One of our favorite pastimes is to spend time thinking about how well off other people are and how bad off we are. We have so many sorrows. We think so many bad things have happened to us. Why is it that we suffer? When John and Jane go untouched, why do we deserve to be punished in this fashion?
The Hasidic Jews have a story about the sorrow tree. According to them, on Judgment Day we will be invited to hang all of our own miseries from the tree of sorrows. When we have done that we will be given permission to walk around the tree and survey everyone else’s miseries in order to select a set we like better. According to Hasidic legend, in the end we freely choose our own personal set of sorrows once more. That’s a charming way of saying that when we see the suffering and sorrow of others, more often than not, we are quite happy to keep our own.
Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.”
This recognition is a testament to their unwavering dedication, exceptional teamwork and commitment to providing nutritious and delicious meals to our residents. Their efforts have not only met but exceeded our expectations, ensuring that every meal is prepared with care and served with a smile. We commend this group for working seamlessly together to overcome challenges and ensure smooth operations.
Please join me in congratulating all of them for their outstanding performance and dedication. Their hard work and passion are truly inspiring and make a significant impact on our organization. Let’s continue to support and celebrate each other as we strive for excellence in all that we do.
While the pink ribbon is a well-recognized symbol of breast cancer awareness and support, many different awareness ribbons, representing many different types of cancers, exist. You might be surprised to learn that more than 50 ribbons represent different cancers and their survivors and caregivers today.
But where did it all start? Awareness ribbons initially sprang from a 1970s tune, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree,” which inspired the wife of a hostage in Iran to tie yellow ribbons around trees in an effort to heighten awareness and bring her husband home. In the 1990s, AIDS activists brought the red ribbon to life. Since the 1990s, ribbons have decorated the chests and homes of many cancer patients, families, and friends as an outward show of support and compassion.
RIBBONS OF ALL HUES
In addition to pink for breast cancer, a rainbow of ribbons mark months of awareness and action for other types of cancers. According to the National Cancer Institute, there are over 100 types and subtypes of cancer. Some subtypes of cancer even have their own awareness months and ribbons. Several common types of cancers and their awareness ribbon colors are shown on the right.
Ribbons can be combined to represent multiple cancers, and lavender is sometimes used to recognize cancer as a whole. They can be worn anytime to send love to someone in need, share your commitment with others, and inspire action for awareness and treatment.
In a world where cancer affects so many lives, the diverse colors of awareness ribbons unite us in a shared pursuit: to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support the patients and survivors in our lives. Together, we stand as a powerful force, offering hope and compassion to all those impacted by cancer of any kind.
Sometimes nature cooperates and makes a beautiful young person even more beautiful as they age. Paula Cwikiel is one of those fortunate people. However, her physical beauty is matched only by her joyful personality and her willingness to engage in activities to help others. Making other people look beautiful has been a major role her entire life.
Born in Haiti, Missouri, in 1945, Paula Gail Gurley was the last of five children–four boys and then Paula. She says her early childhood was a happy and normal one with school and church activities keeping her busy. “Being the only girl was not bad,” remembers Paula, “as I was often cared for and protected by my brothers.”
Unfortunately, the “normal” life came to an end when Paula’s father was accidently killed when she was 13. “It was a terrible time for all of us,” says Paula. “We thought we were also going to lose our mother because she was so grieved and overwhelmed with the sudden responsibility of our loss.” Paula’s mother gradually recovered and decided she needed a job to help support the family. She enrolled in a cosmetology course, subsequently, opening a shop in their home. “This was so much fun,” remembers Paula, “as Mother allowed me to bring my girlfriends to the shop, and we would try every hair style on each other.” This “fun” would ultimately have an impact on Paula’s professional life.
While in high school in Haiti, Paula found she loved acting when she enrolled in a drama and speech class her senior year. She was chosen for the leading part in all of the plays they performed that year and was presented with an award as Best Actor at her graduation ceremony in 1963. Paula dreamed of a life as an actress.
Paula’s plan was to get a college education by enrolling in Harding College (now University) in the fall. However, one week following graduation, Paula’s mother insisted that she enroll for the summer semester. Paula had wanted a break from school, but her mother’s wishes prevailed and Paula enrolled. “I was miserable and homesick the entire summer. I couldn’t wait to get home,” remembers Paula. “The bus ride home to Haiti was the longest trip I’ve ever made!”
Refusing to return to Harding in the fall, Paula declared she needed a “rest” before returning to school. Paula’s mother encouraged her, while she was “resting,” to enroll in a cosmetology course. So, Paula took her advice and became a licensed “hairdresser” in 1967, and she never returned to college.
