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Valentines, A Day of Love

Can you imagine 144 million cards given out on or before Valentine’s Day in America? It has become the second leading day in the entire year for such expression. Alfred Tennyson wrote, “If I had a flower for every time I thought of you…I could walk through my garden forever”! What an amazing expression! It’s something many of us should say today.

But perhaps the greatest illustration of what this day is all about comes from a mid-nineteenth century English poet named Elizabeth Barrett Browning. She wrote a book in 1853 known as The Sonnets from the Portuguese in which she included a special love poem known as Sonnet 43. Andrew Spacey presents this amazing story the following way:

It was dedicated to her husband, poet Robert Browning.

The inspiration behind the work was Elizabeth’s love for the man who had, for all intents and purposes, rescued her from a quietly desperate, reclusive lifestyle she led in London, following the accidental death of her closest brother.

Dominated by her possessive father, Elizabeth spent most of her time alone n an upstairs room. She was a frail, sick woman who needed opium and laudanum in an effort to cure her pain.

Her only consolation was poetry and at this she was very successful. When Robert Browning read her work he was so impressed he wrote asking to meet her. The two eventually fell in love and decided to secretly elope to Italy in 1846, despite the father’s resistance and anger. He ended up disinheriting his daughter.

Elizabeth and Robert exchanged hundreds of love-letters over the two years from 1845-46. In them you get a clear idea of just how much they adored one another. Take this excerpt from Elizabeth in 1846, near the time of their elopement:

For I have none in the world who will hold me to make me live in it, except only you – I have come back for you alone…at your voice… and because you have use for me! I have come back to live a little for you. I love you – I bless God for you – you are too good for me, always I knew.

Elizabeth was close to 40 year of age when she broke free from the control of her father. You can imagine her pent up strength of feeling and sense of relief. She went on to give birth to a son and was happily married for sixteen years, until her death in 1861.

Here is the classic love poem Elizabeth wrote to Robert:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace.

I love thee to the level of every day’s Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light. I love thee freely, as men strive for right. I love thee purely, as they turn from praise.

I love thee with the passion put to use In my old griefs, and with my childhood’s faith. I love thee with a love I seemed to lose With my lost saints. I love thee with the breath, Smiles, tears, of all my life; and, if God choose, I shall but love thee better after death.

I wish I could have written that! Don’t you? It’s such a deep and beautiful way words can express what we feel but so often find hard to say. Let say these thoughts today. Let’s present to the one we love how deeply they had touched us and how broadly they have changed our lives!

In a spiritual dimension consider this:

“What would it be like to love a Being absolutely lovely – to be able to give our whole existence, every thought, every act, every desire to that Adored One – to know that He accepts it all, and loves us in return as God alone can love”? (F.P. Cobb) Jesus Christ is that Being absolutely lovely. He is worthy and accepting of our response to His love for us. “We love Him because He first loved us”. (I John 4:19)

In every way may this day be the best you’ve experienced!

Til next time, Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain

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Exercise and Mental Health

Retired woman looking sad

Mental Health & Mental Illness Defined 

Mental Health: “A state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.” 

Mental Illness: “Health conditions that are characterized by alterations in thinking, mood or behavior (or some combination thereof) associated with distress and/or dysfunction.” 

Most Common Mental Health Issues 

  • Depression 
  • Anxiety 
  • Stress 

How Poor Mental Health Affects Your Body 

  • Changes in your brain chemistry can also have a big effect on your body. 
  • Mental health issues contribute to a wide array of physical  problems that affect everything from your heart to your immune system 
  • Changes in the brain have an effect on many of the body’s system; i.e. low levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin can alter your pain threshold 
  • Mental health issues increase your risk of illness because of increasing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline 
  • Mental health issues can affect the immune system making it harder for the body to fight infection. 

