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Finish the Race

Track Runner in Race
Olympian, Derek Redmond being helped across the finish line by his father, Jim

July 23 – August 8 the 2021 Summer Olympics will be held in Tokyo, Japan, with over 11,200 athletes worldwide expected to participate. As in any sports endeavor the focus will be on those who win. 

Let’s think back to the 1992 Olympic Summer Games in Barcelona, Spain, and consider an athlete who didn’t win but will be remembered in one of the greatest sports stories of all time. 

Derek Redmond, a British runner, had shattered his country’s 400-meter record when only 19. In the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea, Derek suffered an Achilles tendon injury just 10 minutes before the 400-meter race and went through numerous surgeries the next year. Now, in Barcelona, it was Derek’s time. He desperately wanted to win…not just the gold medal but any medal he could get.

In the semifinal 400-meter race, if Derek was among the top four runners to finish, it would qualify him for the Olympic final. He broke from the pack to seize the lead. Surely he would make the final race. Down the backstretch only 175 yards from the finish line Derek’s hamstring snapped. He could no longer run but began hopping on one leg, slowly and painfully. He then fell to the ground. As tears streamed from his eyes he said to himself, “I’m out of the Olympics—again.” A medical team reached Derek with a stretcher but he replied, “There’s no way I’m getting on that stretcher. I’m going to finish my race.” 

In a stadium filled with 65,000, from Section 131, Row 22, Seat 25, Derek’s father, Jim, who always attended the sports events with him, was crying, “Oh, no.” He began to run down the stadium steps, jumping over the guard rail and pushing aside security guards who were trying to stop him. Jim and his son had agreed, that no matter what happened, Derek must finish the race. 

Derek had stood up and was again hobbling forward. Jim reached him, put his arm around his son, placed Derek’s arm around his shoulders as Derek said, “Get me to lane five, Dad, I want to finish the race.” 

The stadium crowd, and millions watching worldwide by television, stood to its feet in thunderous applause as everyone watched a father and his son struggle toward the finish line. The race was already over, but with loving support and challenging commitment the two pushed ahead. Just a short distance from the finish line, the father released Derek to cross on his own. 

Derek didn’t win….or did he? Such deep love and focus are seldom seen. 

What can be learned from the Derek and Jim Redmond saga? 

So often our goals seem shattered! Our obstacles are too great! Our pain is insurmountable and our focus blurred! Who cares if we finish the race? 

That’s when the Father, who is always with us in every circumstance of life, steps in. He places his strong arms around us and gives us His shoulders to lean on. He walks with us through the pain and tears. He gives us the support and strength to continue and He enables us to finish the race. 

We cannot continue to lay down in our failure! We cannot let others carry us off the track! We cannot just run the race; we must finish it! 

What a love story. Let’s strive to be like Paul as expressed in II Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.” 

Till next time,
-Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain 

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Great Work(out) Benefits

Retired persons may leave their jobs, but they don’t have to leave the things they loved about their work. One thing I love about working is having a routine to get out of the house for a job I love where I feel welcomed and encouraged. Our exercise programs can become a wonderful routine with benefits that improve strength, balance, and endurance. In our classes you are always learning a new skill and experiencing new challenges, some physically demanding and even some mental. It is an opportunity to put out your best effort (whatever that may be). When you finish, you get that feeling of satisfaction that you accomplished something that day. Several residents have picked up new skills learning to use free weights properly and developing routines on the Nu-Step machine and the other weight bearing resistance equipment. In our group classes, you will gain not only strength and improved balance, but also encouragement and a team spirit as you work out together. Put us on your schedule and come to work out with us. The benefits
will profit your health and well-being.

Exercise is a key to a strong and healthy lifestyle boosting energy levels, lifting spirits, improving balance, enhancing immune system and aiding weight loss programs.