As sometimes happens with future plans, Paula met and began dating a local man, Jess O’Quinn. After a whirlwind romance, they were married in 1964; two daughters were born to the couple. Because of Jess’ work in heating and air conditioning, they moved several times. Kimberly was born in Memphis in 1966, and Alicia was born in St. Louis, Missouri, in1970. After the daughters were grown, Paula and Jess decided to end their 20 year marriage in 1984.
Paula continued to work in the salon owned by a dear friend – former Kirby Pines resident, Carolyn Scarberry. “I had sought a position in ‘hairdressing’ following our move back to Memphis; fortunately Carolyn hired me,” remembers Paula. “I dearly loved Carolyn. She was like the sister I never had. We worked together for 30 years!”
In 1985, Paula met Steve Cwikiel. They dated for six and a half years before getting married in 1991. Steve worked as a computer auditor for Federal Express, eventually becoming Senior Executor of Auditing. “We had a very happy life together,” recalls Paula. “We loved travel, fishing, and camping–especially in Grand Father Mountains in North Carolina. We honeymooned in Hawaii and traveled to Europe.” They had 18 wonderful years together before Steve died in 2009 with leukemia.
Paula at age 3
To stay busy, Paula continued to work her last ten years as a “hairdresser” at Gould’s salon in Memphis, retiring in 2015. She also became very involved in the women’s ministry at Highland Church of Christ and continues there in Bible class and small group fellowship.
Paula began to think about moving to Kirby Pines. “I knew several from church who lived here as well as several former clients. I have two beautiful daughters who live close by, and I have three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren that I am so proud of, and enjoy every minute I can be with them. Even so, I realized I needed to be around people my age and become more active,” says Paula. With all those positives, Paula moved to Kirby Pines in July, 2022.
Paula has this to say about her decision: “I knew Kirby was the perfect place to live and enjoy my retirement. Kirby has so much to offer. I enjoy getting to use my drama experience by working with the Theater Group. I love the opportunities to worship and attend Bible studies here. I love the movie theater and going on day trips, celebrating birthdays – I could just go on and on. I can’t forget the wonderful people and family feel here, and the staff, too! There is so much to do here; I can’t imagine living anywhere else. SO BLESSED!”
“Physical Therapy is not just about treating the symptoms, but about restoring hope and improving quality of life!”
Hello Fall! Hello Physical Therapy Month!
Say a BIG hello to fall, pumpkin spice, baseball playoffs, football, and the holidays just around the corner. It’s also time to wave hello to the art of physical therapy and everything it can do for you! Afterall, October is PT month!
So, what is physical therapy? Physical therapy (PT) is the art of improving or restoring function, reducing pain, preventing further injury or decline in mobility. During therapy sessions, PT’s and PTA’s will work with patients on exercise, stretching, balance, mobility, walking, use of any assistive devices, and home exercise programs to improve safety, independence, functional mobility, and decrease/ eliminate pain.
Did you know?
Physical Therapy was first recognized in the United States during World War I. During the war, “reconstruction aides” were nurses tasked and trained to rehabilitate injured soldiers.
Many of today’s physical therapy techniques date back as far as 400 B.C. Greek physicians, Hippocrates and Galen, are believed to be among the first advocates of massage and hydrotherapy.
Physical therapy has been around for ages – and there are MANY benefits! Think you could benefit from therapy? Perhaps you are unsure or have questions. For more information on Physical Therapy and how it can benefit you, please contact your Functional Pathways Therapy Team!
When you think of exercising your brain, do you think about Sudoku, crosswords, and other mental puzzles? Studies are beginning to demonstrate that we need to put down that pencil and stand up and go for a walk. Physical exercise is proven to be better for your brain health than memory quizzes.
Our brains need the stimulation of aerobic exercise; that is, exercises that raise your heart rate and respiration. Just 30 minutes a day 5 days a week (150 minutes) of moderate intensity exercise can make a difference in mental as well as physical and emotional well-being. That extra blood flow to the brain creates higher levels of BDNF, a protein that stimulates brain cell healing and growth. Studies show persons that are physically active have less dementia/memory/Alzheimer issues.
Here at Kirby Pines we have many opportunities for aerobic exercise: walking, water aerobics, cardio move. In the Oasis, we have the recumbent bicycle, Nustep, and treadmill to give you a safe aerobic workout. For strengthening exercises, try the strength training and chair yoga classes or free weights and resistance equipment in the Oasis.
So leave your puzzles behind and step it up to exercise your brain. See the schedule for an exercise class you can enjoy or visit the Oasis anytime.
October is Alzheimer Awareness Month.
We are so blessed to have an amazing facility like Job’s Way that was specifically designed for people with Memory Issues. We want to show our support to the Alzheimer’s Association through financial donations so they may continue their mission to educate and research to end Alzheimer’s and dementia while enhancing care for those living with the disease.
