Page 77 - Senior Link Magazine Summer 2023 - Online Magazine

FAMILY FOCUS

for those she left behind. Jody believed firmly that year age difference separated the two of us, but it
the vision of Lubbock Senior Link, to bridge age was seldom an issue, and it was rarely discussed.
differentials across generations, was critical to change However, it was noticed and commented on by
in our communities and would pave the way to a others. I realize now that the age difference naturally
brighter tomorrow. That is legacy. bent our relationship in a way that allowed us to
be more generous and forgiving with each other; it
Jody once heard a teaching from author Jack Frost in eliminated petty jealousies and competition and, as a
which he described storge (STOR-ghay) love (Greek result, we found so much in common. We challenged
for familial love) using the example of storks. Out of each other to grow by sharing our daily life, and we
all the creatures in the animal kingdom, storks are found a human connection with each other that was
the most loving and tender. Mother and father storks different from what we had with our same-age peers.
mate for life and together care for their babies. As Our friendship was a beautiful exchange of love and
they age, adult storks care for one another and meet kindness, and it was reciprocal. It was in the “storge
each other’s needs throughout their life span. When love,” the love found in our generational differences,
a stork becomes older and has difficulty keeping up where we found a way to respect each other.
with others in migration patterns, it is not uncommon
for a younger stork to come alongside the older stork So, in honor of Jody, I encourage you to reach across
and allow it to rest its wings on the younger stork the generational divide to find a way to bring honor
in flight. These older and younger storks constantly and hope. You may find a new end to your story. You
touch, nurture, and protect one another. No wonder may find yourself living a new legacy, and perhaps
the Greeks used storge love to describe familial love. your story will have the happy ending that Jody’s did.

I know this firsthand because Jody was my dearest
friend for more than 25 years. A more-than-thirty-

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Lubbock Senior Link 77