ORIENTATION at CALIFORNIA VETERANS HOME.

VETS HOME ORIENTATION.
I have been a resident here six weeks now. I have completed my Orientation already, even though I was told that it could take two to three months. During one of my early sessions, I met Jim Scheers. He has been here a couple of weeks longer. I am glad that our paths crossed. He is very friendly and outgoing. We have something in common! We are nonagenarians. Jim is 95, and I am trailing him by three years.
During our conversations, I learned that he was an author. He has written 25 books - some in collaboration with other authors. His writing career spans about 50 years, and he is currently writing another book! I mentioned Jim to our daughter, Joan. She was familiar with his books, and said that she has two of them.
This morning we ate breakfast together. He happened to mention that if he were eating alone, he would be “writing” in his head. I asked him if he would remember it, and he said “yes”. He would transcribe his thoughts after he got back to his room.
Jim has an interesting philosophy of life. He told me about a guy, after learning that Jim was 95, asked him if he enjoyed being 95 Jim said, “Oh yes”. The guy said, “but you are closer to dying!” Jim replied, “Everyone is going to die, and I am ready. The guy asked “why?” Jim said “Because I am planning on going to heaven. I have led a good life, geared towards this goal. Jim’s mantra is John 3:3. While I consider myself being spiritual, I was not sure of John3:3, so I Googled it, with the following results:
John 3:3 (King James version.) “Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily. verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
The the new International version, is similar. “Jesus replied, Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”
Footnote:
The Greek for “again” also means “from above”.
Jim’s faith is very interesting and convincing. 12/27/10.

P.S. Mary and Greg invited me over for lunch on Sunday - the day after Christmas. Mary read the quote on the label of her Honest Ade drink. "Do not regret growing old. It is a privilege denied to many." - Author Unknown.
I think it fits in perfectly here!
RCL 12/28/10.






RCL - 12/27/10.






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