UPS & DOWNS , November-December 1998

 

A VISIT WITH NICOLE

 

Sometimes there are a few minutes when a volunteer and a resident have a chance to talk alone and without interruption.  Those are often moments when we get to know each other better, as when we have an errand to run or must wait our turn in a hospital emergency room.  Last week Nicole gave me permission to share with our readers some time we spent talking at the House.

 

We talked of this season=s holidays, Thanksgiving and Christmas, as I made notes of Nicole=s thoughts: I think I like best  being with family.  I don=t see them often because they  live in New Jersey.  We used to go to my grandmother=s in New Jersey for Christmas where all the grown-ups ate at the table in the kitchen, and we kids ate on trays in the living room.  I like helping to cook, and eating it, too -- sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie.  And at Christmas, the presents, of course.

 

Last month two residents shared how they managed some time alone at our bulging Wayfarers= House.  Nicole shared how she does that: I take Jordan (her toddler) to the park.  Do you know he thought the word Apark@ meant the playground equipment there?  We can be in the park , and he will ask to go to the park, meaning the swings and slide and things.

 

When Jordan=s asleep, I read, do homework, write poems, things I enjoy.  What do I like to read? Biographies, children=s stories.  Yes, I read to Jordan; he loves Dr. Seuss books, especially the pictures and the rhymes.

 

The homework?  It=s for my G.E.D. classes (Graduate Equivalency Diploma).  I don=t have to take the classes; I could just take the exam, but I think I will learn more if I take the classes because I have been out of school for a year and a half.  I take the test in January.  We are going to have a graduation and everything.  I=m looking forward to that.  I really missed being able to graduate with my high school class.  I tried to continue school after Jordan was born, but I just couldn=t manage it.

 

Yes, I did like school.  I was on the honor roll.  Oh, yes, I do want to go on after the G.E.D.  I plan to study accounting. My program will be state-funded.  (Best of good wishes in pursuing your goals, Nicole. U&D).

 

WAYFARERS= HOUSE NEWS

 

Update on Four Classes 

by Sharon Gatelein-Parker

 

Art class is held every Wednesday from 10 a.m. to noon.  Leona Papagno is the instructor.  All the art work displayed on the first floor of the house was done by residents who attended the class over the years.  The frames were bought by Leona or recovered from donations.  The class is fun and very therapeutic.  Just last Monday after dinner, I was sitting on the porch with another resident, and I remarked that I wished it were Wednesday because if it were I would have had Art Class and would be in a happier mood.

Computer Class is held on Thursdays at 2 p.m. with Instructor Erin Youngman.  For all of those who have attended in the past, and current students as well, it has been very informative and has made those who are ill-at-ease with computers more comfortable.

Bible Study is held Thursday evening at 7:30 with Instructor Schaunel Steinnagel.  The book of Revelation is the subject of study.  The women who attend say they enjoy the class immensely.

 Parenting Group is held every Wednesday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Mary Jo Williams and Esther Smith, co-facilitators.  Nicole, one of the participants, reports that she finds the class productive and has learned a lot.  The little gifts at the end make it fun.  She will receive her Level I certificate soon, and Stephanie soon thereafter.  Mandy, age 13, is also attending the group for a certificate in child care as special training for baby-sitting.

 

OUR THANKS to Bud Harter, an employee at Acme Market in Elkton, for his generous donations from the Bakery Department.  Lord knows, we need our dispositions sweetened from time to time.  S.G.-P.

 

UPS & DOWNS WISHES EVERYONE AT MEETING GROUND THE BLESSINGS OF A HAPPY HOLIDAY!

 

Welcome to new residents Jessie and Cathy.  Farewell and good wishes to Alisha, Carmen, Sandy, Hannah, Jean, Heather and Nina, and Mary.

 

All donations are greatly appreciated and are tax-deductible.  Tax receipts are available in the office or by calling 410-398-4381.  Current wish list is: office supplies, especially copier paper; cleaning supplies, mops, laundry supplies, baby diapers, diaper wipes, paper products: towels, napkins, toilet tissue, hygiene items.

 

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Depression: when it=s more than the holiday blues

 

(The following summary is excerpted from an Ups & Downs , Nov., 1997, article by Sharon Gatelein-Parker)

A brief depression may afflict many of us during this season of the year.  It may occur due to the absence of family or friends (caused by) death, sickness or separation by distance.  It may be brought on by ... physical exhaustion, ... from Christmas shopping ... (negative feelings about) commercialism, ... ill-mannered people, ... the after holiday letdown ...@  There are times, though, when professional treatment is indicated and you should consider a consultation with a mental health professional: if depression lasts more than four weeks; hopelessness, thoughts of suicide; interference with daily functioning, loss of pleasure, uncontrolled aggressive outbursts, abuse of alcohol or other drugs, changes in appetite, sleep patters, fatigue, inability to concentrate.

 

Take care of yourself this holiday!  U&D