How Exercise Improves Mental Health

  • Help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve mood
  • Help keep anxiety from coming back once you’re feeling better
  • Release feel-good brain chemicals (neurotransmitters, endorphins)
  • Reduces immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
  • Increase body temperature which may have calming effects
  • Help you gain confidence
  • Take your mind off of worries
  • Get more social interaction
  • Cope with anxiety/depression symptoms in a healthy way

How Much Exercise/What Types Are Best for Mental Health

  • 30 minutes or more of exercise a day for 3-5 days a week—Even just 10-15 minutes at a time
  • Do what type of exercise you like best: walking, NuStep, gardening, exercise bicycle, aerobics, yoga, etc.—Anything that gets you off the couch and moving is the exercise that can help improve your mood

Getting Started and Staying Motivated

  • Identify what you like doing: find out what type of exercise you like doing and you will be more likely to do it
  • Set reasonable goals: think realistically and set small goals in the beginning
  • Don’t think of exercise as a chore: view your exercise time as your time to yourself
  • Address your barriers: find out things that get in your way of exercising and find alternatives and ways around these barriers
  • Prepare for setbacks and obstacles: give yourself credit for every step in the right direction. If you miss exercise one day, don’t be hard on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day

How Therapy Can Help

  • Therapists can help you find the right exercise for you to manage physical and mental signs and symptoms
  • Define an adequate and specialized program to fulfill your needs
  • Help you perform exercise safely and correctly
  • Help you improve your independence and quality of life
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This is Dedicated to the One I Love

Retired folks enjoying the snow
Retired folks enjoying the snow

Remember that old love song from the 60’s. Taking care of yourself for the one you love may be just the motivation you need to begin a healthier you. 

Care giving for a loved one can be one of life’s most draining experiences: affecting mind, body and soul. To counter this, set personal health goals. For example, set a goal to find time to be physically active on most days of the week, or set a goal for getting a good night’s sleep. It’s also crucial to eat a healthy diet. When caregivers understand that, there can be a tremendous sense of relief that allows them to set more realistic goals. In addition, to keep depression at bay: 

  • Maintain a life outside of care giving. Stay connected to friends. Don’t give up your daily routines.
  • Maintain your health. Get regular check-ups, eat a balanced diet, and exercise.
  • Exercise. It un-kinks tense muscles, revs up the cardiovascular system, and floods the brain with feel-good chemicals, such as endorphins.
  • Use simple de-stressing techniques: deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, and self-massage. And laugh. “People don’t think of humor as a way to cope with stress, but they should,”
  • Join a support group. In support groups, you validate your role as caregiver, voice your fears, vent your frustrations, and learn coping strategies and techniques

“Exercise is an antidote to aging,” says Barry A. Franklin, PhD, director of the cardiac
rehabilitation and exercise labs at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. A well-rounded routine,
as part of a healthy lifestyle, may help you avoid things like falls, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Experts say many of the conditions people think are due to getting older have more to do with not
moving enough. At any age, these are the types of exercise you want to get:

Aerobic: good for your heart and lungs. It’s also good for your blood pressure, blood sugar,
cholesterol, sleep, and memory. What to do: You can walk briskly, walk in the water, or do any
other activity that gets your heart rate up.

Strength training: good for your muscles and bones. It’s the principle of “use it or lose it.”
What to do: Start with 2-pound hand weights or resistance stretch bands.

Flexibility and balance: helps prevent falls by stretching your muscles and keep them from
stiffening up. What to do: Yoga is good for both. You can also learn balance exercises in Kirby’s
Sit and Stand class or from Rehab Therapy.

We have everything you need right here at Kirby Pines. Check out the Oasis for exercise equipment
or join one of our exercise classes, Setting healthy goals for yourself can be “Dedicated to the
ones you love.”

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It’s Valentine Time at Kirby Pines

Happy Valentine’s Day! Just when you thought it was time to put away your favorite red sweater or neck tie, it’s time to wear red again. However, this time while you’ll be eating chocolate instead of peppermint candy. In fact, we can now begin to consume all the chocolate candy we want to without the fear that someone might scold us for ruining our appetite before dinner. After all, they too could be discovered hovering over a box of chocolate. Just be sure to wipe your fingers before putting on your face mask or addressing Valentine cards to your loved ones and friends. Speaking of cards, you can find some beautiful Valentines cards in the Blossom Shop among the shelves. 

