Songwriter Harkins Frye wrote a song in the 1920s called “Time Has Made a Change in Me.” Growing up in the footprint of Appalachia, I would often hear my great-grandfather (and later, my grandfather) sing the tune in our local church. It is a song of remembrance that recognizes the change and memories that life brings. As a child, I enjoyed watching and hearing them sing in a sorrowful, Appalachian style. Its rhythm and style resonated deep inside me that I should pay attention to what was being said and the emotion they were singing with.
My great-grandfather, Henry “Hut” Popplewell, was a Separate Baptist preacher. He had farmed his whole life and raised seven children. How well I remember sitting on his front porch swing with him listening to his stories of church, life, ministry, and the many experiences he had lived through.
My favorite time of the year was always Christmas. The local church Christmas play, making fruit baskets for shut-ins, and the family getting together to enjoy each other. One of those gatherings was in the old farmhouse my great-grandparents lived in. All seven children came together with their children and grandchildren. We often spilled out into one of grandpa’s little buildings where the men would start a fire in the wood stove and have a retreat from the crowding in the main house. As we all grew up, and the younger generations (including me) married and became busy raising our own families, those gatherings began to shrink. Memories are to be cherished throughout the rest of our lives.
I’ve lived long enough now to understand the words to that favorite old song of my past generations. Time has certainly made a change. Reaching middle age and understanding the days that are ahead, I’m very aware of how life changes us. Things are not what they used to be. In my work with seniors, I often hear the excitement in their voices when their children and grandchildren come to see them. I hear the loneliness, and sometimes sorrow, in their voices when the family isn’t close enough to visit.
Recently, a senior shared with me that she was about to spend a few days with her son. She was excited to see the grandchildren, but she could not wait to wrap her arms around her son. As my own children are becoming adults, I can understand the feeling. As we approach the holidays, my wish is to just spend time with them, knowing a day may come when they aren’t close enough to do so.
At the Senior Community Center, we understand that many seniors do not have family close by. They may not get to have the family dinners we enjoy. Each year, though exhausted after our large holiday events, I cherish the memories created by friends who have become a support and family for each other. I appreciate the kindness of our community as businesses, organizations, and individuals reach out to us to offer gifts and support for seniors who cannot get out to the senior center or our satellite locations.
If you have something to offer through our organization, we’d be happy to help. Let me encourage you to be aware of those seniors living among us, our neighbors and friends, who may need some extra encouragement during the holidays. Perhaps you could adopt a senior, work with an organization doing something special, or just show some kindness to a neighbor who is a senior. It’s always nice to be remembered, especially during a time when many are alone.
As a nonprofit, we rely heavily on donations. If you would like to donate toward the new facility or a general donation for our operations, you can do so in person or by mail to our office at 1650 West 2nd Street Owensboro, KY 42301. Donations can also be made on our website at seniorcenterodc.com. As always, if you are at least 60 years of age, we would love to have you as a member! Membership is free and simple! OL