It’s Time to Join the Walk About Australia Part 2 Program

couple walking outdoors

Participants may register in the Oasis or online with Mhand@nullkirbypines.com. The program will run from September 1 through October 31. Every week, we will track how many miles each participant walks, or completes on the Nu-Step, or treadmill. Get credit for 1 mile for each exercise class you participate in. Everyone’s mileage will be kept up individually and as a group total to see how far we can walk; pointing out interesting landmarks along Australia’s coastline which runs for 9395 miles. We have already traveled 3400 miles; that’s over 8 million steps. We’ll send postcards along the way and follow our progress on a map with helpful tips, awards and surprises for everyone along the way. Weekly door prizes and a Grand Prize at the end will be awarded for the most miles. We are dedicating this walk in memory of Gene Wainscott who was one of our biggest supporters. Make plans to join our Walk About Australia Program this fall.

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Always Something to Celebrate at Kirby Pines

The thirty-eighth anniversary of Kirby Pines is just a month away. Whether you have been a resident for five years or just five days, you are enjoying first hand the numerous improvements and upgrades to the community over the past years. These improvements and our consistency in delivering services to you, has resulted in Kirby Pines being voted the Best Retirement Community by the Memphis Commercial Appeal for 14 consecutive years. These are just a few reasons why we have earned this citywide recognition.

The Performing Arts Center is now nineteen years old and has hosted artists from our own Kirby Pines Ham-ateurs, to the acapella group from Yale University and the New Orleans Jazz Ensemble. The Bistro was opened just five years ago to offer residents and guests another dining venue, and is now being copied by other local retirement communities; and our in-house movie theater continues to be a very popular spot to meet for some of the latest movie releases. Equally popular is the Four Seasons Garden with numerous sitting areas and the newly rebuilt lake sitting area complete with shelter from the hot August sun. Of course, our grand lobby continues to be busy place for residents to gather near the fireplace, around the concert Steinway piano, in the bright and cheery sunroom, or at cozy niches by the grand staircase. 

Regardless of how long you have been a resident, or have been contemplating a move to Kirby Pines, our thirty-eighth anniversary is possible because of the trust you and so many in the Memphis community have in us. On behalf of all employees, thank you for your cooperative spirits throughout the years, and may I suggest you make some time to relax in August, as our thirty-eighth celebrations are just a month away.

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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Resident Spotlight: Richard & Arrena Cheek

A Recipe for Happiness

They were the same age and had known each other since elementary school. How could Richard make Arrena really notice him? The story unfolds:

Arrena Andrews was born in Columbia, Tennessee, the middle of three girls known as “The Andrews Sisters”. They actually sang on a local radio program! Her father was a physician and her mother was “into everything”. She was in the fourth grade when Richard moved with his family from a 96 acre farm in Pottsville, Tennessee, to Columbia mid-way his fifth grade. In Richard’s previous school, the decision was made for him to omit first grade because his mother, a teacher, had taught him at home. This decision was not ideal for Richard socially or physically as he remained the smallest boy in his class. In high school, the popular Arrena caught the eye of Richard and he asked her for a date. “After our one date, she ignored me”, says Richard. He adds, “As a senior in high school, I was five feet, two inches tall and weighed only 98 pounds”. Then, Richard went away to college and during his freshman year, grew twelve inches in height and gained to 135 pounds. When he returned to Columbia and Arrena spotted him at church, she asked, “is that the Cheek boy”? The rest is history.

Arrena had a very happy childhood and was known as a “tomboy” who loved to play “Roy Rogers and Dale Evans”. She and her family were active in the Presbyterian Church. She was a cheerleader in elementary school but chose to play saxophone in the band in high school. Following high school, Arrena entered Vanderbilt University and earned a B.A in Business. She was active in Chi Omega Sorority and continues in the Memphis Alumnae Chapter.

Richard obtained a B.S. in Chemical Engineering at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville as part of the Co-Op program with Monsanto Chemical Company in Columbia. During their college years, Richard often visited Arrena at Vanderbilt and romance was born. However, Richard decided to give up engineering, applied to University of Tennessee Medical School, and enrolled in September, 1961. Arrena was not pleased that Richard chose medicine over engineering. “I had always said that I would never marry a doctor. My family life had always centered around hospital visits and sick people.” Nevertheless, after five years of dating, their love for each other was secure. They were married in June, 1962, and made Memphis their home. While Richard was in medical school, Arrena taught school. They have two children, a son John, deceased, and a daughter Lucy who lives in Arizona. They have three grandchildren. 

young couple
Sigma Chi Ball 1958

Graduating from medical school in 1964, Richard was first in his class and was inducted into AOA Honorary Society. He chose John Gaston Hospital for his internship and declared a residency in general surgery. He achieved the rank of Chief Resident and completed his residency in 1970. He also served in the 330th General Hospital Unit of the Army Reserves, achieving rank of Captain. 

