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Mountain View News Saturday, January 18, 2025
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SENIOR HAPPENINGS
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! …JANUARY BIRTHDAYS*
Gerald Day, Mary Tassop, Judy Webb-Martin, John Johnson, Mary
Bickel, Marlene Enmark, Shirley Wolf, Ross Kellock, Ruth Wolter,
Sandy Thistlewaite, Bobbi Rahmanian, Fran Syverson, Joy Painter,
Judy Zaretzka and Becky Evans. * To add your name to this distinguished
list, please call the paper at 626.355.2737. YEAR of birth not required
THE WILDFIRES IN EATON CANYON:
SENIORS COPING WITH LOSS AND UNCERTAINTY
The recent wildfires that have swept through Southern California, including the devastating blaze
in Eaton Canyon, have left many residents grappling with the aftermath, with seniors among the
most affected. In addition to the Eaton Canyon fire, other local fires in the region have further exacerbated
the challenges facing elderly populations. For seniors, the emotional and physical toll of
these fires is particularly heavy, given the loss of their homes and possessions and the uncertainty
surrounding future fire seasons.
In Eaton Canyon, many elderly residents were forced to evacuate quickly, often with little time to
prepare. For those with limited mobility or health concerns, escaping the danger posed unique challenges.
The fear of losing not only their homes but also treasured personal items—such as family
photographs and keepsakes—was a significant emotional strain. The worry about the future compounded
the immediate anxiety of the fire itself.
When residents returned to their homes, some found damage or destruction, including the loss of
irreplaceable items. For older adults, these possessions hold profound sentimental value, representing
years of memories and personal history. The emotional impact of these losses can be especially
overwhelming, leaving many seniors struggling with grief and uncertainty.
Mental health professionals stress the importance of providing emotional support to seniors following
such traumatic events. “The emotional toll of losing a home and personal belongings can be
especially profound for older adults, who may already face isolation or physical challenges,” says Dr.
Lisa Hart, a local psychologist who works with disaster-affected populations. “It’s essential to offer
counseling, social connections, and resources that help seniors navigate the grief and stress that
comes with such a loss.”
Local organizations have been working diligently to support seniors in the aftermath of the fires, offering
temporary shelter, counseling, and assistance with recovery. Yet for many seniors, the road to
emotional healing remains long. The ongoing uncertainty of living in a fire-prone region continues
to weigh heavily on their minds.
The recent fires in Eaton Canyon and surrounding areas serve as a powerful reminder of the vulnerability
of seniors during disasters. As communities rebuild, ensuring that elderly residents have
the necessary support and resources to recover physically and emotionally will be crucial for their
long-term well-being.
OUT TO PASTOR
A Weekly Religion Column by Rev. James Snyder
I'M NOT OLD JUST YOUNG CHALLENGED
Most people are fascinated by their age as if it makes any difference
in their lives. Some people are very intimidated by getting older and
struggle against it.
When I was young, I couldn't wait to get older. I couldn't wait until
I was old enough to get a driver's license. Why does it take so long to get old when
you're young, and when you're old, it flies by like a bullet?
Sometimes, I get a call from a scammer who asks me how old I am. I respond, "I'm
not sure how old I am because every year my age changes." Then I hear the infamous
"click."
I have several relatives who will never accept how old they are. They are frozen at 20
and try living as though they were 20 years old. It never works out, but I won't be
the one to tell them. Why try to act like you're younger than you are when you could
just be yourself?
People are intimidated by getting older. I keep telling them that the only cure for old
age is to die.
If I tried to live my life as though I were 20, I'd get into a lot of trouble, especially with
The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage. She is one of those reality people. I don't
disagree with her, but I often conflict with her by not acting my age.
I might be doing something rather silly, and she'll catch me. Then, with both hands
on her hips, she will say, "Why don't you just act your age?"
I wanted to respond a few times and ask her if she was acting her age, but my love of
life keeps me from doing stupid things like that.
At this stage, the big question in my life is: How do I act my age? And what really is
my age?
If I'm at a certain age, I'm not acting that age; I'm just living that age. So when The
Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage wants me to act my age, she wants me to pretend
I'm older than I really am. I don't know what that means!
I tried to tell her that I’m really not old; just young challenged.
I was wondering the other day if I acted like I was 30 if The Gracious Mistress of the
Parsonage would recognize me. When I was 30, I was completely different than what
I am today, whatever my age. I believe I should be able to get up in the morning, pick
an age, and then act that age.
It sounded like a good idea until I tried it.
One morning, I got up and said to myself, "Today, I am 20, and so I'm going to act
like a 20-year-old."
Before lunch, I had worn myself out so badly that I didn't know if I would continue
the day. I forgot how active I was at 20. I forgot that when I walked, I was half-
running. I forgot that when I ate, I ate like a starving chimpanzee. Oh, I don't want
to be young again.
I began to realize what it really means to be young and challenged. I would have to
practice for a month to act like I was 20 for one day. I don't have that much time left
to do that. So I'm young challenged. So what?
When I was young, I acted my age and got into trouble that I won't discuss with
anyone today. But those days are over, and now I'm going to try to act like I'm an old
geezer. I have found that I am a superb actor in this category. If there was an Emmy
for acting like an old geezer, I would win hands down.
My wife and I were discussing this, and she said, "I remember what you were like
when you were 20, and it would be good for you to act like you were 20 again."
With a little smirk on my face, I looked at her and said, "I will act 20 if you also act
20. Because a 20-year-old doesn't date an old geezer." I'm not sure she got it, but she
didn't like how I said it.
But if I'm going to act like a 20-year-old, then my whole surroundings have to be in
that category. What good is it to act like your 20 when you don't have the energy of
a 20-year-old?
It's been a long time since I heard The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage ask me if
I was going to act my age. I'm glad because I'm not a very good actor.
I also have a hard time acting my age. How do you practice to act a certain age so that
by the time you're done practicing, you're older?
It doesn't matter how old you are or that you have to act a certain age; it's really living
today with today's understanding.
I was reminded what Solomon said. “The glory of young men is their strength: and
the beauty of old men is the grey head” (Proverbs 20:29).
I never understood this until one day I looked in my mirror and saw I had grey hair.
I never thought my hair would get grey, but there it was and my mirror doesn’t lie, so
says The Gracious Mistress of the Parsonage
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com
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