A Bake Sale will be on Thursday, October 24 from 9:30 to 1:30 in the Lobby. We need your help to bake goods, or help with the sales, and/or purchase items. All donations will go towards the Alzheimer’s Association. Check with Kayla Holland or Rachel Ward in Resident Programs for more details.
Join the team and purchase the Kirby Pines “#ENDALZ” T-shirt for $5. Be sure to wear it on Tuesday, October 29 to show your support. We will gather in the Lobby for registration and refreshments to get our Walk to End Alzheimer’s on the way. Information about Alzheimer’s will be available as we take a fun stroll through the halls of Kirby Pines. Dogs on leashes are welcome to join us. Help us raise awareness and financial support for our local Alzheimer’s Association.
Walk to End Alzheimer’s is October 29th at 10:00 am.
Before I get there though, let me thank everyone for the well-wishes, acts of kindness, and congratulations sent to Stephanie and myself for the birth of Joshua Stone Brown. What a feeling to be embraced by the entire Kirby Family the way we have been. What a joyous time in our lives.
Now, Back to October….
Although many of you have had the pleasure of meeting him, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our new Director of Culinary Services & Executive Chef Harold Morris. Chef Morris comes to us with 30 years of experience in the Culinary Arts and the last 15 years as an executive chef overseeing the restaurants at large Senior Living establishments. Having talked food as well as sampled his craft, I am excited to bring his talents to Kirby Pines!
Almost as exciting as Harold joining us, we have Chef Brittney Henderson opening up our Bistro! We will be hosting some very exciting things in our Bistro in the very near future! We will have some “Tailgate Saturday’s” and “Taco Tuesdays” coming your way. I look forward to a wine tasting very soon!
All of this talk has made me very hungry. I hope to see you at October’s Exquisite Cuisine.
Michael J. Brown, Jr. ExecutiveDirector,Kirby Pines
O.J. Simpson, the Juice, died on April 10, at age 76. One news columnist opened his story with these words, “It marked the end of a long and turbulent life marked by poverty. survival, riches, violence, and stardom.”
The centerpiece of the t.v. reporting was a line of limousine-type vans…the second one in the line, white; the others black. O.J. was in white van, being brought to “the law” in Los Angeles, accused of killing his second wife. In the decades before, he was known as the Juice…a Heisman Trophy winner, Hall of Fame running back for USC and the Buffalo Bills. He was the father of five children.
Perhaps the most surprising and jarring dimension of his life was his refusal to become involved in the Civil Rights Struggle. Those who critiqued him have pretty much agreed that his desire for money, status, and white acceptance was a moral failure that “overrode the call for first class citizenship for Black Americans.”
A well-researched and documented article on his death closed with this scathing word: “O.J. Simpson could have been on a pedestal as a man who stood for something bigger than himself. In the end he died much as he had lived: arrogant, self-obsessed, without regard for those around him.” (Daryl A. Carter, Commercial Appeal. April 21`, 20224)
The lead story in the newspaper that carried this Simpson death story was headlined A TRUE PIONEER. It was a story celebrating Jackie Robinson Day, April 15. After sharing a number of fantastic career statistics, the writer noted that while the stats were rattled off “in rushed asides, like footnotes” they were critical because “they explain why Jackie was the perfect choice to integrate Major League Baseball and, pioneering barriar-breaking achievements aside, how he became one of the greatest baseball players to ever lace up a pair of cleats.” (Andrea Williams)
The story concluded with these words: “Jackie became a player by accident, by nature of racism and segregation and all the ills he would spend his whole life fighting against, even after he hung up his cleats. But none of those whys matter anymore. All that matters is that he did, and that baseball—and our world—are better for it.”
I invite you to read again the way the life story the Pioneer and the Juice conclude. I urge you to ponder with me….how will my life story conclude? As long as we are alive, we can think and act in ways that may close the way our life will be described.
Describe your family: I’m a widow of the late, Charles Lucas. I have a son, Mario & daughter, Angela.
Describe yourself in five words: Caring, devoted, friendly, honest and smart.
What do you do for fun: I play cards, listen to music and play with my two great grandsons.
Do you have any hobbies: I love to cook and write receipts.
What is your favorite thing about your job: Being able to exemplify my good works to the wonderful people I serve.
What is Your favorite food: Bar-be-que.
What is your favorite song: God Is My Everything.
What is something you are proud of: The impact I’ve been blessed to have with young people.
What would you like people to know about you:I’m a God-fearing woman & I strive to be the best.
Ms. Gloria is an outstanding example of a caring and dedicated person. She knows what her residents preferences are and goes the extra mile to make sure that everybody gets what they like. Ms. Gloria goes above and beyond for our residents and fellow employees, and I am honored to be her manager.
Kirby Pines, a sister community of The Farms at Bailey Station, is part of the family of LifeCare Communities of Retirement Companies of America. For more information, visit retirementcompanies.com
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