A Great Departure

Departing Couple

Henry Van Dyke, author, educator, and clergyman in the late 1800s to early 1900s, wrote:

“I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!”

“Gone where?”

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side, and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at that moment when someone at my side says: “There, she is gone!” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout: “Here she comes!”

Life has its beginning and ending, but it also can have its beginning again. We may go through painful experiences that take friends, family children, spouses or parents from us. We sorrowfully say our last goodbye. Those we’ve loved and cared for slip from our presence. Like a grand auction there “going, going and gone.”

Many look at life from this human perspective. This is all there is. There is no tomorrow, no hope, no expectancy. Those we bid farewell simply disappear. They are no longer in our plans. After a while, they may not even be in our thoughts.

But there is something beyond a distant horizon. Departed ones don’t just vanish. They may be out of our sight and consciousness. They may go beyond our ability to even see them, sometimes even beyond our eyes of faith. But when we can no longer visualize them something wonderful happens. Their spiritual seaward journey moves toward an appointed destination. On a distant but real shore, a crowd sings, “Here they come!” What awaits is beyond description.

Someday people will say “goodbye” to us. Are we certain of our direction and destination? Will there be a heavenly crowd singing for us “Here they come!”

Job, through all his losses and troubles, dramatically declared: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth; And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” (Job 19:25-26)

In our uncertain world, these are things that are sure.

Till next time, Don Johnson, Kirby Pines Chaplain


Resident Spotlight: Diane Talarico

Enjoying Life & Coming Home

Diane Talarico

Diane Stigall was born April 9, 19 – well, we don’t have to go there – in Memphis, Tennessee, the oldest of three. Her father, Terry Hiram Stigall was an electrician for Memphis, Light, Gas, and Water, and her mother, Marcelle Bobbe Stigall, was a homemaker who eventually went to work for the Corp of Engineers after the kids were grown. Diane attended Central High School in Memphis and after graduation continued her education at Memphis State University.

She was a journalism major and minored in education and history. She worked on the school newspaper, was active in sorority life and was even editor of the yearbook. She spent school breaks working at Sears Crosstown where she came to realize how strange, yet interesting, people can be.

Her sophomore year, a friend was dating a young man who had a friend on the football team. His name was Frank R. Talarico. Frank attended Hope College in Holland, Michigan before being drafted to the Army for two years. He ended up at Memphis State to continue his engineering degree when he was introduced to Diane. The two dated a year and on June 8, 1957, the end of their junior year, they decided to marry.

After graduation, they moved to Herkimer, New York, about 15 miles southeast of Utica. Frank was born in Herkimer and his father built roads and bridges. He took his knowledge to form a family business, named after Frank and his brother, Talson’s Contracting Corporation.

Diane Talarico
Frank and Diane in Baumholder, Germany in 1983

Diane stayed home and raised their daughter, Karen. After two years as a homemaker, Diane spent a year teaching junior high history. She then began studying language arts for the next several years, substitute teaching and raising their second child, Terrance. While in grad school she found completing her Masters would force her to choose a specific field of study, so she opted to continue her education as she decided and became eligible to teach K-12.

After Frank’s father passed, he and his brother continued running the contracting business and in 1980, Diane went to teach English full-time at Herkimer High School. Diane retired in 1995 when Frank’s brother died. Frank continued to run Talson’s. Diane then went to docenting at the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute in Utica.

Becoming a docent required training, during which time she gave tours, worked special programs, taught children to appreciate art and helped immigrants staying in refugee centers prepare for citizenship. She found this work quite rewarding and meaningful. Diane was also very active in the Herkimer Garden Club, which she enjoyed for 46 years.

Diane Talarico Celebrating
Bobbe Stigall’s family surround her on her 90th birthday. From L-R; cousins Jerry Grilla, Gail Entrekin, Don Johnson, sister Cheryl Johnson, brother Terry Stigall and his wife Sandy, cousin Mike Grilli and his wife Martha, Diane and her husband Frank.

