Jacki walked the annual Wilbur Wild Goose Chase for many years and as one of the oldest participants, she requested a new age category be started for those who were over 80 years young!  

TWAS A MAN NAMED HOLY

by Mike Cooper ~ December 2, 1977

He rode into town back in '64

Some say he bit off more than he was lookin' for.

But he wouldn't stay down, he said "I'm too strong willed,

I come to your town and I'm gonna build."

And build he did, A District proud

That sang its praises long and loud,

And told the world of deeds we'd done,

He made us proud of District One.

Oh he had his moods that made us wonder,

One day shine, next day thunder,

But he always came back and held out his hand,

Said, "Forgive me friend...I'm just a man."

Then one day, the news came down,

That he was leavin' our little town.

"I'm headin' out", he said with pride,

"To set up camp on the eastern side."

Now, those folks will get to see,

Him working, shaping, his destiny.

Yes, he'll take that town....and he won't use guns.

So, look out Wilbur... here he comes!

The Healing Power of Compassion

It was almost Christmastime again, but this year, life seemed completely different. My Dad had suffered a recent stroke, along with an ongoing battle with prostate cancer. My parent’s whole world had changed. At the age of 86, they closed up their home of 37 years in a small farming community, and transitioned into assisted living, 100 miles away.  Far from most of their family and friends and adjusting to new surroundings became a true test of their faith.  I talked to them every day on the phone and made two trips to visit from California.  Each visit brought more awareness of the many challenges seniors face. My heart was stirred with compassion as I viewed some residents who seemed so lost and lonely. I watched their faces as they slowly wandered the hallways in wheelchairs or on walkers to their meals and back. I felt their loss as I listened to their stories and memories of their lives past. Good or bad, those times were gone now and had disappeared so quickly. Every smile and hug was cherished as possibly their most important moment of the day.  At the end of each visit, getting on my knees to hug Dad in his wheelchair and seeing his tears fall, required everything in me to stay strong. The times I had to let go of his hand to leave were some of the most difficult moments in my life.

Christmas was fast approaching and there was no question as to where I wanted to be and my greatest wish. I wanted to make Christmas special for my parents, remembering how they had worked so hard to create beautiful Christmas memories for me growing up.  I prayed, “Lord, please show me how to make this Christmas special for Dad and Mom, in your perfect way. Show me how to bring them comfort and joy in the midst of their trials, and for us all to find that true meaning of Christmas in our hearts.” 

Almost immediately, God’s answer filled my mind. The greatest gift for my parents was not in what I could give or do for them, but in what they could give and do for others. Together, we focused on a plan and set out on a mission of love. We found out what residents would be alone on Christmas and decided we would let them know that God loved them and others cared for them. There was such joy in the process of planning our surprise. Mom shopped for gifts, Dad filled candy bags, and I designed decorations. Late Christmas Eve, we walked the quiet hallways and carefully set up the array of sparkling goodies at each door. In front sat a framed poem, with words the Lord had written upon my heart for this very special night.

On Christmas morning, doors were opened to unexpected love, with a sweet memory to hold for many days to come. Knowing someone cares.

A deep joy and peace filled each of us, regardless of circumstances, health, or being 100 miles from home.  We found the true meaning of Christmas in sharing God’s love. It was the most special Christmas ever, in God’s perfect way, with the healing power of compassion truly being one of God’s greatest gifts.

© 2015 Melissa Holy. All Rights Reserved