Page 36 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2017 - Online Magazine

A Christmas Cookie Connection BY JANE BROMLEY

“Being a member of a different generation is like being from the enthusiastic seniors. It was an emotional ending as
from another culture.” we watched 3 young kids circle up the remaining residents
I said these words to my son-in-law a few weeks ago to sing and pray with them.
in a conversation about Christmas traditions. Some things Some of the children came from their home schools,
are important to older people that may not be a big deal and were joined by a group of 6th graders from Trinity
to younger ones (or vice versa). The “gap” between Christian School. The TCS middle schoolers represent a
generations can be like an ocean dividing two countries. company of youth who are committed to reaching out to our
We are taught that celebrating cultural diversity enriches community in a variety of ways. Several of the children’s
our lives, but we forget that we can also benefit by parents participated as well, interacting with youngsters and
embracing generational diversity. residents, and facilitating the bridging of years with their
One of the stated goals of Senior Link magazine, own stories.
according to owner Erin Agee (a GenX-er) is to “link” Calvert, Hospice of Lubbock and Senior Link want to see
generations. As a Baby Boomer, I’ve grown to appreciate this kind of event more often. The joy of discovery happens
this young visionary with four little girls whose generation when we begin to appreciate what another person has to
has not yet been labeled. She makes sure that each issue teach us, whether they are from another culture or another
seeks to highlight the lives of men and women whose age group.
stories can inspire and influence all of us, no matter how
old we are.
Intentionally connecting people regardless of their age
is a goal shared by others as well. Calvert Home Health
Care and Hospice of Lubbock also value the stories of
Lubbock area seniors, and wants to ensure that younger
West Texans have the chance to appreciate them, too.
Lubbock has a wealth of interesting and inspirational life
stories waiting to be told by members of The Greatest
Generation, and it is important for us to hear them.
That is the main reason Calvert Home Health Care and
Hospice of Lubbock, partnered with Senior Link to throw
a particular kind of get-together at LakeRidge Assisted
Living in December. The idea was to have children interact
with residents for the purpose of developing relationships.
The staff of Calvert and Hospice of Lubbock launched the
plan with a unique Christmas party. No performances or
entertainment were planned in order to keep the young
and old face-to-face.
The smiles on the faces of preschoolers, middle schoolers,
teenagers, and seniors looked downright similar when they
learned they’d be decorating cookies. Initial awkwardness
was dispelled as soon as the cookies and sprinkles were
distributed. Ice was broken with icing, and stories began
to flow. Jokes were told and selfies were taken. Thoughtful
discussions sometimes gave way to gales of laughter. The
abundance of brightly colored finished products seemed
a fitting backdrop for the liberal spreading of good cheer.
The smiles and respectful behavior from the children were
rewarded with grins and hugs and lively conversation

36 Lubbock Senior Link