In 2005, Frank retired. Diane took up golf, which Frank already played, and they would spend their winters in Myrtle Beach or Florida. They had done some traveling over the years, and it was a trip to Germany in the early 80s to visit their daughter when Diane got the desire to see the world. The two took trips, but Frank wasn’t as impressed, so Diane and her girlfriends traveled the world while Frank and the other husbands held down their forts.

Frank passed away in 2015, and Diane decided after a year and a half that a four-bedroom house, was too much. She looked at several options, and in 2017 decided to go back to Memphis. Her father had died in 1987, and after “Hurricane Elvis” in 2004, she and her siblings moved their mother. Bobbe Stigall, to Kirby Pines. The upkeep on her house was just too much for an 86-year-old woman, so reluctantly she went, where she happily enjoyed life. Diane’s sister, Cheryl, was married to the Kirby Pines Chaplain, Don Johnson, so it made the transition even easier.

Diane followed in her mother’s footsteps and chose Kirby Pines as her home in June of 2017. She felt Kirby had so much to offer and the people were all very friendly and open. She enjoys the Book Baggers, the Travelers outings and is thinking of checking out the Photo Club.

Her mother passed away in December of 2017, just shy of her 100th birthday, and was loved by everyone. I know Diane was glad to spend her mother’s final months with her and, after getting to know Diane, I also know she will happily enjoy her life at Kirby Pines, too.


The Importance of Staying Hydrated

Staying Hydrated

As the July month comes our way, so will the hot and humid weather. It is extremely crucial to be safe and maintain your hydration levels. Hydration is maintaining a proper balance throughout the body. Water makes up 75% of the human body and can be extracted in many various ways. If you don’t replace the water that you have lost, dehydration is likely to occur. Some warning signs to be cautious of when becoming dehydrated are dry mouth, extreme thirst, headache, confusion, and dizziness. Don’t wait until you notice the symptoms before taking action.

Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help prevent dehydration. It has been recommended to consume 6-8 glasses of water a day. Simply drinking water is not the only way to achieve proper hydration. There are many different types of fruits and vegetables which have an adequate amount of water content. Watermelon has 90% water, which ranks as one of the highest, but oranges, melons, and grapefruit are also great contenders. Spinach, celery and broccoli are also good substitutes for vegetables.

Tips for Staying Hydrated:

  • Drink plenty of liquids
  • Watch the heat index
  • Wear appropriate clothing
  • Have a glass of water with each meal
  • Avoid caffeinated drinks
  • Urine color should be a pale yellow

Please join us July 25th at 1:30 pm in the PAC for our Smart Moves presentation on this topic.


New Opportunities to Get Fit When It’s Vacation Time!

Vacationing with family

It’s summertime and the living is easy. Schedules tend to slow down in the summer. That doesn’t mean you can take a vacation from your exercise program. In fact, the slower schedule may mean you can find time to get in that exercise class you have been meaning to check out. “I can’t find my bathing suit” is not a valid excuse for missing a water aerobics class with all the department stores stocked with some very cute suits for the season.

In your travels, most hotels and resorts have exercise rooms with basic exercise equipment such as treadmills, stationary bikes, weights, and pools. Utilize equipment you are familiar with most. Vacation destinations usually have beautiful places to walk – take an early morning stroll on the beach, around the lake, hike a mountain trail, or stroll through those quaint little gift shops. A word to the wise: To really enjoy your vacation, start a walking or exercise program several weeks before you go so that you can build up your strength and endurance. It’s no fun to “overdo it” on a trip. You don’t want exhaustion to cause you to miss a moment of vacation. Even a fit grandpa can get fatigued when chasing little ones.

Another helpful hint in these hot summer months is: DRINK MORE WATER to keep your system hydrated and flushed. Prevent Urinary Tract Infections which are much more prevalent in the summer months. Carry a bottle of water everywhere. It is so easy to become dehydrated which could lead to other complications like heat exhaustion.

Come to the Oasis before you take your vacation or make your escape to the Oasis to work off those extra post-vacation pounds. Enjoy your summer!


It’s Officially Summer at Kirby Pines

Summer is officially here! Even without a calendar, the higher temperatures we are experiencing let us know summer has arrived. During these hot days, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of the heat for long periods, and, above all, have a sense of humor. Humor can make these hot days more bearable.

