitchen where the family had gathered to