I think we've all heard the reports that this winter could be a real monster with snowstorms and record cold temperatures. Of course, you know how that goes - if we get prepared, nothing will happen, and if we don't, then it will!

And even though the thought of frozen pipes, power outages and driving on ice can be worrisome, there's something worse than those things - - facing them alone.

For almost a year, I've interviewed some of the fascinating seniors around the area. My goal was to not only enlighten you about some remarkable people in your midst, but also to create a little interest in them, as well.

However, there are still many seniors who spend much of their time alone. Not every senior is blessed with a living spouse or children who visit and bring the grandkids. The truth of the matter is that many of the builders of our community, soldiers who fought in past wars and the backbone of America are forgotten - even by their own families.

Some of you are already taking care of your parents, but what about those of you who no longer have your senior parents in your lives, either because of death or distance? Is there room in your heart or home?

And this isn't a matter of a charity invitation, because the seniors have as much to offer as you have to give. The point is that you don't just stumble on over to the local nursing home or assisted living building and "rent a senior." It takes a few visits to build some sort of rapport - and that's why I'm saying something, now.

Christmas is just a couple months away and Thanksgiving is even closer.
I talked with Lisa Meinecke, director of Resident Services at Wesley Homes and she shared her observations. "Even if you just want to come, bring your kids and have a holiday meal with the seniors, you're a hero. They yearn for touch, to be looked in the eye and to have someone want to hear their story."

I asked about a safety concerns and she stated, "So that we're sure that our seniors are in safe hands, we ask you to fill out a one page volunteer form. In just a week, we complete a background check and you're good to go." If you'd like more information, you can contact Lisa at 206-870-8555.

Most of us, if we're under the age of 70, have no clue as to what it feels like to be older and alone. Most seniors have used up their mental, physical and financial resources to help raise their own family and to contribute to society. To some, they're no longer considered a valuable commodity - they're "over-the-hill" or "has-beens".

In some cases, a family will open up their wallet just wide enough to appease their guilt by having them taken care of by someone else.

I'm sorry if I sound bitter, but after being a volunteer reader for several nursing homes, I've seen my share of slumped-over, frail bodies, which are parked down the hallways of nursing wards. Some get visitors and some don't. Those who don't - sit and wait for someone - anyone to come. Waiting is the hobby that passes the time of their final years.

What can we do? We can call the local nursing homes, assisted living centers and senior communities and ask if they know of someone, whose alone, who might be willing to come and bless our home for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas.

It's time that we teach our children to respect life, right up until the end and give our youth the opportunity to hear the stories of how our nation was built with the bare hands and true grit of a generation that will too soon be gone from our midst.

We live in a fast-paced culture that whips past the more genteel and charming moments in life. It's commonplace to look back and wonder what we missed or morn a lost opportunity or wonder, "what if?"

Perhaps it's an elderly gentleman down the block, or a widow that lives right next door. May I suggest that you take a second look and imagine them with dancing eyes and a bright smile as you make them a part of your holiday celebrations? It costs almost nothing and takes such a wee bit of time, yet could bring so much joy to them and everyone in your family.