Summer is associated with picnics, vacations, barbecue, watermelons, fresh peaches, and family gatherings. Summer is also associated with long hot days and nights, known as “the dog days of summer”. Just as staying inside, drinking iced tea and eating ice cream can help keep you cool in the summer, a pleasant outlook can always help to keep you “cool”. With this in mind, allow me to share with you something that a friend recently sent to me:

Smiling is infectious;
you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner
and someone saw my grin,
When he smiled, I realized
I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile,
and then I realized its worth,
Single smiles, just like mine,
can travel round the earth.
So, if you feel a smile begin,
don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick,
and get the world infected.

I hope this brought a smile to your face, and that you will keep that smile going by sharing it with a friend. Remember when the day or night is much too hot for your comfort, soon, very soon, the temperature will be changing. Why not begin by helping me honor my friend’s wish and smiling the summer away.


Calling All Couch Potatoes

Get active at Kirby Pines

Have you noticed lately that as the summer begins to heat up that you are spending more time on the couch or in your chair enjoying the air conditioning? Have you ever wondered why exercise has to be so exerting or sweaty. Exercise may be on the bottom of your to-do list if it makes the list at all. In the health column written by Doctor K (Komaroff), he gave several good exercises for a “couch potato.” His information was from a physical therapist Kailyn Collins who gave him these suggestions:

1. While lying flat on your back on the couch or bed, lift one leg 8-12 times concentrating on using your thigh muscles. Repeat with the other leg.

2. Turn to your side and lift your leg up 8-12 times using your thigh muscles (imagine a half “Jumping Jack”). Roll to the other side and repeat.

3. Lying on your back again, lift both legs while you tighten your stomach muscles. Hold for ten seconds. Don’t forget to breathe. Relax for 10 seconds and repeat every commercial break.

4. Sitting upright with your feet flat on the floor, practice standing up. Repeat 10 times. Another variation is to almost stand just raising your bottom off the chair and sit again. Make sure your chair is sturdy and not a rocker. This exercise can be repeated in reverse

where you begin standing and squat like you are almost sitting and repeat 10 times. When you are ready to sit make sure your chair is under your bottom (gently sit without a plop).

5. Move your wrists by rotating; waving up and down; Open and close your fist; Twiddle your thumbs and other fingers.

These are just a few simple exercises that you can do while sitting on the couch. If you take the dare and give these a try, you may be pleasantly surprised that energy, strength, and balance will improve. If you like these, I have many more exercises you may find useful. Check out the exercise class at 11:00 am in the Arts and Crafts Room on Tuesdays and Thursdays, I dare you to try it. – Mary Hand, Oasis Coordinator


What Then?

Important questions at Kirby PinesImportant questions face us daily. “Why me? Why this? Why now?” Answers are difficult to find. Reasons are hard to discover. Solutions seem wrapped in secrecy. But more than these there is a unique and powerful question that covers a vaster scope of life. It is the dramatic two-word statement, “What Then?” Issues rise and fall. Circumstances revolve around a sphere greater than earth. We can’t believe what we see in the mirror and are challenged to amazement and at times even bewilderment. I think this question is best illustrated in the words of J. W. Green.

When the great, busy plants of our cities shall have turned out their last finished work, When the merchants have sold their last order and dismissed every last tired clerk, When our banks have raked in their last dollar and have paid their last dividend, When the Judge of the earth wants a hearing and asks for a balance—

WHAT THEN?

When the choir has sung its last anthem and the preacher has voiced his last prayer, And the people have heard their last sermon and the sound has died out in the air, When the Bible lies closed on the altar and the pews are all empty of men, When each one stands facing his record, And the Great Book is opened—

WHAT THEN?

When the actors have played their last drama, and the mimic has made his last fun, When the movie has finished its last picture and the billboard displayed its last run, When the crowd seeking pleasure has vanished and gone out in the darkness again, And the trumpet of the ages has sounded and we stand before Him—

WHAT THEN?

When the bugle call sinks into silence and the long marching columns stand still. When the captain repeats his last orders and they’ve captured the last fort and
hill, When the flag has been hauled from the masthead, All the wounded afield have checked in, And the world that rejected its Savior is asked for a reason—

WHAT THEN?

