I am now, probably for the first time in my life,
the person I have always wanted to be.
Oh, not my body!
I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the
baggy eyes, and the sagging butt.
And often I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!),
but I don't agonize over those things for long.
I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself.
I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that
silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so
avante garde on my patio.
I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon;
before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.
Whose business is it if I choose to read or play
on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful
tunes of the 40&50's, and if I, at the same time,
wish to weep over a lost love ... I will.
I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is
stretched over a bulging body,
and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set ...
They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful.
But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.
Sure, over the years my heart has been broken.
How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one,
or when a child suffers,
or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car?
But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.
A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.
I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have
my hair turning gray,
and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.
As you get older, it is easier to be positive.
You care less about what other people think.
I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.
So, to answer your question, I like being old.
It has set me free.
I like the person I have become.
I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here,
I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or
worrying about what will be.
And I shall eat dessert every single day.
(If I feel like it)
Music
At Father's Heart, we are a 'family'! We have our meals together. We celebrate 'each' birthday with a 'bithday party'! We also do other selected activities thoughout the year. We try to keep them laughing alot! The Word says that 'Laughter is like medicine!' Maybe that is why ages range from 69 - 103! Below is a slide show of 'The Girls! Just Having Fun!'
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Father's Heart Ministries opened in 1993. In that time God has brought many people into our lives! We are so thankful for the opprotunity He has given us to love these wonderful ladies & their families. WE truly are family! Below are some of the ladies and friends they have made, us, and some of our family with the ladies. We have 3 wonderful children, who have given us 7 beautiful grandchildren. These children are growing up with these ladies and LOVE them and help bring joy to their lives also. Please enjoy our slideshow we call . . . "BEST OF FRIENDS!"
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Fall is upon us and we here at Father's Heart have been into the 'Autumn Spirit'!
One afternoon we gathered around the dining room and made 'caramel apples'! And of course then ate them! Many of the ladies had never made them and thought it was alot of fun!
Every year we make 'Treat Bags' for children and send them to a local church! This year we sent them to the 'United Methodist Church' in Johnston City! The ladies enjoy this project and love the leftover candy!
We painted 'fall pumpkins' one afternoon!
We baked cupcakes and the ladies had fun icing and and then decorating them for fall!
We have a few more fall activities planned! But are also in the process of beginning to decorate the home for Christmas!
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
WooHoo! We do love spring. Everything except for the spring storms! We have our bird feeders out and are already beginning to get some new birde in that haven't visited us before! We love watching the birds! And have several squirrels we are feeding this year. We have our spring flowers out and they are doing good. We are hoping to have a slide show soon of some of our birds and our outside! So check back soon!
About me: "Father's Heart Ministries" is a 'Room & Care' for the Elderly who desire support, encouragement, security and companionship.
"Father's Heart Ministries" a family oriented home.
We provide afforable, comfortable, furnished rooms (private & semi-private), three home cooked meals a day in a family setting, snacks, housekeeping, laundry services,library, church services, weekly bible study and many other selected activities at no extra cost. We also provide temporary respite care.
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Owners are Kevin and Lori (Wilburn) Gooch. "Our desire for this home is to provide the elderly love, joy and a feeling of self worth. Many feel they have nothing to live for; but we want them to know they do. They have a lifetime and wealth of wisdom and knowledge to share with those they come in contact with. We desire to see them live out the remainder of their lives with the dignity, love and joy they deserve!
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~ Messages From Former Families Of Father's Heart ~
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"Words alone cannot express our gratitude for all the compassionate care and deep love and affection you both showed in caring for mother. I know you feel the loss as profoundly as if she were your own mother and I will always cherish your special friendship." ~N.L.
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"Thank you so very much for all the ( 7 ) years of wonderful love and care you gave our aunt. Your home is a wonderful place to be. You two are very special loving people. It has been a real pleasure knowing you both!"
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"You have no idea hoe good it makes me feel to hear mom say 'Loretta, they take really good care of me and the food is good!" ~L.S.
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"Thanks so very much for the loving care you provided mom over the years. Mom truly considered your home, 'her home'. Thanks for everything!"
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"We know that you are truely called of God to do this work. Our Lord's presence is always evident in your home. May God cntinue to bless His ministry in your lives." ~D.G & J.J.
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If this sounds like something you might be interested in for your loved one, please feel free to contact us @ 618.983.8642
Who I'd like to meet: Thanks so much for stopping by OurSpace! Please tell your family and friends about us and have them to check us out! Blessings to you & your family! ~ Kevin & Lori
Happy Birthday!! Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:26-27 Then make my joy complete by being likeminded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:2-5 May you have a blessed birthday!!
So glad to have you as a friend! I pray my music blesses you. Please stop by my page and sign my guestbook. Feel free to visit often and keep in touch!
In His praise, Yvonne
"Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to God while I have my being." Psalm 146: 1-2
Loved looking at all the slide shows of the ladies! Your new sign looks great too...You guys are a real blessing to these ladies and I remember when you got your home to do this in...you were so excited about it and the new ministry you were about to undertake...because of the vision you and Kevin had...God has really blessed you all the way! I am so proud for you guys to see where you started with this and where it is today!!!....catch ya later..Jan
