November, 2023 - Baby Boomer Lola

By LPJ

I met Mary for the tenth time last Sunday, but only then did I start to know her more. Mary is not her real name. She exudes an innocence that camouflages a naivete. She speaks with a slightly furrowed brow that tells that her words flow from deep thoughts. She holds views about the world and stands by her own beliefs with a passion. Yet her world is all her own. When she comes out of her shell, she expects utopia, a place with people who are at the very least near perfect. And when they’re not, she crawls back into her shell and languishes there with no one else but a faithful and submissive dog.

I invited Mary to church and she came last Sunday wide-eyed and curious, her first in a Christian worship place. The sanctuary was livened up with eight lavishly lighted Christmas trees, and five big candles standing stalwart in the middle of a wreath with red colored ribbons on the sides. The band played with much gusto that moved the congregation to robust singing. Being the first day of Advent, the first candle of hope was lighted by a family after their testimony about their faith. The sermon was appropriate for the theme of the service — that the Word was with the beginning of the old creation and made flesh in the new creation in the person of Jesus Christ.

Mary didn’t understand that, she said.

By LPJ

I caved in to pressure from well-meaning family and friends to join an exercise class. They’ve been concerned about my lack of physical activity since I retired. Sure enough, my not driving to the office three days a week has obliterated most check points for activity. Most days find me sitting in front of my computer at home, relishing the time with crafting thoughts and ideas into essays and stories for my creative writing projects. And once engrossed, my warm chair becomes my stationary spot. When not working on the computer, sitting relaxed while listening to music is my usual diversion. My family and friends shake their heads and say – uh-uh! Stand, walk and exercise. That nag, though said lovingly, has hounded my nerves. Thus, I did something about it two days ago.

I went to the YMCA a few blocks from home. My first time there, so I was curious about that activity center for families and individuals of all ages. Entering the big lobby that looked comfortable and inviting, my initial urge was to sit on one of the thick cushioned chairs and simply look around, and watch people coming in and out. That I did. It was most interesting, and mind-opening to say the least.