Time runs out. Events finally finish. Plans, at last, are completed. It’s all over. “What Then?”

Are we ready for the curtain to come down? Are we prepared when the music stops? What will we do when our last breath is taken? These are things we cannot avoid! These steps each of us must take!

Proverbs 27:1 declares, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” In James 4:13-15 we read, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’”

Moses declared long ago, “I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live.” (Deuteronomy 30:19)

It’s been said, “We cannot go back and make a new start, but we can start now to make a new ending.”

We can prepare for our “What Then?” this very moment. Are we ready?

Till next time, Don Johnson, KP Chaplain


Celebrating Our Dads at Kirby Pines

Happy Father’s Day! It’s that time of the year again when we should stop and recall all that our father’s taught us. Like how to be truly thankful and what it means to be a real friend; the importance of integrity in everything we do; and the simple things that can make you and those around you happy.

Be grateful – when people make time to write thank you notes or letters of gratitude to people who have helped them in some way, the note and letter writer, both feel better afterward.

Be optimistic – people who spend time just thinking about an ideal situation, report increased feelings of well-being.

Count your blessings – people who write down three good things that have happened to them show a significant boost in happiness.

Use your strengths – one study asked people to identify their greatest strengths and then try to use that strength. For example, someone with a good sense of humor can try telling jokes to cheer up friends.

Commit acts of kindness – As it turns out, helping others is one of the best ways we help ourselves feel better. Maybe it’s time you asked Cheryl Grimes how you can volunteer at Kirby Pines.

This Father’s Day, I’m grateful for all my father taught me; optimistic that each day can always be better; happy that I can count more than three blessings; believe that one of my strengths is writing these short letters each month; and knowing that each day when I come to work at Kirby Pines at least one resident is going to help me with a simple act of kindness – a smile.

Happy Father’s Day!


Resident Spotlight: Mary Gullett

A True Icon of Love

Marry Gullett at Kirby Pines

Love is defined as an intense feeling for someone or something. The term icon is sometimes used to describe a person who represents a symbol of a particular thing. Put them together and they define Kirby Pines resident, Mary Gullett.

Since moving to Kirby Pines in 2000, Mary Gullett continues nearly a century of caring for others. Her unconditional love, positive attitude and desire to help others make Mary an endearing member of the Kirby Pines family.

Mary Gullett at Kirby Pines
Mary at age 4 in 1925

Mary Eliza Briggs was born in Ashland, Mississippi in 1920. Being the oldest of the three daughters in the family, Mary was considered a “little mother” to her two younger sisters. Always a good student, Mary graduated from high school as Valedictorian in 1939. Her commencement address was titled “Not The Sunset, But The Dawn”.

Following graduation, Mary’s first job was secretary in the Benton County, Mississippi Welfare Office, the WPA. Mary later graduated from the Memphis School of Commerce certified in business and office management. She worked briefly for Wallace Johnson, Inc. as a hostess for new homes.

In 1941, Mary married Cecil Gullett and became a war bride. Cecil was drafted into the Army but as long as Cecil was stateside, Mary was able to stay with him. However, as with most servicemen, Cecil was sent to Europe for two years. During that time Mary passed a civil service exam and worked as a secretary in the Farm Bureau of Albany, Mississippi. Following his discharge from the Army, Mary and Cecil led busy lives working and traveling whenever the opportunity came. They were able to visit Canada and all the states in the U.S. except Rhode Island, usually in their RV.

When Mary’s son, Larry, was born in 1950, Mary took a leave of absence from work, eventually returning to work as the church pastor’s secretary at Lamar Heights Baptist Church. She retired in 1990 after 45 years of service.

Today, Mary’s family includes not only her son and beloved daughter-in-law, Phyllis, but three grand and three great-grandchildren. Mary is frequently called upon to help with showers and plans for family gatherings.

Mary Gullett at Kirby Pines
Mary with her son, Larry and husband, Cecil

After Mary’s husband passed away unexpectedly in 1999, Mary made the decision to sell her home in Piperton and move to Kirby Pines. Moving to a retirement community did not include an inactive lifestyle for Mary. Soon after she moved in, she was invited to sit down to dinner with Ernest Green, a widower. They became best friends and together were involved in “all things Kirby” for many years. They were selected as King and Queen for one year.

