"April showers bring May flowers." How many times during life does a person hear those words?
Many a springtime brings a lot of rainy days, but remembering the flowers to come, my spirits are always lifted. The browned grass starts to turn green and finally the warming breezes dry out the soggy mud.
After a long, hard winter that older folks think will never end, the little tips of tulips and daffodils along with the many awaking flora pop their heads up through the brown, dry dismal fallen bed of leaves.
At one time I actually did measure these little "pop-ups," and each day my expectations grew and the winter blahs lessened as the weather warmed.
Now's the time to snip a few lovely flowers to sit on our table before us. Each morning we can appreciate the cheerful "good morning" message from beautifully formed living creations. How thoughtful and loving the Creator is to give humankind such pleasure.
Old age is so aggressive and something we would like to erase from us. There is no guarantee that we will see another springtime. Life can be discouraging at times and especially so as health problems seem to mount up. Many of us turn to spirituality for solace.
This is a very sobering time in a person's life. Many friends and relatives are not with us anymore.
Many questions run through our minds as we contemplate what will happen to us individually or just where are our beloved now? There has been volumes written on the subject. I have found many differing ideas that are to be confusing to the point of perhaps disbelief or hope in anything.
One thing I can be assured of is if those beautiful flowers that I so enjoy can be asleep all winter and awakened again to be part of a lovely garden ... so why not us?
Who has the truth? By my reading historical facts truthfully recorded, along with eyewitness accounts, I can really believe in what is said. But again, freedom of choosing is God given.
I wanted to know and especially so when my grandparents died many years ago. Finally I was given the opportunity to learn the answers to my many questions and logically so that believing and hoping was easy. The Bible has that information.
Several years ago my husband and I enjoyed genealogy. We searched and utilized the many avenues spending many hours at our local cemeteries. It was interesting to see numerous very old headstones with "R.I.P." engraved on them: "Rest In Peace," I thought, just like the wintering flowers.
An awaking is assured because of what Jesus Christ did for us. I guess many do believe that and I was so happy to actually be able to express my feelings on the subject as I can look forward to giving my grandparents all the hugs they have been missing.
Sitting on our little side porch is so relaxing as I soak up the warming sunshine.
The spring flowers now sway in the slight breeze that flows up our valley and the sound of the returning song birds is a delight to my ears. There is peace and quiet as I close my eyes with a sigh to reminisce about the past with all the happy times.
Now I have the time to enjoy much that I have missed. Life is extremely busy in this world of ours ... perhaps too busy to the extent of not allowing us the opportunity to count our blessings and thoroughly enjoy them ... even the seemingly little things.
So being elderly and supposedly retired has benefits that can be looked forward to.
Elaine W. Kniskern is a 78-year-old resident of Schenevus and a grandmother of five. She can reached at elaine-kniskern@stny.rr.com. 'Senior Scene' columns can be found at www.thedailystar.com/seniorscene.
Senior scene
Looking Back: Reflecting on the awakening flowers of springtime offers hope
- Senior scene
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Looking Back: A sad ending for adorable, sweet Taffy-toes
Another unwanted drop-off? Yes and so I must write this.
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As Time Goes By: Dealing with side effect of pills can really be a pain
At age 76, I find myself incontinent. Actually the problem started well before that date but now it has gone beyond "a problem," to "holy smoke the dam broke."
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From the Office: Try spring cleaning, organizing for stress release
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Looking Back: Take your time, think ahead before making decisions
A lifetime may seem forever for some, especially when we were young and couldn't wait to grow up and get to do all things we saw the adults do. Come to think of it, perhaps that wasn't too good.
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As Time Goes By: Getting sick in the southern sun
I went and did it - I have heard about southern hospitality so much that I thought I would see if it extended to the hospitals as well.
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From the Office: Despite professional advice, we still eat too much sodium
High blood pressure affects many seniors, putting them at risk of heart disease and stroke. The risks are much higher if they have diabetes, too.
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Looking Back: Shopping just isn't the same when you get older
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Social Security: Learn more about Social Security's own 'Final Four'
A fellow Social Security employee wrote this entertaining and informative article and shared it with me. I think it's worth sharing with all of you. Hope you enjoy it…
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As Time Goes By: Coming of age in the grocery store
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From the Office: Ensure you are safe when you take to the roads
The ability to drive is something that most of us count on, whether it be to get to work, shopping, medical or other appointments, visiting friends and family and any number of other activities. When the vehicle or the driver is out of commission, life can certainly be more difficult.
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Looking Back: What's in name? Sometimes a lot when talking about pets
When remembering years gone by, I always think fondly of the many delightful pets we had. I still miss them as each one had their own distinct personality that was so enchanting, entertaining and even sometimes exasperating.
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As Time Goes By: Tell my leg to stop pulling my leg
After 76 years of living with it, I have decided that my right leg has a mind of its own.
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From the Office: Don't miss a deduction when filing taxes this year
Happy New Year, everyone! It is that time of year when we are busy getting our tax paperwork in order. Before filing your taxes, don't miss out on deductions related to medical expenses and other costs that come out of your wallet, especially if you care for a family member throughout the year.
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Looking Back: Belief of life after death offers tranquility
As I write this column tears of sadness have been shed. I didn't think I could express myself for fear of sounding so remorseful to the point of despair.
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Social Security: Website now offers more through my Social Security portal
Happy New Year! As we enter 2013, I want to share some exciting news regarding recent enhancements made to our website. Take a look at the following news release that came out Jan. 7 from Social Security's press office, telling us all about a new service available to the public.
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As Time Goes By: It's a New Year and why am I still hung over?
Here we are, New Year's revelry has passed and now for those who imbibed too much the "price" must be paid.
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From the Office: Stay warm during cold winter months to avoid hypothermia
The winter months can be a difficult and dangerous time for anyone living in this area of the country where temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
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It helps to face old age with a happy heart
How do old folks feel when it comes to living through that time in their lives? Well, I’m at the 80-year mark now, and believe me, this is not what is said to be “Golden Years� in any form whatsoever!
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Social Security: An oldie but goodie on Frosty the Snowman and direct deposit
Yes, it's that time of year again -- time to go through my dad's old holiday articles and choose one to share with everyone.
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As Time Goes By: It's that time of year -- time for Christmas memories
"Christmas is coming the goose is getting fat -- please put a penny in the old man's hat." With those words my mother would herald the season of gift-giving which usually started a few weeks before the 25th of December.
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Looking Back: A sad ending for adorable, sweet Taffy-toes