When Richard finished his residency, he joined the staff of the UT Department of Surgery and taught there until 1980. During this time he was part of the team that performed the first kidney transplant in Memphis. He also published several articles in medical journals, authored chapters in two surgical textbooks and authored a monograph of carcinoid tumors. In 1980, he left teaching to enter private practice. At Baptist Hospital, he performed the first laparoscopic cholecystectomy. He closed his private practice in 1997 but took a part-time teaching position at the Memphis VA Hospital until his complete retirement in 2005. 

For Richard, his skill at surgery was possibly due to his ability to work with his hands. He is an accomplished wood master, having made many things, such as violins. His other hobbies include fishing, reading, and playing pool. He loves to sing in choral groups and has been a member of the Entertainers Chorus, and, a frequent soloist since moving to Kirby. 

Arrena loves cooking, gardening, photography and reading. She has devoted much of her time to community activities such as Woman’s Exchange. She served as a core leader of the non-denominational Bible study group, Community Bible Study. “This was my priority” says Arrena. “I dearly loved studying with such knowledgeable ladies”. Both Arrena and Richard have been members of Christ Methodist Church since 1985. “We both love the church”, says Arrena. “We try to never miss a Sunday and we are committed to the Lamplighters Sunday School Class and the 11:00 service”, adds Richard. 

The Cheeks moved to Kirby Pines in 2017. They were familiar with several people who lived here and were anxious to downsize. “The people here are very special. They care for one another and step up when someone is in need. It is a great place to spend the last chapter of our lives and God has blessed us with this beautiful place”, agree both Arrena and Richard. 

Having a couple like the Cheeks, who are so talented, compassionate and friendly is what makes Kirby Pines the special place it is. Both Arrena and Richard agree that the following recipe is the foundation for their life: 

Recipe For Happiness – First: Serve God; Second: Remember decisions, not circumstances, determine the flavor of your lives; Third: Live each day so you’ll never be afraid of tomorrow, nor, ashamed of yesterday. 

Wrtten by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

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Congratulations to Our Employee of the Month: Rudy Selmon

Rudy Selmon

Floor Tech

Describe Your Family: Loving and caring.

Describe yourself in five words: Loving, caring, respectful, honest and helpful.

What is something you are proud of: I have the best parents in the world – all three of them.

What do you do for fun: Perform on stage with my band.

Do you have any hobbies or interests: Playing guitar.

Do you have a pet: A snake. It’s name is Gucci.

What is your favorite thing about your job: I get along with everybody.

What is your favorite food: Chicken. 

What is your favorite song: The Thrill Is Gone by B.B. King.

What would you like people to know about you: That I am very kind and easy to get along with.

Rudy Selmon goes above and beyond the call of duty to support the department as well as our residents. He is thoughtful, precise and always a team player. He understands the importance of what we do for the residents of Kirby Pines. He is always willing to help another shift when staff is short and is happy to train or assist others as needed.

–Jada Mullins, Director of Environmental Services

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Staying Safe and Cool This Summer

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year one out of every three adults aged 65 and older experiences a fall. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Older adults who have fallen typically report moderate to severe injuries, including deep bruises, head trauma and hip fractures. Fall related injuries may alter mobility and limit independent living, requiring both formal and informal caregiving. Many of these injuries, such as hip fractures, increase the risk of premature death. These facts of falling put into perspective the importance of reducing your risk of falls. Many falls can be prevented by making simple changes in your daily life. This month’s Healthy Living Series will focus on tips to decrease your chances of falling.

