Aberdeen Heights
JULY 2022
Editor’s Note: In a nod to our Presbyterian heritage, we regularly feature a column from a PMMA® chaplain in our newsletter. This month’s column comes from Greg Schmidt, chaplain at Newton Presbyterian Manor®
Chaplain’s Corner By Greg Schmidt
Get out your green thumbs With the warmer weather, more of our residents are “digging” the opportunity to get down and dirty in our community gardens. In late spring, our residents got together to take advantage of the ideal weather and helped make Aberdeen Heights even more beautiful by planting flowers and vegetables in The joy of gardening. our patio area. This tradition marks the end of the winter months, and the beginning of spending more time outdoors. Gardening is a great way to stay active, and to create some good for everyone in our community. Our team is here to work with any residents who want to get their hands dirty, even when some extra help is needed. We encourage any resident with an interest in gardening to join in the fun and to enjoy the chance to grow a little love at home. u
July is here…and so is the heat! And what’s the best way to “beat the heat?” Look for a vacation spot that offers a cooler climate, right?!
Greg Schmidt
When I was a kid—and into my young adulthood—my favorite getaway trip was to church camp in the Rockies. Over the years, I progressed from camper to camp counselor to camp director, and in the latter position, I introduced the Mennonite Brethren church camp world to Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting Co.! That added a few “ice cold” stories to all the others! But what happens when you cannot “escape the heat” of life’s daily battles? How does one find ways to rest or relax in place? You may not like my answer. I believe every one of us desperately needs to allow our hearts and minds to find comfort by taking us away in our thoughts to a place where we’ve experienced the love, grace, forgiveness and peace from God and (Christian) friends
Escape the heat – continued on page 2
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Escape the heat – continued from page 1 that have always been there for us. It is never good to stay forever pinned down to our inevitable problems. We must be able to escape. Mental respite is a must! I’m simply suggesting we ask God to let our minds take us to places we otherwise cannot go. I accomplish that by beginning where Jesus did—in prayer. When we ask God to help us recall those places, people, and moments when we perceived life as less troubled, less complicated, less corrupted by pain or disease or situations that caused us fear or panic, we discover peace. Our prayer should then shift to a state of productive meditation, staying in that personal place and allowing God to “heal” my body, spirit, and soul to the degree that my burden or worry is temporarily suspended. Just as our physical body needs at least four hours of deep sleep before it can even begin to be restored and re-energized, our hearts and souls need sustained rest as well. A break from being bombarded by the challenges of everyday life, especially when those challenges include dealing with death and dying realities. “As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God.” The Psalmist is figuratively describing an internal need—a “thirsting after”—the One he believes will replenish his innermost needs. He doesn’t imagine a sip; he wants to drink deep. To do that will take time. It doesn’t happen on the fly or instantaneously.
Why would he make that request? Because life is pinning him down. He’s needy. He’s stressed out. Because the pursuit of those people and situations that set out to do harm or destroy him are bearing down on him. Because sustained rest is the only thing that will restore his life and vision. The image of a deer so at peace with her surroundings that she can stop and without fear, lower her head to the stream to take a long, needed drink, in complete peace, is inspirational to the Psalmist. So, he sets in place in a cave and meditates on what it would be like if he too, like the deer, could drink deep from the cool, refreshing resources of all that God has to offer. We desperately need rest, especially when we’re facing “life and death.” Why? So that we have the resources and strength to fight life’s battles. Each of our Manors and communities, as well as our Heart & Soul Hospices are about finding rest for our patients and their families. And we get that needed rest when we choose to live and enjoy every moment God gives us rather than giving in to the pain, frustration, and discouragement that disease and discomfort naturally bring. So, right where you are, ask God to allow your heart and mind to travel to your vacation spot, your resting place. Not only do you need it, you also deserve it! And unlike making a booking with Noah’s Ark Whitewater Rafting Co., it won’t cost you a thing! u
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Community Matters 314-909-6010 ◆ Fax: 913-599-3810 505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122-5536 AberdeenSeniorLiving.com
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022
is published monthly for residents and friends of Aberdeen Heights by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, Inc., a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
To submit or suggest articles: jwhackbarth@pmma.org Christie Wolff, executive director Tony Altobella, health care administrator
OUR MISSION: To provide quality senior services guided by Christian values.
Puzzling activity For some of our residents, there are few things more fun than hundreds, or thousands of misshapen pieces, just waiting to be assembled in the right order. Puzzles are a great way to keep active, exercise one’s mind, and to pass the time without sitting idly by. The challenge of organizing puzzle pieces is a healthy and mindful activity. According to the Baylor School of Medicine, studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can improve cognition and visual-spatial reasoning. Simply putting together puzzle pieces demands concentration and improves shortterm memory and problem solving. It can also ignite one’s
Betty has done them all!
imagination and play an important role in stimulating creativity and productivity. Some of our residents are often
Barbara spends a lot of time working on puzzles outside her door in the Health Center.
working on new puzzles, enjoying the challenge and the satisfaction that comes from putting in that final peace. u
Margaret enjoys working on the puzzles in the sitting room in our Assisted Living.
Aberdeen Heights | A PMMA COMMUNITY
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Aberdeen Heights knows how to party
Here at The Glen, you barely have to give us a reason, and we’ll throw a party to mark it. The Kentucky Derby? Check. The first day of Summer? Check. A Carnival halfway across the country? Check. Our residents love getting together, donning fun and colorful wardrobe, making a few crafts, and enjoying all the snacks and drinks that commonly mark any occasion. If it’s fun you’re looking for, look no further than Aberdeen Heights. Keep an eye for whatever adventures might be just around the corner - because we love to party, and we love any reason to have a good time. u
505 Couch Ave. Kirkwood, MO 63122
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COMMUNITY MATTERS | July 2022