Did you know that Valentines cards were first mass-produced in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1847 by Ester Howland? Ester took her inspiration from an English valentine she received, and created valentines of embossed paper lace, which her father sold in his book and stationery store. Her valentines were meant to be given to “one’s true love”, and for many years in the United States these were the only individuals that exchanged valentines.

Then early in the twentieth century, valentine cards began being exchanged among extended family members and soon afterwards among friends. By the middle of the second half of the twentieth century, the practice of giving cards was extended to include small gifts. Such gift typically included roses and chocolates and soon there after an occasional piece of jewelry was added to the list of gifts identified with Valentine’s Day. 

Now Valentine’s Day is associated with the generic platonic greeting of “Happy Valentine’s Day”. 

This Valentines’, whether you are receiving or giving cards or flowers, I hope my small gesture of wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day, will bring a smile to your heart. Now, let’s find some chocolate to eat.

Michael Escamilla

Michael Escamilla,
Executive Director,
Kirby Pines

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The Light of That City

City with rainbow

This New Year will be filled with great opportunities. It may also confront us ith even greater problems. The uncertainty of our coming days can be hard to conceive. Perhaps even harder to embrace. There is the probability the unexpected can at times overwhelm us. Is there anywhere we can find hope and encouragement? I have found such in the following lyrics of one of the songs I feature on my Afterglow radio program.

In this house we’ve built of make-believe
Loved ones go long before seems it’s time to leave
But we will learn how to grieve, to forgive and receive
‘Til we see them there in that city

Span of stars overhead as we walk the road
While this darkness remains I will bear your load
And together we will tend the seed He’s sown
As we walk along the road to that city

Though my mind can’t conceive all that He’s prepared
There the blind will see the sun
What was old will be young
And the lame, they will run all over the streets of that city

On that day we will sing “Holy, Holy”
On that day we’ll bow down in the light
And then we’ll rise and turn our eyes
To the One who’s the light, the light of that city

We must never lose sight of all that’s ahead. We must always focus on what ultimately awaits. We must be assured we are going to “that city”.
Being with those who have left us, suddenly and unexpectedly is a wonderful future to claim, but most important of all is bowing before the throne in worship, then lifiting our eyes to the One Who will receive our adoring and loving commitment.

“See then that you live carefully, not as fools but walk as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” – Ephesians 5:15-17

Til next time, Don Johnson, Producer/Host/Afterglow

Clock in the clouds
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Congratulations to Our Employee of the Month: Cory Rainey

CORY RAINEY

CORY RAINEY

Bistro Cook

Describe Your Family: Big, funny and fun.

Describe yourself in five words: Hardworking, Funny, Cool, Laidback and Outgoing.

What is something you are proud of: The person I’ve become.

What do you do for fun: Play the game or play basketball.

What is your favorite thing about your job: Hearing about coworker’s and resident’s backstories.

Do you have any hobbies or interests: Playing the game and shopping.

What is your favorite food: Chicken Wings.

What is your favorite song: Letter From Houston by Rod Wave.

What would you like people to know about you: That I’m very laid back and I try to have fun every day.

Cory does a great job in The Bistro and is a very hard worker. He is extremely dedicated to his job and goes the extra mile. I have seen Cory working every task and cover every position we have with a smile on his face.

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Resident Spotlight: Genenne Wilson

Genenne Wilson

A Love for Others

Was she “heaven sent” or our good fortune when Genenne Wilson chose to make Kirby Pines her forever home? Her enthusiasm and willingness to help others are the hallmarks which indicate her love and concern for others. Genenne believes that growing up on a farm and the influence of her parents have given her a moral standard, a strong work ethic as well as an understanding of working together. Her love for animals and others, Genenne further believes, comes from her early influences.