How Can You Prevent Falls? First, it is important to take care of your health. Have your eyes and hearing checked frequently for changes. See a healthcare provider if you have foot pain, or if you can’t trim your toenails. Also, consult a healthcare provider right away if you feel weak or unsteady on your feet, if you feel confused, or if you fall. Let a healthcare provider know if a medicine is making you feel dizzy or making you lose your balance. If your healthcare provider wants you to use a cane or a walker, learn how to use it – and then use it consistently. It is also important to get regular exercise, especially walking.

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where older adults spend much of their time. Older adults should be encouraged to take steps to “fall proof” their living areas, both inside and outdoors including:

  • Wear shoes with nonskid soles
  • Be sure your home is well lit so that you can see things you might trip over
  • Remove throw rugs or fasten them to the floor with carpet tape
  • Don’t put electrical cords across pathways
  • Have grab bars put in your bathtub, shower and toilet area
  • Have handrails put on both sides of stairways
  • Don’t climb on stools and stepladders

How can therapy help? By participating in a balance/fall management program, you will develop and learn skills necessary for safe, functional mobility with reduced risk for falls. You may also reduce the risk for falls and other complications resulting from balance problems, low vision, cognitive changes and decreased sensation. In order to ensure success of an individualized balance/fall management program, therapists work closely with the multi-disciplinary team.

Join Functional Pathways, your NEW Rehab Provider, for a Welcome Reception July 28th at 2:00 pm in the PAC.

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Lou Anders Celebrates Her 103rd Birthday!

Kirby Pines Resident Since 2004

On June 21st of this year Mrs. Lou Anders celebrated her 103rd birthday. She was born in Searcy, Arkansas and lived in the area on a farm with her parents and five siblings most all of her childhood. One year her parents decided to move to West Texas to a plantation, but quickly came back to their roots in Arkansas. Mrs. Anders graduated high school in Searcy and went on to get married. After a year of married life in Searcy, her and her husband moved to Memphis. Mrs. Anders began working and attending school in the evening. She started at Memphis State but soon transferred to Tennessee where she eventually graduated with a degree in accounting. Mrs. Anders worked for John Morrell and Company for 34 years prior to retiring with her husband. Mrs. Anders husband was an Army veteran who also worked as a route manager for American Bakeries. The couple were married for 52 years. They never had any children, but had numerous nieces and nephews they treated as their own.

Throughout life, and especially during retirement, Mrs. Anders developed some hobbies of her own. She is very well traveled. Together with her husband, they visited every state in the union. Since then, she has also traveled abroad to numerous areas including Rome, Greenland, Norway, Germany, and all throughout Europe. When not traveling, she enjoys painting and woodworking. She says if you show her something and let her measure it, she could make it. Prior to the pandemic, she was also an active member of Highland Heights United Methodist Church. She spent many hours there involved in all the activities they offered. She enjoyed volunteering at the church and with local charities. She says that one of her proudest moments was working with Each One Teach One and watching students grow and succeed.

Lou with her family at her 103rd Birthday Party

Mrs. Anders moved to Kirby Pines in August of 2004. She has enjoyed her years here and has been active in several of the clubs throughout her time. For many years, she led the Uplifters Circle Bible Study. She also led the Garden Club at Kirby Pines and is a lifetime member of the Tennessee Federation of Garden Clubs. Mrs. Anders still gets out and about and is looking forward to Monday Night Bingo and the Rhythm Band. She said the best part about moving to Kirby Pines is the friendship of other people, everyone is so friendly. The activities and entertainment are great. Kirby Pines is a good place for anyone to be.

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A Time to Remember

George Washington

On March 11, 1782, George Washington stated these words: “I’m sure there never was a people who had more reason to acknowledge a Divine interposition in their affairs than those of the United States.”

Andrew Jackson

Andrew Jackson in his farewell address on March 4, 1837, declared: “Providence has bestowed on this favored land blessings without number, and has chosen you as the guardians of freedom, to preserve it for the benefit of the human race. May He who holds the destinies of nations make you worthy of the favors He has bestowed and enable you, with pure hearts and pure hands and sleepless vigilance, to guard and defend to the end of time the great charge He has committed to your keeping.” 

Patrick Henry

Patrick Henry, great Revolutionary leader gave this powerful challenge on March 23, 1773: “It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death.” 