As Ernest’s health deteriorated, Mary supported him in his care until his passing at age 99. Mary has continued to be involved in all of the entertainment venues at Kirby Pines. She participates as an Ambassador for Marketing activities and performs as one of the Kirby Pines Line Dancers. She also is Director of the Rhythm Band and plays a major role in the Entertainers and Hamateur productions. Mary is frequently called on to decorate the PAC stage and areas for many events. To view Mary’s “office,” open the door by the Memorial Table and see boxes of decorations, neatly packaged and labeled.

Although Mary describes herself as a helper and behind the scenes person, in reality, she would best be described as “Our Girl Friday”. The scripture from the Holy Bible that guides Mary is Proverbs 3:5 – Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

So, if you need something done or need advice, call Mary Gul- lett. If you need assistance with your laundry or just a shoulder to cry on, call Mary Gullett. It is done with LOVE.


Learning More About Alzheimer’s

Learning more about Alzheimer's at Kirby PinesAlzheimer’s disease is a progressive, degenerative disorder that attacks the brain’s nerve cells, or neurons, resulting in loss of memory, thinking and language skills, and behavioral changes. These neurons, which produce the brain chemical, or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, break connections with other nerve cells and ultimately die. For example, short-term memory fails when Alzheimer’s disease first destroys nerve cells in the hippocampus, and language skills and judgment decline when neurons die in the cerebral cortex. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, or loss of intellectual function, among people aged 65 and older. Although every case of Alzheimer’s disease is different, experts have identified common warning signs of the brain disease. Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging, and it is important to look for signs that might indicate Alzheimer’s disease versus basic forgetfulness. With Alzheimer’s disease, these systems gradually increase and become more persistent. If someone is exhibiting these symptoms, the person should check out his or her concerns with a healthcare professional. Awareness of these warning is not a substitute for a structured screening or consultation with a primary care provider.

Learning more about Alzheimer's at Kirby PinesTypical warning signs include: Memory loss, especially of recent events, names, placement of objects, new information, confusion about time and place, and struggling to complete familiar actions, such as brushing teeth or getting dressed. Also trouble finding the appropriate words, completing sentences, and following directions and conversations are signs. There are changes in mood and personality, such as increased suspicion, rapid and persistent mood swings, withdrawal, and disinterest in usual activities.

Learning more about Alzheimer's at Kirby PinesClinicians can now diagnose Alzheimer’s disease with up to 90 percent accuracy. But it can only be confirmed by an autopsy, during which pathologists look for the disease’s characteristic plaques and tangles in brain tissue. Clinicians can diagnose “probable” Alzheimer’s disease by taking a complete medical history and conducting lab tests, a physical exam, brain scans and neuropsychological tests that gauge memory, attention, language skills and problem-solving abilities. Proper diagnosis is critical since there are dozens of other causes of memory problems. Some memory problems can be readily treated, such as those caused by vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems. Other memory problems might result from causes that are not currently reversible, such as Alzheimer’s disease. The sooner an accurate diagnosis of “probable” Alzheimer’s disease is made, the easier it is to manage symptoms and plan for the future.

Learning more about Alzheimer's at Kirby PinesAlzheimer’s disease typically progresses over two to 20 years, and individuals live on average for eight to 10 years from diagnosis. Individuals with Alzheimer’s disease are likely to develop co-existing illnesses and most commonly die from pneumonia. Alzheimer’s disease is among the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. It is estimated that as many as 5.1 million Americans may have Alzheimer’s disease. The numbers of people age 65 and older will more than double between 2010 and 2050 to 88.5 million or 20 % of the population; likewise, those 85 and older will rise three-fold, to 19 million, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

If you are experiencing forgetfulness with daily routines, please reach out to use in therapy. We have a dedicated team of Speech Therapists who specialize in this and may be able to help. Please join us Wednesday, June 18th at 1:30 pm in the PAC for our Smart Moves presentation on this subject.