Genenne’s family lived on a dairy farm in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina near the small town of Bakersville which is at the foot of Roan Mountain. She joined two brothers to complete the family on September 17, 1952. As anyone who has lived on a farm knows, an enormous amount of work is necessary to keep everything productive. Genenne’s life was no exception. “I not only had farm jobs, I had to help with the gardening, food preservation and housework. My favorite job was taking care of the calves”, says Genenne. Her favorite pastime was pretending she was a cowgirl while riding her horse or hiking the beautiful mountains.

Following her sophomore year in high school, the farm was sold and the family moved to Asheville, NC. Moving from a high school which had a total enrollment under 500 to a school where there were over 500 in her class was overwhelming for Genenne. She missed her farm life! Despite this, she graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1970 and was accepted to North Carolina State University and The University of North Carolina. However, she chose to attend Berea College in Kentucky because it was smaller and a family tradition. She graduated in 1973 with a B.S. in Counseling.

Genenne then began her career in the mental health field. She first worked in a psychiatric hospital in Asheville but was soon offered a job with the State of Tennessee. So, in 1975, Genenne moved to Memphis and began work with the Child Protection Agency then transferring to Mid-town Mental Health Center where she was a consultant with psychiatric referrals. She held this position until 1988. During this time, she earned a Masters Degree in Social Work at University of Tennessee, Memphis as well as developing two mental health programs for Memphis/Shelby County. This work was adopted by other cities and states.

Taking a break from mental health, Genenne bought a farm in Hernando, Mississippi. “I have always loved animals and people. I just had to add animals back in my life!” She had every kind of farm animal but her focus for some time was raising over 250 pedigreed racing pigeons which were used at military and wedding events. She also raised and showed Shar Pei dogs in confirmation and obedience competitions. Because of her “animal knowledge” she was convinced to work part-time for her Veterinarian. For several years she was the only person providing water fowl rehabilitation in the tri-state area. Genenne became a member of Baker’s Chapel United Methodist Church when she moved to Hernando.

In 1998, at age 46, Genenne married “Captain” Phil McGee. According to Genenne, “Phil was a wonderful musician and played several instruments. He gave solo as well as band performances”. In 2001, Genenne’s parents moved to Hernando to live with them. Unfortunately, she lost all of her significant others during a short period of time. Her father died in 2011, her mother in 2012. In 2014, her husband Phil died of complications from diabetes. Despite the losses and a treatable period of depression, Genenne says that being a caregiver to her parents was the most rewarding thing that she has ever done.

In August of 2019, Genenne moved to Kirby Pines. She admits, “friends questioned my move because they thought I was too young to move here. I had no family left and I knew that at Kirby Pines I could enjoy retirement with all the activities and friendships that make Kirby Pines such a special place. I can no longer say I have no family because the residents here have become my family—this is my heaven on earth!”

In moving to Kirby Pines, Genenne selected a two-bedroom apartment. It is not a rumor-one bedroom was for her two Boston Terriers, Colonel Pete and Mazie Grace. One closet contains their outfits and the floor space is a regular playground with a tee-pee and assortment of toys. The dogs are dressed in appropriate attire for every special occasion, even making an appearance on a Ham’ateur program. Sadly, Colonel Pete passed away in Genenne in First Grade November, 2020. According to Genenne, “it was so heartwarming and comforting to have the love and understanding shown to me at this time-this truly is my family!”

Genenne Wilson

Soon after her move to Kirby, Genenne involved herself in the activities here. She has been Mrs. Santa Claus on several occasions. She volunteered to restart the Rhythm Band but that has been delayed. Anyone who knows Genenne knows that she is always glad to care for dogs when needed by owners. She is also known for her compassion in caring for her neighbors who are experiencing a health crisis, even moving them into her apartment until recovery. “I am happiest when I can help others, spend time with animals and make people laugh.”

Thank you Genenne, you have brought a special gift to Kirby Pines!

Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines

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Motivation for Wellness

Wellness message with daisy

When people hear “wellness”, physical activity and exercise is what usually comes to mind first. Wellness is much more than that. Wellness has four main components- exercise, nutrition, spiritual practice, and rest and relaxation. Wellness is about making lifestyle choices that can minimize the risks for chronic disease and maximize the quality of life. Keeping wellness in your daily routine can get tough. Sometimes there are not enough hours in the day to get what you want done. Wellness should be a top priority for everyone. There are some simple tips to keep wellness in your daily routine and to keep you motivated in doing so.

