My Favorite Senior Moments by Karen O'Connor Page B

matches, and no ashes to clean up!”
    Susan looked at the box of logs she’d bought. “How embarrassing!” she said. “I didn’t realize… ”
    â€œNo problem,” Fred said, interrupting her. He took his wife’s hand. “I don’t need wood, or matches, or logs, or twigs, or anything else to keep me warm. You light my fire!”
    Today’s Thoughts
    Love one another deeply, from the heart.
    1 P ETER 1:22
    Lord, may my love for others follow your lead of first loving me. You are my example and inspiration.

36
    Still Alive and Kickin’
    Sam pulled out his camping gear from some years ago. His tent was still in good condition. He had a mattress and sleeping bag, a lantern, a canteen, and a small stove, along with accessories for cooking. A quick trip to the grocery store, and he’d be all set. Now all he needed was a buddy to accompany him.
    He called Russ. “What do you say, Russ? Want to go camping for a few days at Lake Dorothy? It’s not too far, and the weather there is about perfect this time of year. I have a tent that’ll hold the two of us. What can go wrong?”
    â€œEverything!” Russ said pessimistically. “I’m not sure I have roughing it in me anymore.”
    â€œWhat do you mean?” Sam asked, his disappointment evident. The two had camped, and hiked, and rock-climbed together for decades. Why the sudden hesitancy? he wondered.
    â€œWhat if we’re swarmed by ants or a snake attacks?” Russ asked.
    â€œYou’ve seen snakes. What’s the big deal?”
    â€œA rainstorm could take out the tent. Then what would we do?”
    â€œWe’d pack up and go to a motel or drive home.”
    â€œMosquitoes. I’m allergic to insect bites.”
    â€œBring repellant—no problem,” Sam countered.
    â€œI’m not sure I can handle camp food at this age.”
    â€œThen bring the real thing, and we’ll cook to your specifications.”
    â€œI’m not as agile as I once was. I might slip and fall—and die on the spot.”
    â€œSure, but that could happen at the grocery store.” Sam had had enough of Russ’ negativity. “Look, friend,” he said, making his case one last time, “you either say yes or no. That’s it. Anything can happen at any time. You are going to die one day. Who cares where?”
    Russ laughed. “Well, okay, when you put it that way, I might as well say yes. But I’m going to update my will before we go.”
    â€œBe sure to include me!” Sam grinned, and his voice revealed his good humor. “I’ll be the one who has to carry you home if you die on the trail.”
    Today’s Thoughts
    Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
    M ATTHEW 10:28
    Lord, isn’t it interesting and even humorous the way people worry about this and that when the truth is that if we walk with you we are protected in every way? I’m thankful that you will call me to my heavenly home at just the right time—your time.

37
    It’s Not What It Looks Like
    Grandma Dee had a good heart and a strong commitment to keeping the community clean and presentable. She took a long walk every day armed with a trash bag so she could pick up stray cans, bits of paper, and empty bottles people tossed aside or the wind blew in. Sometimes she invited a neighbor to join her. Two are better than one, she believed. They could collect twice as much trash, as well. One day Grandma Dee knocked on Trisha’s door and invited her to join her on a walk. “Think you can keep up?” she teased. “I move pretty fast for an old lady.”
    â€œI’ll give it a try, but have pity on a 40-year-old,” Trisha teased back. “Keep checking on me just in case I drop behind.”
    Grandma Dee wasn’t too far off the mark when she challenged Trisha, who later admitted she returned from the adventure tired