I am not sure why I am so taken by Jack. Maybe it is because he is Welsh and still has an accent. Maybe it is because he is charming, kind, and funny. Who knows which one it is, but I love him and I think most people who meet him do too.
I met Jack about 4 years ago when I was working up in the senior center. It was the Friday afternoon of the NSO luncheon. On those days, the senior center is quiet while everyone is out eating and having fun. I typically would clean out cabinets, do some computer work and be there for the very few who ventered up to the center. The best days were when people called to make sure you knew about something that was happening in the city, or just to talk. My boss, whom I miss working with, used to crack up at the things people wanted to tell us. If they called to complain we used to just say it was the other persons fault since they were not there. It was easier that way, they would usually forget after they had someone to blame. People would call who were grumpy, happy, or even a little crazy. One of my personal favorites, who I will call Annie for now, would come upstairs, sit right down and the desk and look at you. She would REALLY look at you, right in the eyes and see your soul. She would always say she knew what I was thinking and I really do believe that she could. I loved seeing her and her little notebook that she carried. She wrote everything down to make sure she did not forget anything or anyone.
On one of these quiet Fridays I met Jack. He was not so sure why he was even up there except he knew he had to get out of the house and do something with himself. He struck me first of all because he is tall and you even at this age, you knew he was something of a looker back in the day. He sat down and we just began to talk. He told me how he had been widowed for 10 years. He was depressed. He was not sure why he got up everyday. When he spoke of his wife, he would tear up and then I would cry for him. His love of his wife was beautiful. I got him to sign-up for the next luncheon and he also signed-up for a gambling trip. This was a big step at the time for him. I took it a step further. I told him about yoga. He was so interested right away. On Monday morning he was there in class. Since that day I think I can count 5 times he has not been in class. No matter the weather, how he feels, or anything, he is there. This may be because he is a retired mailman. Whatever it is, I have learned from him to get up and get out of bed, no matter what and stop feeling sorry for yourself.
I have tried to quit the rec center so many times, but for one reason or another, I just can't. I feel such love and gratitude for the people who have stayed with me through the years. In the seniors class, we have lost some people we love, we have gained some new friends. Teaching this group of people is such a priviledge. I learn something everyday about myself, life, friendships, family, and even how to just listen. That is what most people want, just to be heard.
I have also learned that the Yoga is not just about the body. It goes so much deeper for the seniors. They cannot do handstands or bind there arms in twists anymore, but that doesn't matter. They are there for the feeling they get when the breath in fully with awareness in parts of there bodies they have almost forgotten about. They are there for the community, the socializing, the ability to speak freely to other like minded people.
Until next year Jack......
I met Jack about 4 years ago when I was working up in the senior center. It was the Friday afternoon of the NSO luncheon. On those days, the senior center is quiet while everyone is out eating and having fun. I typically would clean out cabinets, do some computer work and be there for the very few who ventered up to the center. The best days were when people called to make sure you knew about something that was happening in the city, or just to talk. My boss, whom I miss working with, used to crack up at the things people wanted to tell us. If they called to complain we used to just say it was the other persons fault since they were not there. It was easier that way, they would usually forget after they had someone to blame. People would call who were grumpy, happy, or even a little crazy. One of my personal favorites, who I will call Annie for now, would come upstairs, sit right down and the desk and look at you. She would REALLY look at you, right in the eyes and see your soul. She would always say she knew what I was thinking and I really do believe that she could. I loved seeing her and her little notebook that she carried. She wrote everything down to make sure she did not forget anything or anyone.
On one of these quiet Fridays I met Jack. He was not so sure why he was even up there except he knew he had to get out of the house and do something with himself. He struck me first of all because he is tall and you even at this age, you knew he was something of a looker back in the day. He sat down and we just began to talk. He told me how he had been widowed for 10 years. He was depressed. He was not sure why he got up everyday. When he spoke of his wife, he would tear up and then I would cry for him. His love of his wife was beautiful. I got him to sign-up for the next luncheon and he also signed-up for a gambling trip. This was a big step at the time for him. I took it a step further. I told him about yoga. He was so interested right away. On Monday morning he was there in class. Since that day I think I can count 5 times he has not been in class. No matter the weather, how he feels, or anything, he is there. This may be because he is a retired mailman. Whatever it is, I have learned from him to get up and get out of bed, no matter what and stop feeling sorry for yourself.
I have tried to quit the rec center so many times, but for one reason or another, I just can't. I feel such love and gratitude for the people who have stayed with me through the years. In the seniors class, we have lost some people we love, we have gained some new friends. Teaching this group of people is such a priviledge. I learn something everyday about myself, life, friendships, family, and even how to just listen. That is what most people want, just to be heard.
I have also learned that the Yoga is not just about the body. It goes so much deeper for the seniors. They cannot do handstands or bind there arms in twists anymore, but that doesn't matter. They are there for the feeling they get when the breath in fully with awareness in parts of there bodies they have almost forgotten about. They are there for the community, the socializing, the ability to speak freely to other like minded people.
Until next year Jack......
Hi Angie! I hope Jack had a great birthday! My name is Heather and I have a quick question about your blog that I was hoping you could answer! My email is Lifesabanquet1(at)gmail.com :-)
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