When introducing wellness into your daily routine you want to start with little bits. You don’t want to start with too much and get overwhelmed. The little bits add up, and that’s what’s most important and most sustainable. You want to actually identify your wellness goals and priorities. It’s hard to work towards something that is undefined, so you want to set a goal. The key is to make your goals become real, rather than theoretical. When making your goals keep “starting with little bits” in mind. Track what you are doing and acknowledge your results. The act of tracking your wellness goals and efforts, and seeing the work pay off, does improve your chances of being successful. With a tracking system you will be able to see what the results are, and affirm the benefit of your efforts. Schedule it- scheduling your wellness time for the week helps reserve the time so you can turn your intention into action. If you know that a block of time is set aside for wellness, you won’t be as inclined to fill it will something else. Having a support system is important to have. Surrounding yourself with people and environments that are health-promoting is important for making wellness an accessible part of your life. You need to be able to understand your inspiration. In order to prioritize wellness you must see the value in it. Have your reasons for wanting to achieve your wellness goals visible to you. This will remind you of why you value wellness, what you want out of it, and what you are willing to do for it.

It is important to keep all four components of wellness in your daily routine. With these helpful motivation tips it should be easier for you to do so. Remember your goals should be something that is achievable. Exercise should not be a huge obstacle for someone, try to find something that you enjoy doing. Nutrition does not mean that you need to be on a diet. The most important thing about nutrition is moderation, so do not try to cut something out completely. You want to slowly work in healthier options as you shift your diet into one that is more nutritious and life giving. Spiritual practice is something that can be different for everyone. You do not have to be a spiritual person to take part in this. Spiritual practice can be anything from prayer, meditation, journaling, singing, drawing, etc. These activities can lead one to have more peace of mind and a greater ability to handle life’s challenges. One’s spiritual practice can be very relaxing which brings us to our last component, rest and relaxation. Sleep deprivation has been linked to many problems, for example, stress and depression. Everyone needs their rest to have a better quality of life.

Daisy

Wellness does not need to be a chore for anyone. Incorporate what you enjoy into the four components and it will become much easier. Once you have a steady routine of wellness and continue to be motivated, you will notice a difference in your quality of life.

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Walk Around Australia in 2021!

Remember to sign up in the Oasis for the Walk Around Australia Program we will be offering this month. Last year we walked across Canada and this year we will walk around the continent of Australia…

Participants may begin registering January 4th. The program will run from January 11 through March 7 for 8 weeks. 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). If you use your pedometer, on average, 2000 steps equals one mile. 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’ll send postcards along the way and follow our progress on a map.

Kangaroo and Kookaburra

Helpful tips, awards and surprises for everyone will be handed out along the Route. Weekly door prizes and a Grand Prize at the end will be awarded for the most miles.

Make plans to join our Walk around Australia Program in 2021.

Check out worldwalking.org and search team “kirby pines“ for more details about our walk.

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Happy New Year!

Retired woman lifting weights

The Oasis is a great place to begin your new year’s resolution to feel better. Diet, rest, and exercise are keys to better health. Kirby Pines offers many opportunities to improve strength, endurance, balance and cardio-vascular health. We have exercise classes supported by the Arthritis Foundation include Arthritis Exercise (Stand and Sit) on Tuesday and Thursday at 11:00 on Channel 10 and Water Aerobics. These classes are tailored to your needs and having arthritis is not a requirement to take a class. Yoga Stretch is on Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:45 on Channel 10 and a resident-led class meets three times a week. (See class schedule in The Pinecone)

If group exercise is not to your preference, the Oasis room at Kirby Pines has an amazing variety of equipment for a small gym to exercise and strengthen upper body, lower body and improve cardiovascular functions. The equipment is disinfected daily and facemasks are required in the gym area. The Oasis is open 7 days a week.