As we embrace America’s 245th Liberty Celebration we must remember the strong foundations upon which the nation’s first patriots stood. Let’s renew our loving commitment to “the stars and stripes forever” as we broadly wave our tri-colored flag. Let’s afresh embrace our unbeatable Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. Let’s proudly repeat our “one nation under God” Pledge of Allegiance. 

If we fail to remember, our present will be infinitely less enjoyable and our future sadly less enduring. Proverbs 14:34 still holds, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” We must continue to have as our motto “In God We Trust.” Perhaps we are closer again to Patrick Henry’s time when it’s liberty or death! May the Lord strengthen us to choose wisely. 

Till next time,
-Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain 

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Summer is Here at Kirby Pines

Summer is officially here! Although it sneaked in towards the end of June, the unofficial hotter, dryer weather arrived sometime during spring. Luckily for us all, our large trees and park like acreage, provides us with plenty of areas where we can step outside to stroll under the shade of numerous majestic trees. We can also enjoy fishing with friends and grandchildren along the banks of our very own lake, or enjoy a family picnic in the gazebo cooled by ceiling fans, now that outside restrictions for Covid have been removed.

For those who prefer to stay indoors, the July calendar is filled with events to meet a variety of interests. This year Kirby Pines is proud to hold, its’ Annual Fourth of July Parade on Thursday, July 1st. Our culinary department is planning a special treat for everyone on July 4th, along with a traditional brunch feast, and welcomes all families to come and celebrate Independence Day with us. Please make your reservations early, and remember that updated policies require that all members in your party be present before being seated in the dining room.

Throughout the month, the Life Enhancement department has planned on-site entertainers, a weekly farmer’s market, movies, and games. In fact, with so much going on at Kirby Pines, the slightly warmer summer days will breeze by almost unnoticed.

July will be filled with truly important national and community events, Independence Day being among the most noteworthy. This July, when we gather to celebrate the birth of our nation, we will also be ending many of the national healthcare protocols that limited gathering with family and friends, as we welcome back a true feeling of independence. This July, please join with me in thanking all employees and workers as we bask in the warmth of their service and their genuine concern. Yes, summer is officially here.

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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His Name is Wonderful

Audrey Meier, widely known for her talents as a musician and songwriter, living and ministering out of Los Angeles, California, wrote a short but very powerful song titled “His Name Is Wonderful.” Her lyrics stated briefly but pointedly a unique quality of God. She wrote:

His Name is Wonderful,
His Name is Wonderful, 
His Name is Wonderful,
Jesus, my Lord.

He is the Mighty King,
Master of Everything,
His Name is Wonderful
Jesus, my Lord.

He’s the Great Shepherd,
The Rock of all ages,
Almighty God is He. 

Bow down before Him,
Love and adore Him,
His Name is Wonderful,
Jesus, my Lord.

In 1970 at a Christian Booksellers Convention in Philadelphia this song’s writer was featured at a publishing booth. A senior lady nearly 80 years of age pushed into the Convention just before it opened. She was not a bookstore owner nor did she have any business to transact, but asked to be taken to Audrey’s booth. The lady stood before songwriter Meier and told her story. 

She and her husband spent much of their lives singing together at nursing homes, hospitals and retirement centers. He would sing melody and she would add her alto part. Her husband had become ill and was hospitalized, waiting for exploratory surgery. The situation was critical.

The lady was called to the hospital at her husband’s request. He wanted to sing one more song with her since his time was short. Their favorite song was the one written by Audrey in 1959, “His Name Is Wonderful.”

They sweetly sang together. When they reached the line “Bow down before Him” she realized she was singing alone. He had slipped away to the One about Whom he was singing.

The elderly woman wanted Audrey to know what had happened and wished to thank her for writing such a meaningful song.

Often we do not know the impact of something we have done has on others. Those who have found value in even the littlest of our actions or accomplishments may tell us long after the blessing has come. Sometimes we may never know. But the One for Whom we live will tell us, even on the other side. 

It is expressed in Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

And never forget the encouragement of I Corinthians 15:58, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, Always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

Till next time,
-Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain