time they stay with Grandpa and Grandma. Just this past summer our venture into the woods allowed them to fish in the pond and then jump in when they grew tired of catching baby catfish, build a fort with dead limbs from the trees, crawl through the cave as I did as a boy and see the unique rock formations formed by dripping water over hundreds of years, spot a copperhead sunning himself curled up next to some like-colored rocks, watch as Grandpa’s dog “Chu” chased a red fox right by them, and then stop for a time at the edge of the lake and see how many times they could get a rock to skip on the water. What great adventure!

     There are days when I miss those times as a child playing in the quiet wood, exploring nature with only my thoughts and imagination. But I know that I will always have those fond memories to comfort me each day as I grow older. Visits with several residents have revealed that my rural childhood, in some respects, was not too much different than what they experienced. Of course, in some cases they drove a horse and buggy or a model T and I drove a Ford pickup; they read, told stories or listened to the radio as a family and I read and watched TV with my family; a few raised cattle and pigs for most of their food and income and we raised them to sell for extra money and as FFA projects. But excluding the introduction of many modern conveniences over the years, it is comforting to know that my home in the 1960’s and 1970’s allowed me to enjoy nature in its most peaceful state just as they did when they were children in the late 1890’s through the 1930’s.

     Which brings me back to Saint Simeon’s. Just as my boyhood home did, Saint Simeon’s offers both adventure and peacefulness. Those who call Saint Simeon’s home catch an occasional glimpse of a deer, raccoons, rabbits or other small wildlife, and enjoy viewing the dogwoods, redbuds and other colorful trees and flowers. For employees passing through the gates each day, the wooded setting helps bring about a calming mood, letting each of us know that we are entering the homes of special people. The sight of our wildlife friends and the sound of rustling leaves on the trees are always present. Nature thrives in plain view just outside each window or patio door. As a country boy with fond childhood memories of the area I grew up in, I am thankful for the woods of Saint Simeon’s each and every day.

Families and Friends are invited to the

Family Support Group

Don’s wife Amy was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 1994. Don has experienced virtually every stage of this disease and has reached out to help others who are also dealing with a family member with Alzheimer’s. He assists with a Men’s Support Group and has served two years on the Board of the Alzheimer’s Association, Oklahoma and Western Arkansas Chapter and has spoken at Pastoral Seminars, Men’s Support Groups and Health Fairs across the state.

Come listen to someone who has been there and hear what he can share with us about his and Amy’s journey together.

Adult Day Services participants are welcome.